What Is St Augustine, Florida?

St Augustine, Florida is one of the oldest cities in the United States and is known as the “Nation’s Oldest City”. Located in northeastern Florida, it is the seat of St. Johns County and is home to the famous Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. St Augustine is an enchanting destination, filled with fascinating attractions, history and culture that simply can’t be found anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, adventurous outdoor activities, romantic restaurants or unique attractions, St Augustine has something for every type of traveler.

History of St Augustine, Florida

St Augustine is widely recognized as the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States, with nearly 450 years of history since it was founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers. Originally part of Spain’s colonial empire, St Augustine served as the capital of Florida until the United States took control following the 1821 Treaty of Adams-Onís. Since then, St Augustine has become a popular tourist destination, offering hundreds of attractions and activities that highlight the city’s unique heritage. Throughout its history, St Augustine has also been an influential center for education, culture and business.

St Augustine Attractions and Sightseeing Destinations

When people think of a trip to St Augustine, they usually think of the city’s famous attractions and sightseeing destinations. There are a number of iconic landmarks that visitors can explore, such as the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the historic district with its numerous museums, and the beautiful Flagler College. You can explore unique attractions like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not or the Old Drug Store. Furthermore, St Augustine is home to hundreds of restaurants, shops and other establishments that will make your visit truly unforgettable.

Things to Do in St Augustine

St Augustine is a great destination for outdoor exploration, whether it be by taking a bike tour, kayaking excursion or walking tour. The St Johns County Nature and Heritage Tourism program offers a wide range of guided excursions and adventures including boat tours, JEA Riverwalks, kayak and canoe trips, birding expeditions and more. If you want to add a bit of excitement to your trip, consider one of the many haunted tours available in St Augustine. Popular haunted excursions like the St Augustine Florida Augustine Haunted Pub Crawl are perfect for those looking for a jolting experience with some delicious cocktails thrown in as well!

For something completely different, St Augustine has something that can’t be found elsewhere in the country – alligator tours! A guided gator adventure will allow you to explore up close and personal with alligators living in their natural habitats. Special night tours are available for those who want to experience alligators after dark. No matter how great your trip is supposed to be, you can find something here to make it even more fun.

Accommodation Options in St Augustine

St Augustine offers a diverse selection of lodging options for visitors. From beachfront inns and family resorts to luxury hotels and charming bed & breakfasts, you can find something that fits your budget and preferences. Additionally, camping is an option if you want to take things slow while staying close to nature. But if you’d rather stay close to the attractions that St Augustine has to offer, there are hotels located right in the historic district as well.

Conclusion

St Augustine is an incredibly beautiful destination with tons of attractions and activities that appeal to all types of visitors. Whether you’re looking for outdoor exploration or a romantic evening out on the town, you can find something in this historic city. This is not to mention the fascinating history waiting to be discovered throughout St Augustine and ample accommodation options that provide comfort and convenience for visitors. If there were a backdrop for magical experiences, it would surely look like St Augustine – an authentic American classic that should be on everyone’s list!

An Insider’s Guide to St Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida is a charming city with a vibrant history, unique culinary culture, and beautiful coastal surroundings. Visitors flock here to see the famous landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, but there’s so much more to discover beyond the common tourist spots. Let’s take a deep dive into some of St. Augustine’s hidden gems.

Local Attractions: Beyond the Tourist Spots

While the Castillo de San Marcos is a must-see attraction, delve deeper into St. Augustine’s rich history by visiting the oldest wooden schoolhouse, the Ximenez-Fatio House, or the Oldest Store Museum. If you’re looking for a unique outdoor experience, head to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Nestled on the edge of Anastasia Island, the park combines the thrill of zip-lining with the opportunity to see exotic animals like crocodiles, lemurs, and birds of prey up close.

Dining Spots: A Culinary Journey Through St. Augustine

St. Augustine is rich in international cuisine due to its diverse population and proximity to the coast. Head to Casual Lynchs on the east side of town, where you can try some local seafood favorites like their famous lobster rolls or stuffed shrimp. For a taste of authentic Minorcan cooking, try the Minorcan Chowder or Datil Pepper Fried Green Tomatoes at the famous Aunt Kate’s restaurant. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops offer an array of unique flavors like the Datil Strawberry Lemonade or the Blueberry Lavender.

Cultural Experiences: Festivals, Art, Music, and Customs

St. Augustine is a hub of art and music with their galleries and museums like Lightner Museum and the Flagler College Fine Art Gallery. One of the most unique festivals you’ll encounter here is the Annual Celtic Music & Heritage Festival in March, which celebrates the city’s Irish and Scottish heritage with music, dance, and traditional food. For a captivating cultural experience, visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, where you’ll learn about the city’s ties to the sea through interactive exhibits.

Local History: Stories That Bring the Past to Life

Aside from the well-known history of Ponce de Leon and his search for the Fountain of Youth, St. Augustine is also home to lesser-known stories like that of Zephaniah Kingsley. Kingsley was a slave owner who married one of his slaves, Anna Madgigine Jai, and advocated for equal rights for people of color during the Antebellum period. His home, known as the Kingsley Plantation, is now a National Park where visitors can learn about the complex history of race relations in St. Augustine.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: For the Adventurous Traveler

For the nature lovers and adventurers, the St. Augustine Lighthouse Eco Tours offer kayaking and boat excursions where you can spot sea turtles and dolphins in the wild. Another must-see is Anastasia Island State Park, which boasts miles of pristine beaches, wildlife, hiking trails, and campsites. For an out-of-the-box experience, check out the St. Augustine Distillery, where you can take a free tour and see how they make bourbon, gin, and vodka from locally-grown ingredients.

In conclusion, St. Augustine, Florida, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and adventure waiting to be explored. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your fifth, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this charming city.