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.

Regatta of Lights in St. Augustine

The HOLIDAY REGATTA of LIGHTS is a spectacular and colorful parade of boats held on the St. Augustine bay front just north of the Bridge of Lions. 

This event reflects the maritime roots of the “Oldest City” and is in keeping with St. Augustine’s historical seaborne image and rich nautical heritage.

The Regatta is hosted by The St. Augustine Yacht Club.

The 2012 Regatta will be held Saturday December 8th, at 6:00 pm. Saint Augustine Bayfront, Avenida Menendez, Saint Augustine, FL 32084.

Sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats and many other vessels parade, decorated with the festive lights of the season in celebration of the holidays. Entry is encouraged for all powered craft both private and commercial.

A post-parade  Reception and Awards Ceremony is  held at The St. Augustine Yacht Club for Captains and Crews of the boats.

All are invited  to St. Augustine’s downtown area to enjoy the City’s Nights of Lights and to experience the HOLIDAY REGATTA of LIGHTS.

Labor Day Concert In The Plaza

For 22 years, residents and visitors have gathered in the Plaza de la Constitución for the summer concert series, Concerts in the Plaza for a variety of musical entertainment performing from the historic Gazebo.

"It's the best way to spend a Thursday night in St. Augustine"

The 22nd season of Concerts in the Plaza promises great music in a great place Thursdays at 7pm through August

Reminiscent of days gone by when friends and families would gather in the early evening to listen to music in the town square, Concerts in the Plaza brings a wide variety of musical entertainment to St. Augustine’s historic downtown all summer long. Bluegrass and blues, jazz and country, swing and folk, old time and popular rock: Concerts in the Plaza has something for everyone.

This year Concerts in the Plaza celebrates twenty-two years of great entertainment in a great place. The series has been called “the best way to spend a Thursday night in St. Augustine,” and it’s easy to understand why when sitting under the majestic oaks of the Plaza de la Constitución enjoying quality musical entertainment.

The concert season starts with an afternoon performance on Memorial Day and continues all summer long on Thursdays at 7:00pm and concludes on Labor Day with another afternoon performance. 

All concerts are free and attendees should bring lounge chairs for seating. Picnic dinners are popular, but alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Plaza.

CANNON FIRING

CANNON FIRING DEMONSTRATIONS AT CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS

Rangers and Garrison volunteers will demonstrate the weapons and relate the experiences of the colonial Spanish soldier of 1740s St. Augustine. 

Historic weapons demonstrations will be presented at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30. Firing times are subject to change depending on weather conditions and staff availability. 

Location: Castillo de San Marcos 

Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 

Admission: $6 for adults, children under 15 free when accompanied by an adult

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

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

2012 New Year's Eve parties and events

Beach Blast Off 2012: Enjoy a blast of flavor, icy sculptures and fireworks when several of St. Augustine’s favorite restaurants serve up chili for tasting and judging at the Fire and Ice Chili Cook-off from 4 to 10 p.m. The fireworks, synchronized to music, begin at 8:30 p.m. at the St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. Call 829-5681 or go to www.beachblastoff.com.

New Year’s Eve Noon Balloon Drop: The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach will hold the annual New Year’s Eve Noon Balloon Drop from 11 a.m. to noon at the Center, 50 Executive Way, from A1A North, in Ponte Vedra Beach. Stop by for a bite of Brucci’s Pizza Pie or decorate a cookie a mile high. Snap, crackle and pop in the bubble-wrap room as you jump to the jingles of house band tunes. Create a hilarious hat with eyes that wiggle or make party masks that will make everyone giggle. Hundreds of balloons will be dropped at noon. Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members, or $15 for a family of four. The public is invited. Call 904-280-0614, ext. 204 or go to www.ccpvb.org.

New Year’s Eve bash: A New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music by the Mojo Roux band will begin at 8:30 p.m. at The Groove Cafe, 134 SeaGrove Town Center, St. Augustine Beach. Cost is a $10 cover charge. Call 547-2740 or go towww.thegroovecafe.com.  

Kayak adventure: End 2011 with a two-hour kayak tour into the salt marshes of St. Augustine. Experienced guides, state-of-the-art equipment and local habitats make this trip one-of-a-kind. The tour is good for experienced or beginner paddlers. Cost is $35 for adults and $30 for children ages 6 to 12. Call St. Augustine Eco Tours at 377-7245 or go to www.staugustineecotours.com. 

New Year’s Eve Comedy show: Comedian Ron Feingold will be on stage for a New Year’s Eve show at 8:30 p.m. in Jackie Knight’s Comedy Club at Johnny’s, 3009 North Ponce de Leon Blvd. Cost is $65 and includes an open bar from 7 to 8 p.m., a dinner including appetizer, entree and dessert, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and a dance party after the comedy show. Opening act will be Brian Thomas. For reservations, call 461-8843 or go to www.thegypsycomedyclub.com.

Flagler College tours: The Hotel Ponce de Leon is a a national historical landmark famous for its Tiffany Windows, ornate murals and Spanish-Renaissance architecture. Tours depart at 10 and 11 a.m., and noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. daily through Jan. 2. The last tour departs at 1 p.m. on Dec. 31, Jan. 1, and Jan. 8-10. Tours will resume at only 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Jan. 11 and daily thereafter. Tours depart from the main lobby (Rotunda), at 74 King St. Tickets may be purchased at this location 15 minutes prior to each tour, or at Flagler’s Legacy, 59 Saint George St. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for St. Augustine residents with a valid ID, and $1 for children under the age of 12, which includes a complimentary Flagler College coloring and activity book. Individual reservations are not required. For group rates, call Samantha Palmer or Whitney Warren at 823-3378. Call Flagler’s Legacy Tours at 819-6400.

Theatre and barbecue: Start the New Year right with lots of laughs and barbecue when Limelight Theatre presents a special presentation of Duck Hunter Shoots Angel - the hilarious story of two Southern hunters who believe they have shot down an angel! In keeping with the show’s theme, the buffet dinner will feature barbecue with Krispy Kreme donuts for dessert. Tickets for the show and buffet are $50 and may be purchased by calling the box office at 904.825.1164 or online at www.Limelight-Theatre.org. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.   

Diamonds, Denim and Decades: Welcome 2012 at an exciting New Year’s Party at the AAA Four Diamond-rated Renaissance World Golf Village Resort. From 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., the resort’s St. Augustine Ballroom will be the liveliest place to be when the Murray Goff Connection Band performs high-energy music and popular songs from nearly every genre The Diamonds, Denim and Decades package is $319 per couple and includes one night accommodations at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort, admission to the party; a welcome libation; fantastic culinary fare at 12 different food stations, created by the resort’s Executive Chef Brett Smith; a champagne toast at midnight; and a late night snack buffet. Two-night packages start at $448. Tickets for just the Party are $75 per person, plus t & g. The Renaissance is located at I-95 Exit 323. For more information and reservations, call 904-940-8696, or visit www.WorldGolfRenaissance.com.    

Casino for a Cause: Ring in the New Year at Ponte Vedra Beach’s newest event facility, the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. A fun-filled evening will be had by all, starting with a cocktail reception from 8 to 9 p.m. Then, throughout the night there will be live entertainment by Orlando’s Top Jazz & Swing Band, heavy hors d’oeuvres, unlimited beer, wine and martinis, and a Champaign toast at midnight. Tickets are $125 and VIP tickets (which include unlimited full bar) are $175. The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall is located at 1050 S A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach. Proceeds from this exciting New Year event will benefit BEAM, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry. For more information, visit http://www.CasinosForACause.com.   

Seaside Celebration: Greet 2012 from the seaside Holiday Isle Oceanfront Resort in St. Augustine Beach. The Beach Garden Restaurant has a special New Year’s Eve menu from 5-8 p.m. and then the party begins! From 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. there’s entertainment by Kenyon Dye, light hors d’oeuvres from 9-11 p.m. and a Champagne toast at midnight - all for only $29.95 per couple. For reservations, call 904.471.2555. www.holidayisleoceanfront.com 

Fine Dining: Bid farewell to 2011 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve dinner at one of the fine restaurants on Florida’s Historic Coast. Explore the exquisite tastes of Italy or take advantage of the Surf & Turf (Lobster and Filet Mignon) dinner at Amici’s, 1915 A1A South in St. Augustine. The Surf & Turf special is only $29.. Call 904.461.0102 or go to www.amicistaugustine.com for more information. At the beach, Café Atlantico (647 A1A Beach Boulevard, St. Augustine)offers a special five-course New Year’s Eve dinner with an entrée choice of Catch of the Day over Mediterranean ratatouille and cream of plum tomatoes or Beef Wellington with a mushroom,-cognac reduction - all for $75 per person. For reservations, call 904.471.7332 or go to www.cafeatlantico.net . Get a taste of France when Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard shares the award-winning menu he presented in November at the James Beard House in New York City. This special New Year’s Eve treat begins with a mise en mouche and climaxes with a pear poached in Beaujolais Nouveau -- all for only $69 per person, plus tip and taxes. Bistro de Leon is located on St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion at 12 Cathedral Place/ Phone: 904.810.2100 or www.bistrodeleon.com For more continental cuisine, enjoy fine dining with a Russian flair a Sara’s Crepe Café. From 10 p.m. until 3 a.m., enjoy a three-course pre-fix menu featuring appetizers like blini with caviar, fried potato with mushrooms, and shrimp cocktail followed by entrees including prime rib, Cornish hens in garlic sauce and pasta with fresh basil oil sauce. For the perfect conclusion, there’s dessert and champagne. The dinner package is $75. Plus, there is live entertainment throughout the evening! Sara’s Crepe Café is located at 100 St. George Street, Suite F in St. Augustine. Call 904.810.5800 or go to www.sarascrepecafe.com . And for the golf fan, there’s nothing more memorable than New Year’s Eve dinner at the beautiful TPC Sawgrass. From 5-9 p.m. enjoy a delicious a la carte dinner and live music in an unmatched setting. For details and reservations, call 904.453.5105   

Wine, Food and Carriages Too: Explore the Oldest City’s culinary, wine and beer heritage on a series of New Year’s Eve walking and carriage tours. Taste the best St. Augustine has to offer on the three-hour Vittles and Vino Carriage Tour. Sample wines and food at one-of-a-kind specialty shops and eateries with transportation provided by a horse-drawn carriage. Tours are priced at $99 per person and depart at 2 p.m. Nights of Lights Wine and Carriage Tours take you on a tour of the spectacular Night of Lights aboard a horse-drawn carriage while indulging in delicious Spanish boutique wines. These one-hour tours are available for $45 per person and depart at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. (Private tours can also be arranged.) Departing at 5 p.m., the Barley and Hops Beer Tours features a walking tour filled with fascinating facts about brewing as well as sampling of outstanding local brews. Tickets are $46 per person. Start the New Year’s Eve celebration at 4 p.m. with the Wine About Town tour - a 2.5 hour strolling tour featuring exclusive wine samplings gourmet cheese and fresh baked breads. Tickets are $56 each. For details, reservations and more information about these tours, call 904.325.3911 or visit www.thetastingtours.com  

Seagoing Celebration: Head out from Mayport aboard the Jacks or Better Casino Cruise and welcome the New Year at sea. Sumptuous buffet, wine & cheese, shrimp and sushi, champagne toast at midnight and much more! Book in advance at $60 single/$100 couple or at the door $75 single/$100 couple. For more information, go to http://jacksorbettercasino.com or call 877.605.6673 

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

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

Marineland Dolphin Adventure

On the National Register of Historic Places, Marineland recently underwent a renovation that turned it into one of the most beautiful and modern dolphin facilities in the world Now, the historic facility where the word "oceanarium" was invented, has become an affiliate of the incredible Georgia Aquarium. With a new name and new plans for further transformation and evolution, Marineland Dolphin Adventure offers an unmatched heritage in dolphin research and a place where guests can experience unhurried interactions with dolphins which will build important connections and a better understanding of marine mammals.

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.

There is always something to do in St. Augustine, Florida

There is always something to do in St. Augustine, Florida, regardlsess of a day of the week or a season of the year. Attractions are going on all the time.

Winter is best for walking the streets and shopping during the sunny, mild afternoons, checking out the abundant antique shops and book stores, searching for Christmas gifts. At night, it is easy enough to bear the brunt of our winter weather to enjoy the Nights of Lights celebration around town, with millions of white lights all over town from November through February. With a slight chill in the air, retreating indoors for a delicious meal at any of our dozens of restaurants is then a good bet. Hot chocolate is also available at many cozy, beautiful cafés in the historic district.

In the spring, it quickly warms up enough for golf, tennis, and other sports, and the sightseeing trains begin to fill with short-sleeved visitors. Spring breaks are the best times to plan family trips to the famous historic sites of St. Augustine. Springtime is also a very popular time to hold weddings in the Old City, with the orange blossoms and azaleas around town all in bloom.

In the summer, you can’t pass up a trip to one of our many gorgeous area beaches. Parasailing and other water sports are available that turn your vacation into a memory that lasts a lifetime. Summer evenings are also wonderful for walks down St. George Street and strolls into the many exciting clubs and pubs in the area.

When the weather cools in the fall, and the sun begins to set a little earlier, it is the ideal time for one of the many ghost tours in St. Augustine. The cooler weather is also perfect for a cozy carriage ride, where you can bundle up with a blanket and enjoy hearing the history of the town first-hand.

Clearly, there is always something going on. Festivals of all kinds occur throughout the year. Just make sure to take the time to select the exact accommodations to put the icing on the cake of your trip to beautiful St. Augustine, Florida. The options are endless for a vacation to St. Augustine during any season and odds are that each season will have you experiencing the town anew.

Ke'e Grill in St. Augustine

The Ke'e Grill is located at 14020 US Hwy 1, Juno Beach Florida, 33408 (at Donald Ross Rd).

How do you know that it is an excellent restaurant? It is always crowded. :)