ST AUGUSTINE FLA
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St Augustine is the closest thing to an authentic history lesson in the entire state of Florida, maybe even the entire country.
You will be walking among ancient functioning buildings, some of them dating back to the Ancient City's founding in 1565.
This history of the city still lives and breathes and you can almost feel the ancient Spaniards keeping a benevolent eye on you.
More about St Augustine Florida History Since the late 1960's, St Augustine has seen a lot of development north, south and west of town, especially in the beach area.
None of this development has spoiled the special charm of this wonderful old city. Original 450 year old buildings made of coquina still stand and are functional.
The Castillo de San Marcos is still impressive, in good condition, and is a major tourist attraction. St George Street remains a great place for people watching and breathing in the ambiance of the old buildings and costumed characters.
The Ancient City is still charming in spite of the intense tackiness of some of its tourist attractions.
St Augustine Fla is a great place to visit, and is a great place to live.
ST AUGUSTINE FLORIDA HOTELS
There are hundreds, and here are a few I know about.
- Conch House Marina Resort, 57 Comares Ave, St Augustine Fla 32080. Tel: 904-829-8646. A nice older place with interesting dining rooms located on ship-like crows nests with great views overlooking Salt Run. The first time I stayed here the owner was Jimmy Ponce, who said he was a direct descendant of Juan Ponce de Leon.
- Casa Monica Hotel, 95 Cordova St, St Augustine Fla 32084. Tel: 904-827-1888. An elegant older hotel, beautifully maintained with fine dining. In the heart of the ancient downtown area, across from Flagler College which used to be the Ponce de Leon Hotel.
- Castle Garden Bed and Breakfast,15 Shenandoah St, St Augustine Fla 32084. Tel: 904-829-3839. Moorish Revival Inn on a quiet street immediately north of the Castillo de San Marcos. It is a former carriage house listed on the National Registry within Abbott Tract. Book this B&B or others in St. Augustine Now! Click Here
ST. AUGUSTINE RESTAURANTS
- Athena Restaurant, 14 Cathedral Pl, St Augustine Fla 32084. Tel: 904-823-9076. My favorite place. Good southern style breakfast, wonderful Greek lunches and dinners. Across from the Slave Market in the heart of downtown.
- Gypsy Cab Company, 828 Anastasia Blvd., St Augustine Fla 32080. Tel: 904-824-8244. This is a great restaurant, fine seafood and steaks, a good wine selection. A favorite with locals and tourists alike.
- The Raintree Restaurant & Steakhouse, 102 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Tel: 904-824-7211. One of the best anywhere. Casual dining, great seafood and steaks. Extensive wine list. Wonderful ambiance in a restored 1879 Victorian home. Outside dining patio and gazebo too.
- O'Steens Restaurant, 205 Anastasia Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080. Tel: 904-829-6974. I go to this place when I have cash in my pocket and am on the wagon. No credit cards, no alcohol. But plenty of great home cooked seafood and southern style veggies like squash and green beans. Small restaurant, the lines are sometimes pretty long.
ST. AUGUSTINE ATTRACTIONS
St. Augustine itself is actually the major attraction. Walk down St. George Street, wander through the fort, explore the back streets and alleys. The entire place is fun to be in.
Among the many attractions in town, I like these the best.
- Ripley's Believe It Or Not. This place continues to fascinate adults and kids alike. It is in an old hotel once owned by author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and her husband, Norton Baskin.
- Fountain of Youth. A visit to this place and a dip of its magic water will keep you young forever. Well, at least that's what old Ponce de Leon himself believed.
- Castillo de San Marcos. This old fort has a magnificent view of Matanzas Bay, and is still a formidable structure. Open to the public.
- Horse Drawn Tours. These great old horses and their loving masters are an Ancient City tradition. They take you on tours and show you things you wouldn't see on your own.
OTHER THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO SEE
Northeast Florida Art Festivals
Northeast Florida Heritage Sites
Northeast Florida Tourist Attractions
Arcadia Publishing has a wonderful photographic essay book available at Amazon.com by clicking the image below.
St Augustine Florida is in Northeast Florida about 40 miles south of Jacksonville.
I-95 and US-1 both go through the Ancient City, although I-95 is way out west of the town.
State Road A1A also goes to St. Augustine from Jacksonville Beach.
St Augustine Florida is about 2 hours by car from Walt Disney World taking I-4.
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