About The Oldest Street In America
eA street is defined as a public road in a city or town, typically with houses and buildings on one or both sides; public roads that have buildings on both sides. A street is a road, not all roads are streets.
Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States confirmed by archaeologists who uncovered pottery shards dating back to the early 1600s beneath its layered brick paving. And its history goes back even further than that. It appears on archival maps dating from as far back as the early 1570s.
Visit St Augustine recognizes it as the nation's oldest street. Historic Tours of America describes it as the oldest street in the United States. St. Augustine Attractions Association acknowledges that the street dates back to the 1500s. The St. Johns Cultural Council Identifies it as the oldest street in North America dating back to the 1500s.
Established during the Spanish colonial era, Aviles Street served as a central hub for commerce, social gatherings, and daily life in the growing settlement of St. Augustine. The street's position near the water made it an ideal location for early settlers who depended on the nearby bay for trade and transportation.
Dating back to the 16th century, Aviles was known as "Hospital Street" because it was the location of the second Spanish Military Hospital. It was also the location of an early church, cemetery, boarding homes, and schools.
One fun fact worth knowing before you visit: the streets are paved with bricks, not cobblestones. Cobblestones are rounded natural stones, while bricks are rectangular and manmade. When the old bricks get too uneven, the city carefully removes each one, cleans it up, and replaces the very same brick back in the road.
In the 1930s, the street transformed into St. Augustine's first artist district. The shift began when the Hamblin Hardware warehouse at 11 Aviles Street was converted into studio and gallery spaces, attracting local artists and fostering a creative community. This transformation established Aviles Street as a center for artistic expression that remains vibrant today.
Today it is a thriving arts district with several galleries featuring all styles of art, jewelry, handmade leather goods, boutiques, and antique shops. Sidewalks are lined with outdoor seating for independently owned restaurants and cafes.
The street also contains some of the city's oldest buildings, including the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. Aviles Street plays a central role in the First Friday Art Walk, when art galleries open their doors after hours and visitors are invited to stroll, sip, and explore.
Today, it remains a key part of Plymouth's historical heritage, often visited by tourists and history enthusiasts who want to learn more about the early colonial period and the lives of the Pilgrims. The street reflects the early American spirit of perseverance and community, serving as a reminder of the nation's beginnings and the challenges faced by its early settlers.
A wooden gateway arch at the corner of King Street marks the entrance to the historic street. Although not restricted to motor vehicles, it is pedestrian-friendly. Its old-world aesthetics make it a favorite stop for visitors — artistic and full of personality, Aviles is perfect for those who like to slow down and explore.
It's truly one of those rare places where you can feel several centuries of history underfoot while also enjoying a glass of wine or browsing contemporary art. A must if you're in St. Augustine.