St. Augustine, Florida was founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain. This charming coastal city on the northeastern coast of Florida has the distinction of being the longest continually inhabited European-founded city in our nation.\u00a0 With over 450 years of history and year-round mild climate, visitors of all ages will enjoy walking around and exploring this quaint town.\u00a0 Take a stroll along quiet cobblestone streets lined with centuries old buildings and Spanish architecture.\u00a0 There\u2019s a fine selection of restaurants, world-class art galleries and unique stores. \u00a0Pick a place along 43 miles of beach and spend a day soaking up the sun.\u00a0 Play a round of golf or plan a fishing charter.\u00a0 Sign up for a spooky paranormal tour or get a sense of the old days by riding around town in a horse-drawn carriage.\u00a0 \u00a0History buffs are sure to enjoy all of the significant landmarks and historical attractions in the area. This Spanish-style coastal town is the perfect place for families looking for a fun and relaxing vacation or couples seeking a romantic getaway.\u00a0 St. Augustine is located 45 minutes south of Jacksonville, one hour from Daytona Beach and two hours from Orlando and Cape Canaveral.<\/p>\n
While in St. Augustine, here are a few suggestions of how to spend your time:<\/p>\n
Castillo de San Marcos<\/strong> \u2013 One of the most popular attractions in the city. this fortress was completed by the Spanish in 1695. Practically indestructible, this fort was made entirely from sea shells and coral and able to withstand the elements and military assaults over the centuries.<\/p>\n Fort Matanzas<\/strong> \u2013 A masonry watchtower built by the Spanish in 1742 to keep watch over St. Augustine from advancing enemies from the south by way of the Matanzas River.<\/p>\n Lightner Museum<\/strong> \u2013 Mummies and shrunken heads can be found in this unique museum, in addition to attractive stained glass and crystal antiques.<\/p>\n St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum<\/strong> \u2013 You\u2019ll discover the largest collection of authentic exhibits and pirate artifacts including shipwreck treasures and two Jolly Roger flags.<\/p>\n Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park<\/strong> \u2013 this is considered Florida\u2019s oldest tourist attraction where guests can drink water from Ponce de Leon\u2019s Spring of Eternal Hope.\u00a0 This is also the site of America\u2019s first colony, settled in 1565.<\/p>\n Flagler College<\/strong> \u2013 Visit Henry Flagler\u2019s former St. Augustine residence which was transformed into a beautiful college campus.\u00a0 Well-preserved,\u00a0 impressive architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds\u00a0 just steps away from all the action of downtown.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Consider Festiva\u2019s Ocean Gate Resort<\/strong> as your home base accommodations for your next St. Augustine vacation. This timeshare resort has 1 and 2 bedroom units with a Jacuzzi tub in the master suite and luxurious accommodations for the ultimate in comfort.\u00a0 Guests will enjoy their own private beach access, three swimming pools, BBQ\u2019s, clubhouse, fitness center, sun deck and tennis courts. Close to all that this historic seaside town has to offer yet with ample privacy for an enjoyable and rewarding getaway.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n — \u00a0contributed by Chris Golden<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" St. Augustine, Florida was founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain. This charming coastal city on the northeastern coast of Florida has the distinction of being the longest continually inhabited European-founded city in our nation.\u00a0 With over 450 years of history and year-round mild climate, visitors of all ages will enjoy […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6890,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6889","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n