St Augustine
There is so much to say about St. Augustine that it cannot be categorized but it is the oldest city in the United States. It has such history steeped in its traditions and the city proudly displays them to all vacationers. Even before the colonists settled in Jamestown, Virginia, approximately 42 years before, St. Augustine was founded making it the oldest settlement in North America. It is truly an awe-inspiring adventure to tour the city seeing the forts, the old Spanish shipwrecks, museums with a Renaissance flare housing some of the old costumes, furnishings and artifacts giving you insight into how this country came about.
In the 1600's, St. Augustine was torn down and built up several times. Between the wars between Spain and England fighting for this territory, the yellow fever which struck down many of the inhabitants and the Seminole Indians, it was felt St. Augustine would never be a town that was inhabited long-term. Finally in the 1880's with the presence of Henry Flagler, financier who felt it would be a beautiful winter resort, and Henry Rockefeller, the city was brought up to become one of the most beautiful old cities in the nation. Flagler built some of the most beautiful hotels and buildings, which are preserved to this day. As you tour the city, it is so deep in old tradition and beautify it is an exciting feeling, knowing you are in the midst of such history. There are many features from the old European settlement, with the city being home of the oldest house in the United States, still standing in St. Augustine.
View Larger Map
You can be escorted around the city on some of the small railroads or the trolleys. The tour guides give you a humorous and historical glimpse of the city. As you travel down the streets you can enjoy the sites without even getting out of your seat and be embellished of things past that transpired in St. Augustine.
St. Augustine also houses Ripley's Believe It or Not museum with Ripley's collection of bizarre artifacts, recording feats of some of the most unique events and people.
Wonderful culinary events can be had in St. Augustine restaurants during your Florida vacation. It is a coastal town and has some of the best seafood. There are great pubs, gourmet dining, waterfront restaurants to enjoy your evening out.
If you do not choose to dine out all the time and desire a more homey effect, why not rent a vacation rental home where you can have an ocean view or accessibility to the beach. There are some beautiful condos which are pure perfection. You can have a varied choice in this charming city with character of condos and homes to enjoy yourself. Then hop on the little red trolley and enjoy North America's oldest city in the style that it was meant to be viewed in!