Story and photos by Sharon Kurtz (unless otherwise indicated)
Few cities in America provide such a rich historical and cultural travel experience as that of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States.
St. Augustine, Florida
Located near the northeastern corner of Florida, St. Augustine is about an hour south of Jacksonville. It is situated inland along the Matanzas River and stretches to the Atlantic Ocean. Called “the greatest little city on the water,” you are close to the beach while also a couple minutes away from the historic downtown.
Today, residents of all ages call St. Augustine home thanks to its lively art scene, bike-friendly environment, and small-town ambiance. You’ll enjoy the romance of stepping back in time in this authentically alluring seaside destination.
How to get to St. Augustine
You can quickly get to St. Augustine from the north or south using either IH-95 or Scenic Highway A1A. People who prefer flying to the area use the Jacksonville International Airport. Only 56 miles away, it takes about an hour to arrive at the city center. The three biggest airlines flying into JAX are American, Delta, and Southwest.
Daytona is about 50 miles to the south, and Disney World and the other Orlando theme parks are about 2 hours south of St. Augustine.
Weather in St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a subtropical region, which means that it is warm and dewy most of the year. Still, there is an average of 223 days of sunshine throughout the year. The average high temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low of 61 degrees Fahrenheit. The most pleasant months of the year for St. Augustine are April, October, and November.
Five Centuries of History to Explore
The history of St. Augustine is as exciting and diverse as the people who live there today. St. Augustine was discovered by the Spanish Conquistador, Pedro Menendez, in 1565. As the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in what would become the United States, St. Augustine has played an essential role in our Nation’s History. It is proud to carry the moniker of “The oldest city” in America.
With over 400 years of recorded remarkable history, you can see why the city is alive with the past. During Spanish rule, St. Augustine was the capital of Florida. A period of British reign followed before Florida eventually became part of the US in 1819 and gained statehood in 1845.
TOP 20 Things To Do in St. Augustine
Take a stroll to St. Augustine Pier at St. Augustine Beach.
Climb the Augustine Lighthouse, the oldest maritime port; the lighthouse stands water over the oldest city with stunning views.
Immerse yourself in three centuries of Spanish Colonial life at the Colonial Quarter in the historic district.
Take a tour of Flagler College – Once the Hotel Ponce de Leon, built by railroad and Standard Oil Magnate Henry Flagler in 1888
Experience the Lightner Museum, the former Alcazar Hotel built by Henry Flagler in 1888. It’s home to an extensive collection of Gilded Age artifacts and extraordinary collections of American art.
Ramble down Aviles Street – The oldest public street in the country dating back to 1570.
Visit the Oldest Wooden School House – A historical museum that recreates school life from the 1800s with original antique furnishings and rare artifacts.
Walk the ramparts of the Historic Castillo de Marco National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the US.
Paddle in the coastal estuaries on a Kayak Ripple Effects eco-tour.
Swim with the dolphins at Marineland.
Sail on a catamaran sunset cruise with St. Augustine Sailing.
Saunter the historic district on a Craft Brewery Tour with St. Augustine Experiences.
Sunbathe on one of the area’s award-winning beaches
Meander through one of the many museums where you will get a fascinating look into the past of St. Augustine.
Have some Spooky Fun. Combine history with a bit of mystery and a few frights along the way with one of St Augustine’s many ghost tours.
Hop on a narrated Old Town Trolley Tour all around the 23 stops in the historic area.
Roam among the reptiles and feathered friends at the Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park.
Raise a glass and catch the sunset on the rooftop of the San Sebastian Winery Cellar Upstairs & Jazz Bar.
Dine outdoors to the sound of waves rolling in at The Reef Restaurant in Vilano Beach.
Delight your taste buds as you enjoy three hours of glorious food and wine pairings on a Corks and Forks Strolling tour.
Henry Flagler
Henry Flagler, millionaire developer, and Standard Oil co-founder, significantly impacted the town in the 1880s. Flagler believed that Florida had the potential to attract large numbers of tourists. He was the driving force behind turning the sleepy town of St. Augustine into a winter resort for the wealthy northern elite.
Flagler constructed many extravagant buildings in St. Augustine, which form a cornerstone of the city today. Henry Flagler was the original creator of Hotel Ponce de Leon Hotel and also help create the Florida Railroad, which is still used today.
Architecture and Points of Interest
The city’s historic center is anchored by St. George Street at the Old City Gates, lined with historic houses from various periods. Some of these houses are reconstructions, but several of them are original structures that have been restored. The city has many well-cared-for and preserved Spanish-style, Mediterranean Revival, British Colonial, and early American homes and buildings.
The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Made of limestone called coquina (Spanish for “small shells”), construction began in 1672.
One of St. Augustine’s most notable buildings is the former Ponce de Leon Hotel, constructed in 1888. Today it is part of Flagler College. The exclusive hotel attracted vacationers who traveled south on the Florida East Coast Railway in the late 1800s to escape the cold winters in the north.
The city also has one of the oldest alligator farms in the United States, dating to 1893. I especially love the bird rookery. The zoo hosts nesting migrant wading birds in the spring that build nests and hatch their chicks in the trees above the alligator-filled swamp. The wooden boardwalk allows visitors to view and photograph the birds up close and personal.
Modern Day St. Augustine
Today, the city of St. Augustine is a popular travel destination for those in the US, Canada, and Europe. Tourism is St. Augustine’s top industry and chief employer. The city offers various cultural, artistic, culinary, and outdoor activities – something for everyone. A melting pot of cultures, the small-town feel vividly brings out the authenticity of its history.
Living in St. Augustine, the people embrace an active lifestyle with a wide variety of activities. Surfers can take advantage of pristine beaches, and golfers can enjoy an excellent round on their nationally recognized courses.
Play in America’s Oldest City
From the moment you arrive, you’ll want to walk around and take in the Spanish architecture with a distinctly Mediterranean feel of Henry Flagler’s grand hotels that dot the historic district.
The heart of St. Augustine is in the Historic Downtown, the oldest part of the city, with many buildings dating back to the 1700s. Pedestrian-friendly, the past is evident everywhere you look, with museums and attractions around every corner. The uptown district will draw you in with quaint shops, art galleries, and fine restaurants.
You can take a trolley or walking tour to view the city and learn more about the civil rights events in the historic Lincolnville community. While you are in the neighborhood, stop in for a cold brew at Dog Rose Brewing Company. You can enjoy fine dining at the critically acclaimed Preserved Restaurant or a craft cocktail and tour at the St. Augustine Distillery and Ice Plant.
Outdoor Fun in St. Augustine
While in St. Augustine, visitors can enjoy an excellent round of golf at diverse courses. Hit the links and play at championship courses and tournament facilities, including World Golf Village.
There are four marinas in St. Augustine, a treasure trove for anyone who wants to travel the area’s surrounding waters by boat. Many rental and charter companies serve the St. Augustine Community, offering a range of boats, jet skis, kayaks, and other vessels for rent by the hour, day, or week.
My favorite outdoor activities included a brunch sail on a catamaran with St. Augustine Sailing that offers sailing experiences from the Camacheee Cove Marina.
Ripple Effects Ecotours specializes in guided boat and kayak tours in St. Augustine and Marineland. Naturalist Guides lead paddles in the backwaters that make up the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve.
With 42 miles of luxurious soft sand, you can discover the perfect day on Florida’s Historic Coast. With six beach choices, you can find surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, scuba diving, boating, water sports, and more.
Museums in St. Augustine
The entire town of St. Augustine is a living and breathing museum, offering a glimpse of history around every corner. Home to more than 23 museums, many enjoyable trips to St. Augustine would be required to see them all.
The Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park dates back a century. It commemorates the Florida landing of Ponce de Leon in 1513 in his quest for the legendary Fountain of Youth. The park is located on 15 acres of lush Old Florida landscape with a bevy of peacocks that roam the property.
Events in St. Augustine
Florida’s Historic Coast attracts people from around the globe with its world-renowned golf courses. The Players Championship takes place at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach in March.
The inaugural St. Augustine Food and Wine Festival happens in May, a showcase of culinary, beverage, and culture that highlights this historic city.
Spring brings Florida’s Birding and Photo Fest with 110 birding and photography field workshops. Classroom sessions are led by acclaimed photographers.
The St. Augustine Nights of Lights is a spectacular holiday tradition when millions of white lights blanket the historic district from the ground to the rooftops – the event runs from the Saturday before Thanksgiving through the end of January.
Eat in St. Augustine
There are many dining options with a variety of price points in St. Augustine, from food trucks to fine dining. Locally owned, independent restaurants mix produce from local farms and fresh-caught seafood with international culinary flair. It’s no wonder St. Augustine was named the “No.1 Foodie Town in the South” by Southern Living Magazine.
One of my favorites is Michael’s, located in the scenic Calle Cuna, in Historic Downtown. The menu changes seasonally, focusing on Steaks and Coastal Spanish cuisine.
St. Augustine Fish Camp Restaurant, located along the Intracoastal Canal, provides a beautiful view of the water and boats. From dock to table, the seafood is as fresh as you can get, with indoor dining, an outdoor patio, and picnic table seating.
Catch 27 is a fresh-catch seafood restaurant with great food and atmosphere, led by award-winning chef Joshua Smith. Insider Tip: Order the deviled egg appetizer with a fried oyster on top–my favorite!
Stay in St. Augustine
Accommodations range from upscale resorts to historic bed and breakfast inns, as well as camping and RV options. My favorite was the St. George Inn, located in the heart of the historic district.
The newest hotel in St. Augustine is the Homewood Suites by Hilton. Half a mile from historic downtown, it is situated along the San Sebastian River.
Come Visit St. Augustine, America’s Oldest City
St. Augustine offers something for everyone no matter your age, lifestyle, budget, and likes. With its vibrant art scene and beautiful beaches, St. Augustine truly is one of the places that should be on your “Must Visit” list.
