DESTINATION - ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA!
St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city and the oldest permanent European settlement on the North American continent, was founded in 1565. A beautiful city filled with the charm of Europe, but every modern convenience you would expect in an American city. Your day can be filled with visits to historic sites, a multitude of beaches, shopping, a bustling art and music scene, a show at the St. Augustine Amphitheater, and ending with a romantic dinner along the water.
How It All Started – St. Augustine History
The Spanish admiral, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, who was sent to be governor of Florida by Spain’s King Phillip II, founded St. Augustine in 1565. He first sighted land on August 28, the feast day of Augustine of Hippo and named the settlement San Agustine. Using military maneuvers, Menendez destroyed the French garrison and also defeated the French fleet that had been established there in 1564. Now in Spanish hands, he went about building the town and establishing missions to the Indians for the Church.
St. Augustine was founded 42 years before the English colony at Jamestown, VA and 55 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, MA, making it the oldest permanent European settlement on the North American continent. The first child of European ancestry to be born in what is now the continental United States was born in St. Augustine in 1566, Martin de Arguelles.
St. Augustine was attacked and burned in 1586 by English privateer Sir Francis Drake. 1702 & 1740 brought unsuccessful attacks by British forces from their new colonies in the Carolinas and Georgia.
The Treaty of Paris ended the French and Indian War in 1763, giving Florida to the British. Florida remained loyal to the British during the American Revolution, but was ceded to Spain in the Treaty of Paris in 1783 in recognition of Spanish efforts on behalf of the American colonies during the war.
Under Spanish control from 1784-1821, the Adams-Onis Treaty peaceably turned the Spanish colonies of Florida over to the United States in 1821. Florida remained a U.S. territory until 1845 when it became the 27th state admitted to the Union. Florida seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy during the Civil War but rejoined the U.S. in 1865.
The 1880’s brought the railroad to town and along with it came northeastern industrialist Henry Flagler. He led the city in becoming a winter resort for the wealthy ushering in the visitor industry. Several mansions and palatial hotels of the era still exist, some converted for other uses such as parts of Flagler College and museums. Flagler developed much of Florida’s east coast including the Florida East Coast Railway, which eventually reached Key West.
Since 1959, the state has been restoring many colonial structures to their original appearance, making St. Augustine a popular tourist attraction for the Spanish colonial Revival Style architecture and 19th century elite architecture. In the 1920’s the Old Spanish Trail linked St. Augustine to San Diego, CA with 3000 miles of roadways.
Things to do in St. Augustine
Any day of the week in any season of the year you will find something to do in St. Augustine.
Winter is a great time to walk the historic streets and shop away the mild afternoons in the abundant antique shops and bookstores. Enjoy the Nights of Lights November through February with millions of white lights throughout the town.
Spring warms up enough for golf, tennis and other sports. The sightseeing trains fill with visitors. Plan a spring break trip with your family to see the many historic sights and spend time at one of the many beaches. Orange blossoms and azaleas bloom all around town.
Summer brings days at the beach or parasailing and other water sports. Spend your evening strolling down St. George Street past the exciting clubs and pubs in the area.
Fall, with cooler weather, is an ideal time for a ghost tour of St. Augustine. Or enjoy a cozy carriage ride bundles in a blanket while listening to your driver’s history of the town.
Historic sites
* Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
* Fort Matanzas National Monument
* Flagler College – parts are the former Ponce de Leon Hotel
* Fountain of Youth
* Lightner Museum and City Hall in the former Hotel Alcazar
* St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
* St. Augustine Amphitheatre
* World Golf Hall of Fame & IMAX Theater at World Golf Village
Tours
Many tours are available:
Old Town Trolley or Train Tour of St. Augustine
Ghost and Gravestones Tour
Florida Heritage Museum
St. Augustine Old Jail
St. Augustine Boat Cruise
St. Augustine Alligator Farm
And more!
Contact historictours.com/staugustine or staugustinetours.net for more information and discounted etickets. Or call 800-719-1324.
St. Augustine Beaches
There are miles of luxurious sand beaches in and around St. Augustine with beautiful year-round weather. The island waterway naturally created by the barrier islands has many public areas for recreation and relaxation. Vehicles may gain access to some of the beaches for a daily fee of $6. No alcohol or glass allowed and pets must be kept on a leash. Area boat ramps are available for launching personal watercraft vehicles.
Crescent Beach
South A1A about 25 minutes from downtown St. Augustine
It is in the southern area of St. Johns County. Located on Anastasia Island, a wildlife refuge, it is a great place for beachcombers in a serene, natural setting. Convenient to RV and camping facilities, it offers boating, diving, fishing, and other attractions.
St. Augustine Beach
2106 A1A South, St. Johns County Pier
(904) 471-1596
On Anastasia Island – sandy beaches, St. Johns County Pier, playground, pavilion, fishing pier, volleyball courts, bait shops, fine restaurants, shopping. RV and cabin camping areas are nearby. Designated areas permit vehicles on the beach.
Anastasia State Park and Recreation Area
1340 A1A South
(904) 461-2033
Approximately 8:00 AM to sundown. $3.25 admission per vehicle, up to 8 people, additional person - $1. Bicycling or walk-in - $1.
A protected bird sanctuary consisting of 1,700 acres and 5 miles of beaches. Swimming, lifeguards, bathhouse, hiking, nature trails, boat ramp, fishing, volleyball court, beach equipment rentals, canoes, nature trails, grills and picnic areas, concessions, covered pavilion, gift shops, playgrounds, and camping. No vehicles permitted to drive on the beach.
Vilano Beach
North A1A over the Usina Bridge, 3 minutes from downtown St. Augustine.
A local “best-kept secret” with a variety of lodging, vacation rentals, waterfront restaurants, Vilano Beach Fishing Pier, parasailing and Sea Doo rentals. Many parks. Visit Surfside Park at 3070 Coastal Hwy to enjoy a picnic shelter, beach access and outside showers. Deep sea fishing boat or sailboat charters. Vehicles permitted on beach in designated areas.
North (Usina) Beach
North A1A past Vilano Beach about 5 minutes from downtown St. Augustine.
A serene Oceanside environment with 2 campsites. Enjoy the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Great seafood restaurants, boat ramps, picnic area with grills, restrooms, showers.
South Ponte Vedra Beach
North A1A approximately 20 minutes from downtown St. Augustine.
Located in northern St. Johns County, just south of Ponte Vedra, the home base for the PGA Tour, the Players championship every spring and the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour. Many resorts, upscale shopping, and parks. Beach access is limited. No vehicles permitted on beaches.
Guana River State Park
A1A North, north of St. Augustine
2690 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach.
(904) 825-5071 8:00 AM until sundown all year long.
A 2,000-acre sanctuary for endangered species. Many recreational activities. 2 public beach access facilities, with parking lots and associated dune crossover boardwalks. A 4.2 mile stretch of otherwise undeveloped beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Swimming, surfing, fishing, shelling. Pets prohibited on the beach, but allowed in other area of the park on a 6-foot, handheld leash. No overnight camping facilities or developed picnic areas.
Shopping
St. George Street is St. Augustine’s most popular shopping district. Several brick-lined blocks of the city’s center. A car-free thoroughfare with independent retailers offering home accents, jewelry, books, pottery, clothing and more. The perfect place to soak up the old city’s historic ambience with many interesting colonial houses and attractions located in the area.
Aviles Street is the historic downtown pedestrian-only area filled with eclectic shops and stores featuring unique and unusual gifts including antiques, blown glass, arts and crafts, fine arts, and handmade chocolates. Boutiques, art galleries and souvenir shops. Pleasant cafes and historic homes.
Prime Outlet Malls located at I-95 and State Road 16. 2008 brought a $35 million 90,000 square foot expansion welcoming upscale stores including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, kate spade, HUGO BOSS, St. John outlet, Cole Haan, Michael Kors, Lucky Brand Jeans, Juicy Couture, Papaya and more!
St. Augustine Premium Outlets are located off Exit 318 of I-95 in St. Augustine. Many store that you have come to look for: Adidas, Aeropostale, Ann Taylor, Anne Klein, Ashworth-Callaway Golf, Banana Republic, Bass, Chicos, Gap, Nike, J. Crew, Liz Claiborne, Polo Ralph Lauren, and many, many more.
Cobblestone Village Shopping Mall at Dixie Hwy and State Rd 312 has 8 anchor stores plus 20 additional retainers including Bed Bath and Beyond, Pier 1 and Bealls.
Antique Market is housed in a beautifully restored 1930s feed and general store at 325 State Road 16. St. Augustine’s premier importer of antiques from England, Europe and Asia. The proprietors lead purchasing tours every year throughout England.
Old City Farmers Market is open each Saturday from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM at 1340 A1A South. Abundant produce as well as an array of homemade breads, soups, pastries, sauces and more. Between 30 and 40 vendors, including a select group of local artists and crafts persons. Live bluegrass music lends a festive air to this hometown market.
Ponce de Leon Mall features several well-known stores, including Belk and JC Penney. An ample selection of specialty shops, boutiques, a movie theater and tempting eateries.
Whetstone Chocolates at 2 Coke Rd has been the city’s signature chocolate manufacturer for nearly 40 years. It is Florida’s only chocolate producer and is known throughout the state. Take a self-guided tour of the chocolate making facility and stop by the store to purchase the mouth-watering treats.
Open Monday - Saturday 10-5.
Sports and Recreation
Opportunities for golf or tennis abound and many golf and tennis resorts are located in the area. Ponte Vedra, home of The Players Association (PGA) and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), is a 20-minute drive from St. Augustine.
http://www.staugustineoutdoors.com/staugustine_golf.htm
Boating access is convenient with the many marinas in the area. Ocean, river or Intracoastal Waterway. Fishing (deep sea or from the pier), diving, surfing, parasailing, kayaking, and many other water sports are available.
Weddings
St. Augustine, a very romantic city, is a scenic place to hold your wedding. Many scenic locations as well as competent wedding planners and photographers are in the area to help you with the wedding of your dreams.