St. Augustine The Ancient City
History, Culture, Adventure, Cuisine
St. Augustine Florida the Ancient City – is a favorite destination along the North Florida coast. Filled with intriguing history, culture, outdoor adventure, and delicious cuisine, St. Augustine is one of Travel With Annita’s top destinations for 2022 vacations.
With adventures all around the city and a long, long list of things to do, the oldest city in America welcomes everyone – families, solo travelers, couples – everyone will create fond memories during their stay.
Here is our list of things to do:
A visit to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. The fort was built by the Spanish to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route. There are stories of pirates along the water ways and St. Augustine has many to tell. This vital route from the Caribbean along the Atlantic Ocean depended on the fort as an important part of defending commerce and privateers in search of economic opportunities.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves that history – it is the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States with more than 450 years of history, cross-cultural interactions and intriguing people.
During your visit you can immerse yourself in the exhibits throughout the fortress. An artillery tour with displays throughout the Castillo takes you back to black cast iron weapons, cannons and big guns. The artillery which is still in place gives you an insight into how the fort would have been defended.
During inclement weather bring along a umbrella or rain jacket so you do not miss seeing and experiencing any of the activities around the fort.
Tour the inside of the fort – plan for a couple of hours for a full experience.
Take a look inside the various rooms around the fort.
Take a tour to learn about the cast-iron artillery located around the fort.
A fort made out of seashells survived three days under cannon fire. The Castillo de San Marcos did just that, made of local coquina stone it has stood for hundreds of years. Click here to learn more about the Coquina Stone
National Park Service Interpretative Guides are available to answer questions. *Annita talks with one of the guides for the podcast – Quarter Miles Travel.
The moat is now filled with grass. However, at one time it was filled with water as part of its defense.
Located throughout the fort you’ll find drawings and information about people who are part of the fort’s history.
Inside some of the rooms you’ll gain a sense of what it was like for those stationed at Castillo de San Marcos.
Next on our list is The Fountain of Youth. Is it a mystical spring or maybe there are mineral properties that will make you healthy and young. Take a sip and judge for yourself.
A visit to the Fountain of Youth and you’re walking through living history. Learn about Juan Ponce De Leon the Spanish explorer who in 1513, led the first known European expedition to La Florida, which he named during his first voyage to the area. One of the things he was searching for – The Fountain of Youth.
Today you can explore St. Augustine and Florida history from 2,400 BC to modern times. Exhibits with very knowledgeable interpreters share life during those time periods and you can see them in person.
Historical interpretations are part of your experience visiting the Fountain of Youth. Interpreters wear period clothing to immerse you in a full historic experience.
Historic structures around the grounds provide a step into the day-to-day lives and traditions of people who once called the area home.
Historic structures and interpreters dressed in period attire offer presentations about day-to-day life hundreds of years ago.
During your self-guided tour, placards around the grounds offer information and pictures giving us insight into thelives of people who once called the area home.
A dugout canoe – once a mode of transportation around St. Augustine.
Peacocks may give you a show of amazingly beautiful colors. Wait for it!!
Stop and take a drink from the Fountain of Youth. Is it mystical or does it offer mineral properties helping us stay young and healthy. Take a drink.
You can’t come to St. Augustine without a visit to the lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Built in 1874, the lighthouse still stands boldly along the St. Augustine shore. Climb the stairway of 219 steps to the top where you’ll find an amazing view at the top of the light house, 165 feet high.
Maritime Museum across from the St. Augustine Lighthouse
After checking out the lighthouse head down to Anastasia State Park for kayaking, picnicking, biking, strolling the beach or building sand castles. It’s all fun and relaxing too.
Bike rentals are available for rental. Also golf carts. Doc Bill selected his bike and he’s ready for a ride along the shore.
The beach is accessible with a boardwalk which is easy to maneuver.
Take in the view of the pristine shores.
Head over to the Alligator Farm. Yes, there are real gators showing us how they live in a natural habitat. You’ll find other wildlife too. Interesting birds flock above your head and the path ways lead to many interesting natural habitats for the animals and reptiles from around the world.
Plan to spend at least half a day at the Alligator Farm
Stroll along the boardwalk and watch the gators in their natural habitat with water birds joining them along the edge of the water. A great example of co-habitation in nature.
Turtles roam around the farm in a large enclosed area.
Have a little fun with a friendly (not real) gator ready for you to take a photo and share with your family and friends. Made to look just like the real thing, it give you an idea of a gator’s size.
For those wanting to see the alligator farm from above, how about stretching your legs and your adventurous side on the ropes course at Alligator Farm. Journey around the park tackling various challenges and you can be super proud once you reach the end point; you can say you beat the ropes.
Take the Rope Course Challenge and glide over the gators, turtle and other areas of the farm. Travel With Annita friend Meryl Pearlstein prepares to start the course.
The Ropes Course gives you a workout across the farm. Travel With Annita friend Jim Pearlstein makes his way across the expansive board and ropes.
Nothing is better than being out on the water. A sunset cruise gives you an adventure along with a glass of champagne. It’s the perfect way to end your day of touring this historic city. The Schooner Freedom gives you that Sunset Sail.
A toast to a lovely evening!
Picture perfect sunset from the bow of the Schooner Freedom
There is the historic center in St. Augustine, well preserved and ready to share my stories from days gone by. It an easy walk around the city center where Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets and wooden structures take you back in time.
The Old School House is one of the oldest wooden structures in St. Augustine’s historic area.
Take an architecture tour around the historic city center
The bustling area along with the historic and modern parts of the city is easy to get around by taking the Old Town Trolley. Hop on – hop off with stops at all of the attractions around the city.
Hop on – Hop off Old Town Trolley
St. Augustine’s Eco Tours take you around the city shores with spectacular city scape views. And you’ll learn about the very sustainable projects and initiatives in the area.
Eco tours offers a choice of tours with a focus on protecting the environment.
Great views during your tour of the Castillo de San Marcos
Get an unclose view of The Great Cross
Great views of the shore. Your guide provides information about sustainable and preservation initiatives in the area.
Florida coastal cuisine is the very best.
St. Augustine Fish Camp is located on the water, with a spectacular sunset as you dine on fresh seafood, fish and various menu delights.
Sunset and dinner at St. Augustine Fish Camp
Catch 27 is your dinner on the patio restaurant spot.
Devil eggs with bacon. Order one for yourself – they’re hard to share. Delicious!
Minorcan Conch Seafood Chowder
Casa Reyna Taqueria has a fabulous roof top view, overlooking the city. It’s your dinner spot for good food and people watching.
A collaboration of Chefs preparing grilled menu items —— from beef, sausage and veggies, the grilled meal is served under moonlight and at your shared table. Bring your family and friends, along with your wine and enjoy an unforgettable evening. Book this experience ahead of time to ensure you have your spot. It’s a unique one of a kind dinner that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
All this touring, exploring, adventure and tasty meals means you’ll need to have a comfy place to rest in the evenings.
St. George Inn – located in the heart of the historic district. The oversized rooms are set up for relation and getting that well deserved rest so you’re ready to get back out the next day.
To learn more about this lovely hotel located in the best spot for seeing the city click here.
Breakfast included – oh yes, and have breakfast in the courtyard before starting your daily adventure. The Tram stop is right around the block from your room and many spots for ice cream, chocolates and snacks.
Grilled ham and cheese croissant for breakfast in the courtyard.
Enjoy a lighter start to the day with fresh fruit.
Enjoy a glass of wine – Bin 39 Wine Bar in the lobby of St. George Inn. Sit for a while with your glass of wine in the courtyard.
Enjoy the tranquil fountain sounds while having breakfast or with a glass of wine in the evening at St. George Inn.
Enjoy the tropical setting. Relax, people watch, shop a little in the courtyard right outside your hotel room.
Ready to start your day? The Old Town Trolley is right around the corner from your room.
Ready to start planning your St. Augustine getaway. – floridiashistoriccoast.com
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