Found by Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565, St Augustine boasts a fair share of exquisite Spanish architecture as well as lovely historic streets and jaw-dropping views from the bay. The city, located in northern Florida, is buzzing with old, charming buildings, quaint little shops and small art galleries. Lovely spots can be found on every corner, so put on your most comfy pumps and roam the town. Only half an hour’s drive from St Augustine is the jazzy Jacksonville where you can enjoy many music festivals and world-renowned Jackson Beaches.
St Augustine is an ideal destination for love birds and newlyweds, so singletons do beware of extreme green-eye syndrome. The city oozes a lovey-dovey romantic feel with charming winding cobbled streets and historic houses. Those into history and the charms of the Old World will definitely find the town truly amazing. Some locals around the Colonial Spanish Quarter are still in their corseted Victorian-inspired dresses and big hats as if they’ve forgotten to change their calendar.
Not only is St Augustine a heaven for loved-up couples and those wishing to hop on a time machine to the old days, but the city will also blow your children’s minds with its many child-friendly drawcards. Interesting museums, zoos and many other fun spots dot the city, ready to sneakily educate your little ones. Don’t miss the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, featuring an original school bell. Spanish Bakery is a favorite among tourists, boasting Spanish-styled cookies made from heirloom recipes. Night of Lights Festival fills the city with countless little white lights from November to December.
Highlights
Colonial Spanish Quarter: an interesting area to educate your kids, this attraction is home to blacksmiths, candlestick makers, and men working on their fishing nets.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument: is a Coquina limestone fort built in the late 1600s, with many interesting displays on history.
Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse: if you are into old-school, you will be into this! The oldest school in the country is here in St Augustine’s old town. Walk around to explore writing slates, a school bell and old tables.
St Augustine Lighthouse and Museum: have a little workout walking up 219 steps of this fascinating museum to observe the story of the tower and exhibits on working at the light station.
Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth: is a remarkable archeological park with an array of animals and a planetarium. Don’t forget to take a sip from the renowned Fountain of the Youth and feel the youthful spirit shooting up your body.
St Augustine Alligator Farm: make a trip to this amazing farm where you can see live animal shows featuring alligators, monkeys, snakes and other reptiles.