A review of the nation's oldest city, St. Augustine Beach, and all the sights and activities that it offers.
I am fortunate enough to live about an hour and a half from the nation's oldest city. It remains one of my favorite places to visit for its timeless charm and rich history. Even if you are not a history buff, St. Augustine has plenty of sights to see.
You could begin at the heart of it all, the Castillo de San Marcos. This impressive fort, made primarily of coquina (shell), can be thoroughly explored. Wander through its rooms and ponder at all that it has seen. It sits with solemn majesty by Matanzas Bay, and in my opinion defines the essence of all that St. Augustine was founded on.
You can opt for a guided or non-guided tour, and the cost to get in is trivial ($4.00 per person the last time I was there). You can even get in free on most holidays. There is a souvenir shop for trinket lovers and bathrooms are on-site as well.
After visiting the fort, you can cross the street to the historic shopping district, situated along St. George Street. See the oldest schoolhouse, visit the Indian museum and shop, or enjoy some of the delightful eats as you wander along the lively street, and admire the old homes, many of which are now shops. You could lose yourself for hours here, or if you choose, you can visit the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum only a short drive away. The Lightner Museum is also nearby, and has some really interesting exhibits to see for the museum lovers. Exhibits vary considerably, so there are many time periods covered.
In walking distance from the Lightner Museum, you can visit Flagler College, which used to be a hotel in the early 1900s. The architecture is lovely. There are also several other smaller museums nearby, including a wax museum. The streets throughout the area are narrow and add to the ageless charm of the city.
I've never taken one of the trolley tours around St. Augustine, but I've heard they are a great way to see the sights for those who prefer a more generalized excursion. The prices vary, and there are many tours to choose from. The tour of haunted sites sounds especially interesting, but I don't think I'd want to take it after sundown.
Across one of the two bridges (the old one is more charming), you can drive a few miles to St. Augustine Beach and stay along its shore in one of the many hotels. There are a variety to choose from, from the affordable to the luxurious. Make sure you take some time to visit the pier. The view is lovely and fishing is allowed. You may even want to take a drive to the historical lighthouse.
I've covered some of the highlights, but that is just an inkling of all that St. Augustine has to offer. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, and even a mall (Ponce de Leon Mall) if you want to catch a movie at the end of a busy day of sightseeing.
The only concern is parking. Some of the streets near the fort, as mentioned earlier, are extremely narrow and parking spaces are limited. There are meters in front of the fort, but they fill up fast. Come early if you can and bring your love of history!
