Yasmin Davis of Miami loves St. Augustine, Florida—the city of St. Augustine, Florida, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement within the current borders of the United States. Founded by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés on August 28, 1565, St. Augustine served as the capital of Spanish Florida for over two centuries.
In the following article, Yasmin Davis from Miami relays some key points about St. Augustine and why it should be a tourism destination. St. Augustine is rich in history. The city played a crucial role in the early colonial history of the Americas. The settlement was established more than fifty years before the English founded Jamestown in Virginia and over forty years before the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. Hence, the city still bears significant traces of its Spanish heritage. The historic district features well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, including the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress made of coquina stone, which is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Additionally, the city has narrow streets, historic homes, and buildings that reflect its rich cultural and architectural history.
Beyond its Spanish roots, St. Augustine offers a variety of cultural landmarks. The city boasts various museums, including the Lightner Museum and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. The city is also home to Flagler College, a historic campus housed in a former grand hotel built by Henry Flagler, a prominent figure in Florida’s development. St. Augustine is a popular destination, attracting visitors who are interested in history, culture, and its charming character. Visitors can explore historic sites, enjoy the beaches, partake in various events, and experience the city’s unique blend of historical appeal and modern attractions. Furthermore, the city is also known for its religious sites. The Mission Nombre de Dios, where a shrine marks the location of the first Mass celebrated in what is now the United States, is a significant religious and historical landmark.
St. Augustine has a diverse and rich history that reflects the blending of different cultures and influences over the centuries, making it an integral part of Florida’s ancestry and cultural tapestry. St. Augustine, Florida, offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors due to its rich historical heritage, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty. Yasmin Davis of Miami recommends some popular things not to be missed while in St. Augustine.
Yasmin Davis of Miami notes visitors should wander through the historic district and soak in the city’s rich Spanish heritage. St. George Street is a “must” due to its charming shops, restaurants, and antique sites. Nearby, one can explore or take a guided tour of the Castillo de San Marcos, a historic Spanish fortress made of coquina stone, in order to learn about its history and enjoy scenic views of the bay. For a fantastic view of the city and to learn about the area’s maritime history visitors should head over to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Housed in the former Hotel Alcazar in downtown, showcasing artifacts from the Gilded Age, The Lightner Museum showcases eclectic collections from the 1870’s. The building itself is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. To further immerse yourself in the past, Yasmin Davis suggests you take a guided tour of Flagler College, known for its stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture and splendid history. Its dining hall is 3 ½ stories high and is surrounded by breath-taking Tiffany stained-glass windows which cast a magical glow on the surrounding hand-painted walls and ceilings.
Travelers should also explore Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the site where it’s believed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon landed. It is here where one can learn about the area’s history, archaeology, and the quest for the fountain of youth.
While in St. Augustine you ought to take a trolley tour for an overview of the city’s historic sites and attractions, allowing you to hop on and off at different points of interest. Don’t forget to visit the Old Jail, a historic jailhouse that offers tours where you can experience what life was like for prisoners in the late 19th century. You can also join a guided ghost tour to learn about the city’s spooky stories and legends. St. Augustine is known for its ghost tours due to its rich history and supposed haunted locations.
Yasmin Davis of Miami insists you explore the city from a different perspective by taking a boat tour, offering views of St. Augustine’s landmarks from the water. You can also enjoy the beautiful beaches nearby, like St. Augustine Beach or Anastasia State Park, offering opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports. Last but not least, be sure to indulge in the city’s diverse culinary scene, from local seafood to international cuisines, and enjoy dining in historic settings.
As you can see, St. Augustine’s unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty offers a variety of activities and attractions that cater to diverse interests, making it an exciting destination for visitors.
