St. Augustine, Florida: Home of the ‘Oldest City in the US’

As the oldest continuously occupied city in the US, St. Augustine, Florida has a long and rich history that dates all the way back to 1565, when it was established by Spanish explorers and missionaries. From its many centuries of fascinating history to its stunning old-world architecture, and from its beautiful beaches to its vibrant culture and plethora of outdoor and recreational activities, St. Augustine offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the many facets of this fascinating destination and take a closer look at what makes St. Augustine such a great place to visit.

History of St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Florida was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who arrived with a group of 800 French-speaking Huguenots that had been exiled from France by King Charles IX. The settlement was soon fortified with a wall and a castillo, which is now known as Castillo de San Marcos. St. Augustine quickly became a strategically important outpost of the Spanish Empire and was attacked several times throughout the 17th century. In 1763, St. Augustine was ceded to Great Britain as part of the Peace of Paris that ended the French and Indian War (also known as the Seven Years War). The British destroyed most of Castillo de San Marcos before abandoning St. Augustine in 1784.After the British left, Florida became part of the US with the signing of the Adams-Onís Treaty in 1819, although it remained a sparsely populated frontier for the next few decades. During the Civil War, Florida seceded from the Union, and St. Augustine was occupied by Confederate troops from 1862 to 1864. In 1876, Henry Flagler purchased the destitute St. Augustine peninsula, transforming it into a major tourist destination with hotels, railroad spurs, beaches, golf courses, and more.

St. Augustine’s Old-World Architecture

One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting St. Augustine is taking in its beautifully preserved old-world architecture. The city is home to many restored old-world buildings that date back to its earliest days as a Spanish settlement. From Castillo de San Marcos and the Government House to stately old mansions and churches, there’s something for everyone in terms of architectural exploration in St. Augustine.Castillo de San Marcos is arguably the most popular attraction in the city and is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved 17th-century structures in the US. Constructed between 1672 and 1695, it is a masterpiece of military architecture that remains largely unchanged since its construction. It is also one of only two Spanish masonry forts still standing in North America (the other is El Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico). The massive fortification is constructed from coquina (a type of sedimentary stone) and magnesia (a type of concrete), which makes it exceptionally durable and resistant to damage from bombardment. The grounds are open to public tours, which offer delightful glimpses into the city’s past struggles for control by various foreign powers since the 16th century.

St. Augustine’s Many Attractions

In addition to Castillo de San Marcos and its other historical attractions, St. Augustine has plenty of other activities to keep visitors entertained. With its gorgeous beaches and picturesque marinas, St. Augustine is a great place for sun followers who enjoy swimming, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or just lazily strolling along its beautiful shoreline. Nature lovers can also enjoy hiking at areas like Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve or exploring wildlife preserves like Alligator Farm Zoological Park or Fort Mose Historic State Park.Anastasia Island is a particular highlight for many visitors. With its quiet beaches, fresh seafood restaurants, and laid back atmosphere it stands out as one of the most relaxed parts of St. Augustine and provides a welcome respite from the hectic pace of daily life in other parts of America’s Oldest City. The island is served by several wonderful seafood restaurants like Captain Seafood & Grill that offer fresh-caught seafood served with a laid back island flair. Many visitors also enjoy biking around Anastasia Island’s wonderful nature trails or taking leisurely strolls along its many beautiful beaches.

St. Augustine Florida – A Delightful Destination for Everyone

Whether you prefer soaking up sun on the beach or walking in footsteps through centuries old history, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Augustine Florida. With its attractive old-world architecture, diverse recreational activities, world-class seafood restaurants, and beautiful beaches, it’s easy to see why St. Augustine has been a popular tourist destination for centuries – so why not come experience it for yourself? For more information about visiting St. Augustine please visit VisitStAugustine.com.