Natural Wonders Await

Exploring Nature's Beauty

Beyond its historical and cultural offerings, St. Augustine boasts breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime eco-adventure by visiting the nearby Anastasia State Park. This coastal paradise is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Feel the soft sand beneath your feet as you walk along the pristine beaches, or rent a kayak and paddle through the scenic waterways.

For a truly unforgettable experience, hop aboard a boat and set out to sea for a dolphin-watching excursion. Witness these majestic creatures leaping through the waves, an awe-inspiring sight that will stay with you forever. St. Augustine also offers fantastic opportunities for fishing, with experienced guides ready to take you to the best spots where you can cast your line and reel in the catch of the day.

Plan Your Visit to St. Augustine Now

Unforgettable Memories Await

With its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, captivating natural beauty, and exquisite culinary delights, St. Augustine, Florida, stands out as an unparalleled travel destination. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, a lover of nature, or a culinary connoisseur, St. Augustine offers something truly special for everyone.

Plan your visit to St. Augustine today and embark on an unforgettable journey through time, culture, and natural wonders. Experience a place where enchantment and fascination go hand in hand, leaving you with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

St. Augustin's founder, Don Pedro Menendez, came ashore on September 8, 1565, and chose to name the settlement after the patron saint whose feast day coincided with the day of landing. Of course, before the Spanish ever set foot on Florida soil, the Timacuan Indians had already been here and they watched Menendez and the roughly 1500 colonists and soldiers settle here. Over the last few centuries the city experienced governments from different countries, including Spain, Britain, and since 1821, the United States.
The real rise of this community came in the late 1800s when Henry Flagler (1830 to 1913) built two hotels and took over a third as part of the Flagler hotel chain. Flagler was the co-founder of Standard Oil, and although not as well known as some of the other early magnates of capitalism, he was one of the wealthiest individuals of his time. Flagler had a major impact on Florida: he founded the Florida East Coast Railway as a means of transporting guests to and from the north to his hotels in St. Augustine, Palm Beach, and Miami. A honeymoon visit to St. Augustine in 1881 with his second wife inspired Flagler's vision to transform this sleepy town into a winter playground for the rich.

Three of Flagler's former St. Augustine hotels are still in use today: Flagler College (the former Hotel Ponce de Leon), the Lightner Building - St. Augustine's City Hall (the former Alcazar) and Casa Monica, redone as a county courthouse in the 1960s, and reopened in 1990 as the restored Casa Monica Hotel. During the late 19th and early 20th century Flagler also developed a residential neighbourhood called the Model Land Company tract.

Within a few short years Flagler's dream of a resort town for northerners faded and he, and the wealthy northern visitors, moved further south. He continued to develop the Florida East Coast Railroad down the peninsula, into and across the Florida Keys, creating hotels and communities along the way.

Nation's oldest city St. Augustine is centered around the Plaza de la Constitucion, which anchors the Lightner Museum / City Hall, Casa Monica and Flagler College, three stunningly beautiful structures. Located in the former Alcazar Hotel, the Lightner Museum houses collections of legendary hobbyist and antiques collector Otis Lightner.


Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park exhibits foundations and artifacts of the first St. Augustine mission and colony. It also houses the Landmark Spring, Explorers Globe and Navigators' Planetarium. St. Augustine also houses the Oldest Drug Store and the nation's Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, built more than 200 years ago while Florida was under Spain's rule.


This city welcomes around 2 million visitors every year who come to discover a unique historic part of America. A settlement with authentic Spanish roots, complete with Castillo and all, is a truly unique sight in the U.S. and it was definitely worth the detour.

Things to See and Do in Beautiful St Augustine Florida

St Augustine, FL is the oldest city in the United States. It's also referred to as the Ancient City. The city is full of history, unique shops, Potter's Wax Museum, The Bridge of Lions, restaurants, art galleries, bed & breakfasts, ghost tours as well as a wonderful beach and pier, too.

You can visit and take tours of the oldest house, as well as the oldest school house which is located not far from Castillo de San Marco. While visiting St Augustine, take a tour of Castillo de San Marco (just north of The Bridge of Lions). Make sure to stay for the cannon shooting and weapons demonstration. If you're lucky, you can often catch a glimpse of dolphin playing in the waters nearby.

Castillo de San Marco

The Old City Gates are located at the north end of St. George Street (which is now the Historic Walking Mall full of unique shops). The Old City Gates used to be the only entrance into St. Augustine.

The Fountain of Youth is a 15 acre historical Site where St. Augustine got started in 1565. There's lots to do and see there. I'd plan a good portion of your day to visit. Make sure to stop in the Planetarium, Timucua Village, see them shoot a cannon, take a walk through the waterfront park section of the site and enjoy the monuments and peacocks that stroll the grounds. You can also drink the legendary waters from the fountain, though I personally found it nasty tasty!

Flagler College is now in what used to be The Ponce de Leon hotel, St. Augustine's first hotel. The college houses famous Tiffany Windows from NY. Flagler College offers majors & minors in studies emphasizing liberal arts, business and education.

You can visit the St Augustine Lighthouse & Museum. I'd suggest that you allow at least one hour to tour the site and climb the tower Lighthouse.

This post was written by Guest Blogger, Tara Burner. Tara is an Author & Certified Inspiration & Health Coach who enjoys traveling as well! You can visit http://www.taraburner.com/ to see what else she's up to or where else she's going and been.

Blog post copied from: http://pennsylvaniaandbeyond.blogspot.se/2011/02/beautiful-st-augustine-florida.html

Old Drug Store in St. Augustine, Florida

The Authentic Old Drugstore takes you back to the early days when St. Augustine was but a Spanish hamlet.

It was built by Antonio Gomaas in 1739. He built it as a place of revelry, within the the jurisdiction of the city, for protection, but away from the actual settlement. They sold liquor, tobacco, medicine and Indian remedies.

 

They also sold their own medical concoctions. T.W. Speissegger, a pharmacist, bought the building from Gomaas decendant. In 1880 he moved the building to 46 1/2 Bay Street and then the moved it to 31 Orange Street during the fire of April 1887. The firm was registered August 1, 1875 in the Centennial Autographic Register and the National Directory. This Book was deposited in the archives of The Smithsonian in Washinton, D.C. The building went through many owner changes and many renovations. It was purchased in the late 1980′s by and is still owned by the Harris Foundation. They made many repairs and opened this facinating Museum free of charge to the public. The Authentic Old Drugstore is maintained and supported by the sales in the gift shop. The gift shop is contained in the area that was once a courtyard and has made no impact on the original historic building. 

 

The Authentic Old Drugstore takes you back to the early days when St. Augustine was but a Spanish hamlet. It was built by Antonio Gomaas in 1739.He built it as a place of revelry, within the the jurisdiction of the city, for protection,but away from the actual settlement. They sold liquor, tobacco, medicine and Indian remedies.They also sold their own medical concoctions.

T.W. Speissegger, a pharmacist, bought the building from Gomaas decendant.In 1880 he moved the building to 46 1/2 Bay Street andthen the moved it to 31 Orange Street during the fire of April 1887.

Be sure to visit the gift shop where you can pick up collectibles, jewelry and seasonal items.

Read more here >>>

Sheriff’s Ghost Walk Tours St. Augustine, Florida

The Original Sheriff’s Ghost Walk Tours St. Augustine, Florida is a Ghostly Adventure you will never forget.

This is the best among St. Augustine ghost tours!

A 90 Minute Walk Along The Dark Streets And Cemeteries Of Old St. Augustine. The Sheriffs Ghost Walk Tours is a unique experience. The Sheriff and all of his dead deputies are experienced guides.

You will hear stories of Haunted Houses, Bed & Breakfasts and The Old Cemeteries! You will walk the dark streets of the nation's oldest city of Saint Augustine, Florida. All stories told are so rich in detail they will tingle your spine!

All tours are researched for historical facts. Go and see why Sheriff’s Ghost Walk Tours are the most original and historically correct GHOST tours in Saint Augustine, FL.

People tend to experience MANY supernatural encounters on the tours. Take a look at the photos of ghosts caught on the tours! Click Here >>>

More info about St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine has a wealth of historic and architecturally interesting structures. The most historically significant structure in St. Augustine is the Castillo de San Marcos, built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695. The 19th century Lighthouse Museum is located in the St. Augustine Lighthouse on Anastasia Island east of town across the Bridge of Lions. St. Augustine also houses the oldest store in town dating to the turn of the last century. Talking about old buildings, St. Augustine is home to the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, dating back to 1727, known as the "Oldest House Complex", a National Historic Landmark.

The Mission of Nombre de Dios is located on the west bank of Matanzas Bay, and it is said to have been the site of the first Catholic Mass in what is today the United States. The Spanish Quarter Village is a living history museum composed of a collection of colonial period houses where guides recreate the dress and lifestyle as seen in 1740.

Haunted Pub Tour

Feb 15, 2012 - Dec 31, 2014

Every day 8:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Your ghost/pub guide will spin the intoxicating tales while you enjoy the ales or other beverages at about 4 old haunts. You spend about 30 to 40 minutes in each pub so that you have time to soak up your favorite drink, the stories and the ghostly atmosphere before you'll step outside for a refreshing easy stroll to the next pub. 

You'll be making friends with the living and the dead on this very social St Augustine Pub Tour! 

Your ghost host brings an EMF meter for spirit research. When you had enough of that you can do some more spirit research in the bar area...

Location: Beerhammer's Beer Gear store

162 St. Geroge St., St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Cap’t Bligh’s ship

According to most accounts, Bligh’s crew became tired of the captain’s harsh treatment during the cruise, and had also become attracted to the idyllic life on Tahiti.

“Oh yeah, Captain Bligh has become synonymous with tyrannical treatment,” Simonin said. “But several researchers have taken issue with that image, and I think he’s been unfairly given a bad reputation.”

In the 2004 book, “The Bounty,” historian Caroline Alexander claimed that Bligh was inaccurately portrayed, and that he was in fact relatively lenient compared with other British naval officers.

Either way, led by Christian, 18 mutineers set Bligh and members of the crew who were loyal to him afloat in a small boat. The mutineers then sailed the ship to Pitcairn Island, where it was burned to avoid discovery by the British Navy, and to prevent desertion. Descendants of many of the mutineers and Tahitians still live on Pitcairn island.

After Bligh, who was renown for his navigation skills, and his men made an epic journey in the small boat to Timor in the Dutch East Indies, he returned to England and reported the mutiny.

Queen of the Pirates

Join the infamous female pirate Anne Bonney for a rollicking return to the Golden Age of Piracy! Portrayed by historian and actor Dianne Jacoby, the Queen of the Pirates will entertain and thrill guests with tales of high seas piracy and plundering. 

Presented by The Florida Heritage Book Festival, the evening will also feature complimentary rum punch, assorted tapas and door prizes. It all takes place from 5- 7 p.m. at the
A1A Ale Works' Bayview Room
1 King Street in St. Augustine. 

Tickets are $28 per person through March 20; $35 after that date 

(Pirate attire optional - Elevator available).

For more information and reservations, call 904-940-0194 or email kdvor@bellsouth.net Tickets may be purchased online at www.fhbookfest.com

Freedom Trail Audio Tour

In 2014, St. Augustine will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and the pivotal role the city played in the passage of this landmark legislation. Today, visitors can follow a self-guided Freedom Trail and hear audio descriptions of what happened at 31 key sites throughout the area. 

Sponsored by Northrop Grumman and produced by the 40th ACCORD, Inc., the audio tour tells of tragedy and triumph during the summer of 1964 and many of the recordings feature the voices of actual participants. 

These include the voice of Dr. Robert Hayling, a young dentist in St. Augustine who played a key role in the local civil rights movement and was beaten for his efforts (even his dog was killed). Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Andrew Young were also present at many of these sites that will always be remembered as important stops on the trail to human equality.  For more information, go to www.accordfreedomtrail.com

The St. Augustine Ghost Tour with A Ghostly Encounter

A Ghostly Encounter, a wonderful St. Augustine ghost tour, is fun, not too scary and very entertaining. You're sure to have a great time. Your tour will begin at the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, a certified haunted building. Hmmmm.... yep, it's true! The building has been featured on TNT's Liars and Legends, The Travel Channel, The Today Show, First Coast News and SBC, CBS, and NBC local affiliates. And recently, the ghost hunter team from the Sci-Fi Channel came to investigate. Inside you'll visit the ward of the Haunted hospital then your knowledgeable guide will light the way as you safely travel through the haunted streets of St. Augustine. You'll hear stories of those who came before us and refuse to leave.

A bit of St. Augustine history: It seems in 1821 the City had to replace several water lines located directly under the original Spanish Military Hospital building. Once the walls were torn down and the digging began, a possible explanation was found for the many documented statements by patients and employees reporting something “evil” and “frightening” that seemed to roam the ward. I don't want to spoil your tour so I won't tell you any more.

St. Augustine ghost tours, A Ghostly Encounter, begin nightly from the Spanish Military Hospital - 3 Aviles Street and last approximately 90 minutes.

Sunday - Friday - Tours begin 8:00 p.m.

Saturday - 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Hauntings by Night
A Ghostly Encounter

3 Aviles Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 827-0807
(800) 597-7177
Ancient City Tours
ancientcitytours@bellsouth.net

 

History by Day
Spanish Military Hospital Museum

NOTE: Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the tour company.

 

16TH CENTURY ST. AUGUSTINE HISTORIC ENCAMPMENT

Visit Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archeological Park to learn more about the 1565 founding of the nation's oldest city through authentic interactive re-enactments and demonstrations. On Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be lively discussions on 16th century life ways featuring renowned speakers from many historic disciplines. On Saturday, the Official landing reenactment, formal Mass and presentation by Dr. Michael Gannon will take place at the Mission Nombre de Dios historic site next door. On Saturday evening, enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of a 16th Century Feast complete with costumed characters.

On Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a Distinguished Speaker's presentation where attendees can learn about the archaeology, people and events related to this important Historic Site and the founding of St. Augustine, Florida. The Fountain of Youth is located at 11 Magnolia Avenue in St. Augustine. Admission is free for St. Johns County residents with ID. 

For more information, call 904.829.2874

Check this page for future events: http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/events-in-st-augustine

446th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine

Witness the reenactment of the landing of St. Augustine’s founder, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, along the same shoreline where Spanish colonists came ashore in 1565. Following the reenactment of the Spanish settler’s arrival there will be a presentation about St. Augustine and America’s Spanish history, then a celebration of Mass at the Mission’s outdoor altar. Following the Celebration of Mass, there will be informative presentations guest speakers and a procession to the Mission Museum.

Location: Mission Nombre de Dios

Directions: Located off San Marco Avenue and various locations in Historic St. Augustine

Hours: Festivites begin at 9 a.m.

Admission: Free

http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/08/st-augustines-446th-birthday-celebration

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum - In the Press!

Great news!

Budget Travel has named the  St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum as one of the top 16 summer attractions for families.  Check it out!

A popular turist attraction

Why Old City St Augustine draws crowds year after year?

Have you ever wondered why destinations manage to draw flocks of visitors not once or twice, but again and again? It is a little something called character, and it is not easily defined despite what the average dictionary might have to say on the subject. A great example of what it takes to bring about a great amount of appeal through character can be found in the incomparable St. Augustine. What makes St. Augustine so appealing? In a large part it’s blending of a modern city with the Old City section that has tons to offer:

• Artists galore – The Old City of St. Augustine is home to art galleries, workshops, and even just plenty of artists.
• Amazing history – St. Augustine’s Old City has an amazing history that is unrivaled by nearly any other destination in the world.
• Vibrant night life – St. Augustine has a very vibrant night life that may not be as well known as Miami, but is almost equally diverse.
• World-class cuisine – The culinary arts are not neglected in St. Augustine. In fact, there are many top notch eateries that are well known for their offerings.
• Things to do – It does not matter if you enjoy intellectual pursuits, artistic endeavors, the great outdoors, fun in the sun, or aquatic adventures, but St. Augustine has it all in spades. About the only thing that St. Augustine does not have is snow.

Oldest Store Museum in St Augustine

Step back in time and discover the latest and best time saving miracles from 1900.

Visit the "new" Oldest Store Museum Experience now located at Historic Tours of America, 167 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine.

Once a popular attraction in the Oldest City, the museum was closed for 10 years, but is now open daily in a new location.

The Museum features more than 100,000 household items from a by-gone era - it's like walking into a Sears & Roebuck catalog from 1900!

Plus, live actors add to the fun and charm of this wonderful museum.

Admission is $9 for adults and $6 for children.

Oldest Store Museum in St Augustine

Visit the "new" Oldest Store Museum Experience now located at Historic Tours of America, 167 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. Once a popular attraction in the Oldest City, the museum was closed for 10 years, but is now open daily in a new location. The Museum features more than 100,000 household items from a by-gone era - it's like walking into a Sears & Roebuck catalog from 1900! Plus, live actors add to the fun and charm of this wonderful museum. Admission is $9 for adults and $6 for children.

Live Actors! Over 100,000 Essential Items!

Watch in amazement as our friendly clerks, butcher and snake oil salesman demonstrate the very latest inventions for turn-of-the-century living. Meet the proprietor, Mr. C.F. Hamblen. Step back in time and discover the latest and best time saving miracles from 1900!

• Steam-driven tractors
• Tonics & elixirs
• Farm equipment
• Health underwear
• Worm syrup
• Corn sheller
• Collars & corsets
• Guns & ammunition
• Grain thresher
• Goat powered washing machine
• Bikes & trikes
• Gossip and so much more

"Step back in time and discover the latest and best time saving miracles from 1900!"

For more information on The Oldest Store Museum Experience, visit www.trolleytours.com or contact Dave Chatterton at 904-829-3800 or via email at dchatterton@historictours.com

Great video about the city of St. Augustine

http://exposureroom.com/members/skilled/09acae029af14587affdd46d0425b3d5/

Don't forget the history!

Let us repeat why the city got that name:

On August 28, the Feast Day of Saint Augustine, Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés first sighted the coast of Florida. Twelve days later, on September 8, he stepped ashore, planted the Spanish flag into the sandy soil and, with soldiers and settlers who had traveled with him and Timicuans who greeted his arrival watching, Menendez founded a new city and named it St. Augustine.

The year was 1565.