Old City Getaway
Founded in 1565 by the Spanish conquistador, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin in the contiguous United States.” “St. Augustine, known as The Ancient City, is located in North Florida that boasts a year-round mild climate perfect for strolling St. Augustine’s delightful historic district, with its cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, bars, unique shops, and bed and breakfast inns. Experience the beauty of an early morning that slowly comes alive with locals and tourists setting out on foot to explore significant landmarks including the Castillo de San Marcos, Lightner Museum, Flagler College, and Fort Matanzas.
The oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, the Castillo de San Marcos is a large Spanish stone fortress built to protect and defend Spain’s claims in the New World. It’s a National Monument and, at over 315 years old, it’s the oldest structure in St. Augustine.
Not for the faint of heart, this museum was created by historians, curators, sculptors, and scientists to elicit strong emotions from visitors. You wander through many torture exhibitions.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum serves as a scenic and educational maritime museum. It stands 165 feet above sea level, overlooking the Matanzas Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from Anastasia Island. Visitors can climb the 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for an amazing view of the city and ocean. Experience life at a Light Station through the many exhibits in the Keeper’s House.
Flagler College, housed in what was once one of Henry Flagler’s most opulent Gilded-Age hotels in St. Augustine, is now a private four-year college.
This historic site has served the city of St. Augustine since 1598. This site served as the administrative headquarters and residences for colonial governors appointed by Spain, then Britain and then Spain again. In 1821 when Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. the current Government House was used as a courthouse and briefly as the Capitol building of the new Territory of Florida.
Built over 200 years ago, while Florida was under the rule of Imperial Spain!
The Lightner Museum is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, which was built in 1888. Henry M. Flagler commissioned architects Carrere and Hastings to construct this architectural masterpiece. The Alcazar closed during the Depression, and in 1947 the building was purchased by Otto Lightner as the perfect place to house his Victorian-era collection of antiques.
In St. Augustine, you will be free to fill your weekend in pretty much any way you like. Whether you choose to relax on the beach, explore the Historic District, check out some local attractions, or focus on hunting down the best cuisine in town, there are endless options to pursue. That is what makes the “Ancient City” such an amazing destination.
