This charming and picturesque city is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States having been founded in 1565. Located about 50 minutes south east of Jacksonville, the city is located along the coast on the eastern part of the state. Its reach is small enough to navigate with short drives or by foot in the very historic downtown area.
The city offers numerous highlights both historical, architectural and natural. Visitors often start with a self-guided tour of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument – with construction dating back to 1672 and over 250 years of military occupation until being deactivated in 1933 and today managed by the National Park Service. A short drive away is the first Robert Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, founded in 1950 (Ripley used to often visit St. Augustine). The building that houses the museum dates from 1887.
A walk down Cathedral Place or King Street is a treat for visitors, especially those visiting for the first time. This part of town features some impressive architecture including what is perhaps the most visually appealing college in the country, Flagler College. And across the street is the equally impressive former Hotel Alcazar building (dates from 1887) and houses the Lightner Museum (a collection of antiquities).
Those looking for an elegant place to stay in this part of town should consider Casa Monica Resort and Spa.
For more information about visiting St. Augustine see: www.visitstaugustine.com
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