Photo Location · Historic District
Aviles Street, St. Augustine
Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to the oldest street in America
About Aviles Street
Aviles Street holds the distinction of being the oldest street in continuous use in the United States. Archaeological excavations have unearthed 16th-century pottery shards beneath its surface, confirming that this narrow thoroughfare has served St. Augustine residents since the city's founding in 1565. When Spanish settlers laid out the original town, they followed traditional 16th-century civic design—a large municipal plaza surrounded by important buildings, with narrow streets radiating outward. Aviles Street was part of that original grid.
Originally known as Hospital Street, Aviles was home to the second Spanish Military Hospital (now a museum), an early church, cemetery, boarding homes, and schools. The street's intimate scale and European character reflect its Spanish colonial origins—a world apart from the wider, more modern American streets built in later centuries.
In the 1930s, Aviles 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 establishing a creative community that thrives to this day. The street remains the heart of St. Augustine's art scene, lined with galleries showcasing everything from traditional Florida landscapes to contemporary sculptures and glass art.
Notable galleries include D.R. Abbott Gallery at 11A Aviles (rare antiques and award-winning artists), Acacia Tree Gallery at 11C Aviles (13 local and regional artists), and Plum Contemporary Gallery at 10 Aviles (30+ artists working in painting, sculpture, and glass). Many galleries host special exhibitions throughout the year, and First Friday Art Walk brings the street to life on the first Friday of every month from 5-9pm.
For portrait and engagement sessions, Aviles Street offers something rare in St. Augustine: historic charm without the heavy foot traffic of St. George Street. The narrow street creates intimate compositions with stucco walls, colorful galleries, and details at every turn. Tucked-away courtyards and side alleys offer private spots with bougainvillea, old brick, and dappled shade.
The street's east-west orientation and tall buildings create soft, even light throughout most of the day—a blessing for photographers dealing with Florida's harsh midday sun. The street is quiet before the galleries open (around 9-10 AM), and late-afternoon sun warms the stucco facades. Evening sessions during First Friday Art Walk capture a festive, romantic atmosphere as galleries light up and crowds gather.
As we photograph couples here, we always mention that they're standing on the oldest street in America—a meaningful detail that adds historical weight to their portraits and gives them a story to tell about their St. Augustine photos.
Aviles Street is one stop on our broader St. Augustine photo locations guide, and it's a natural pairing with the rest of the downtown historic district. The Ximenez-Fatio House—right on Aviles Street—is a natural pairing too, with couples stepping outside to use this exact street for portraits.
Best Photo Spots on Aviles Street
The Narrow Streetscape
Aviles Street is narrow and intimate, lined with historic buildings, art galleries, and restaurants. The close quarters create a cozy, European feel that's perfect for couples portraits. The cobblestone section near the north end adds texture and authenticity to photos.
Gallery Row
The art galleries along Aviles Street feature colorful facades, interesting doorways, and window displays that change regularly. Look for the bright yellow and blue storefronts that provide vibrant backdrops without being overwhelming.
Restaurant Patios & Inn Facades
The Aviles Street Restaurant has a charming outdoor seating area with string lights and rustic wooden tables. The Spanish Colonial Inn nearby features beautiful wrought iron balconies and weathered stucco walls perfect for romantic portraits.
Side Alleys & Courtyards
Several small alleyways and hidden courtyards branch off Aviles Street. These tucked-away spots offer privacy and unique backdrops with bougainvillea, old brick walls, and vintage shutters.
Connection to Plaza Area
The intersection where Aviles meets the pedestrian plaza offers wider compositions while maintaining the historic charm. You can capture the street perspective without the crowded feel of St. George Street.
Colonial Architecture Details
Many buildings along Aviles Street feature original coquina stone foundations and tabby construction from the Spanish colonial period. These textured walls photograph beautifully and provide authentic historical context.
Is There a Best Time to Photograph Aviles Street?
Aviles Street works at any hour and in any season, and we plan your session around your date and the gallery hours.
- Morning
- Before the galleries open (around 9-10 AM), Aviles Street is quiet and empty. The narrow street means buildings provide shade, so lighting is soft and even.
- Sun and Clouds
- On sunny afternoons the narrow street makes crisp shadows, and on overcast days it turns into a natural soft box with diffused light all day long.
- Late Afternoon
- Late-afternoon light warms the stucco walls and brick facades. The low sun angle can slide down the street for rim lighting.
- Evening
- As galleries light up and restaurant patios glow, Aviles Street takes on a romantic ambiance. Twilight portraits pick up that ambient glow.
Photographer Tips on Aviles Street
- Permits
- Aviles Street is a public city street, so a small portrait or engagement session usually doesn't need a permit—it's the same as anyone walking and taking photos. The City of St. Augustine's film/video/photography permit is aimed at larger commercial productions, anything that closes a street or blocks parking, or sessions that need traffic control, and it requires a $1 million liability insurance certificate. If your session ever grows into a bigger production, we'll sort that out ahead of time; for a normal couples or family session we just stay courteous and out of everyone's way.
- Foot Traffic
- Aviles Street is much quieter than St. George Street, though weekends and holidays still bring visitors. We plan around the crowds, and before 9 AM on a weekday, while the galleries are closed, the street is empty.
- Respect Local Businesses
- Don't block gallery entrances or restaurant patios. The business owners are generally friendly if you're courteous and quick. Ask permission if you want to use restaurant seating areas as props.
- Parking
- No parking on Aviles Street itself. The closest parking garage is on Cordova Street (about 2 blocks), or look for metered street parking on surrounding streets. Factor in a short walk with your equipment.
- Combine with Downtown
- Aviles Street is a short walk from the Plaza, Cathedral Basilica, and Lightner Museum. It works well as part of a downtown walking session hitting multiple locations within a few blocks.
- Historical Significance
- Point out to couples that they're standing on the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement street in America—founded in 1565. That's a meaningful detail for their photos and story.
- Wind Considerations
- The narrow street creates natural wind tunnels, which can be both good and bad for hair and flowing dresses. Bring clips and be ready to work with or against the breeze depending on your vision.
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