St. Augustine
You'll come face to-face with American history no matter where you walk in St. Augustine. This village in northern Florida, founded by Spaniards in 1565, is the country's oldest continually occupied European colony. Along with small cobblestone alleys and colonial architecture, there are Romanesque Revival-style structures, many of which were planned by railroad and oil tycoon Henry Flagler, who was instrumental in the development of St. Augustine and the rest of Florida's east coast. With so much history, it's no wonder that St. Augustine has a fascination with the paranormal: several of the town's biggest attractions, which are said to be haunted by Spanish settlers and original inhabitants, provide midnight ghost tours.
Though the wealth of landmarks dating back to the Spanish occupation is the major draw here, the Ancient City also has a variety of stores, cafes, live music venues, and art galleries. Visitors who are traveling with children should visit the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. Art lovers will enjoy the Lightner Museum's unique collection, while shoppers will enjoy browsing the stores on St. George Street. When you're ready to unwind, take your beach clothes and head to the beach. St. Augustine, like many other coastal Florida communities, has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and year-round sunshine.
The Best Hotels in St. Augustine:
- The Collector Inn
- Marker 8 Hotel & Marina
- Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
The Best Things to Do in St. Augustine:
- St. George Street
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- St. Augustine Distillery
Rankings:
- 4 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
- 7 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
- 8 in Best Places to Visit in Florida
Rating:
- 4 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
