It is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States. However, St. Augustine is not just about history and stepping back in time since there is a noticeably modern feel alongside the history on every corner.

 

It is true most people who visit St. Augustine are looking for a piece of the past; the city was founded in 1565. However, if you drive over the Bridge of Lions connecting the city to the beach you will find Anastasia Island, where you can access beaches, parks, and a variety of additional attractions.

 

 

Staying in the Heart of History
Once arriving in St. Augustine, if you want to stay within walking or biking distance to just about everything and feel the history, the St. Francis Inn is your place. St. Augustine is full of ghostly legends and paranormal activities and the St. Francis Inn fits snugly into the legends. The suites are well-appointed and the innkeepers are glad to share the history of the place.

 

And for the ghosts, the Inn can arrange a paranormal investigation for you.

 

The St. Francis Inn has a colorful four-century history and the building that now houses the Inn was built in the late 18th century. In addition to being a private residence, it served as a hospital during the Civil War and a boarding house. It has been a tourist accommodation since 1904.

 

The most famous ghost known to be residing at the Inn is that of a young house servant named Lily. There have been numerous strange happenings reported on the third floor in what is named “Lily’s Room” so if you are lucky, you might have a ghostly encounter during your stay.

 

 

Must-See Historic Attractions
Worthy visits include the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum where you can climb the 219 steps to the top of the 165-foot tower for one-of-a-kind views of historic downtown, the nearby beaches, and the city’s port. The exhibits at the museum include a look at the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families.

 

You will want to walk on Aviles Street and admire St. Augustine’s original brick roads; it is the nation’s oldest street.
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is the oldest masonry fort in the United States and you will find no other like it still standing from the 17th century with its military construction.

 

 

Exploring the Fountain of Youth and Religious Heritage
If you have heard of the Fountain of Youth, you can visit it up close and personal in St. Augustine. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park also offers a chance to explore the remains of a Timucua Native American village and oyster middens.

 

 

The Gilded Age Legacy of Henry Flagler
Also take the time to visit Flagler College in St. Augustine. The centerpiece of the college is the Hotel Ponce de León, built in 1888 by railroad and oil magnate Henry Flagler, co-founder of Standard Oil and a major figure in Florida’s development. Architects John Carrère and Thomas Hastings from the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris designed the hotel, and it was the first large, steel-reinforced, cast-in-place concrete building in the United States. It took just 18 months to construct this Spanish Colonial Revival-style hotel with Numidian pink marble wainscoting and oak detailing, Italian mosaic tile floors, murals by George W. Maynard, and stained-glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

 

The hotel was seasonal and built for the wealthy with 450 rooms. It hosted U.S. presidents, industrialists, and society’s upper crust, offering amenities that were considered luxurious at the time, including running water and electricity.

 

The hotel converted into a private liberal arts college in 1968, but the Ponce de León—a National Historic Landmark—is still open to the public for tours.

 

 

Discovering Florida’s Natural Coastline
After breathing in all the history of the place, travel north of the city along A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway to the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve). It is one of only 30 national estuarine research reserves in the country with a landscape home to an impressive number of plants, animals, and sea creatures.

 

One standout at the GTM Visitor Education Center is the full-scale model of a North Atlantic right whale hanging from the ceiling to welcome guests.

 

Outside, hike or bike along nine miles of nature trails or enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and birding throughout the marshes and estuaries.

 

 

Dining in St. Augustine
While in St. Augustine, dine at the Columbia Restaurant on George Street, named one of Florida’s top restaurants since 1967. It serves Spanish and Cuban cuisine in a setting filled with hand-painted tiles, artwork, and a Spanish-style fountain.

 

Aunt Kate’s on the River features a Minorcan heritage-style menu, while the Ice Plant Bar & Restaurant is a local favorite located above the St. Augustine Distillery.

 

 

Planning Your St. Augustine Getaway
St. Augustine is located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville on Florida’s Historic Coast. Ponte Vedra, Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of beaches also await visitors, allowing for a combination of history, culture, outdoor adventure, and Atlantic Coast relaxation.