As you start planning your fall and winter getaways, St. Augustine, Florida should be at the top of your list. And with celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing you’ll be surprised to learn of how this destination embraces so much of our culture, traditions and history; making it the perfect place to celebrate this meaningful month. With nearly 500 years of history, including a significant rule by Spain, St. Augustine is filled with sites and attractions that entertain, fascinate, and educate all.

As a destination St. Augustine has everything needed to make it the perfect escape: beautiful beaches, superior cuisine, accommodations ranging from basic hotel rooms to luxury resorts, unique attractions, and best of all historic sites that tie into our Latin and Spanish heritage.

We spent a few days discovering this gem and now bring you some of the must-see experiences for your next vacation.

GETTING THERE

By Air
Traveling to St. Augustine is simple. The Jacksonville International Airport or Daytona Beach International Airport are only a 50 minute drive, or fly into Orlando International and you’ll have a 90 minute drive. With most major airlines offering non-stop air service it’s an easy and convenient destination. For the best flight option from your nearest airport check here.

By Car
If you’ll be driving North or South just take Interstate 95. Or US Highway 1 and scenic Florida Highway A1A. Traveling West via Interstate 10 while Interstate 4 and Interstate 75 connect to Central and Southwest Florida

By Train
Amtrak offers two options to the nearby cities of Jacksonville, Fl. (60 minutes away) or Palatka, FL (45 minutes away).

OVERVIEW

To get an overall sense of the destination and visit most of the attractions below, make sure to get your TourPass. This will provide discounts, complimentary admissions, and avoid the need to wait on lines to more than 20 attractions and tours.

Passing Flagler College via Old Town Trolley

With this pass you can also get a quick overview of St. Augustine by land or water.
If by land there’s the Old Town Trolley with sightseeing tours highlighting the best of the city. Enjoy a hundred points of interest and 22 stops, including free admission to the St. Augustine History Museum, complimentary hotel shuttle service, and use of the Beach Bus to St. Augustine Beach.

If by sea try the Sunset Boat Tour for picture perfect scenery of the city from a different perspective. This tour cruises around the Matanzas River and Inlet while enjoying views of the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos.

ATTRACTIONS

St. Augustine has something for everyone. If you seek nature you’ll find it at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and the Fountain of Youth. If it’s history and architecture that excites you visit Castillo de San Marcos and the Lightner Museum. The mandatory superior dining, golfing and nightlife is here. As is boating, cruising, fishing, and water sports. Or just watch it all front row as you relax on tranquil pristine, and uncrowded beaches.

Let’s go over what makes this destination unique. If you’re looking Stateside for the classic architecture influence native to Spain and found in Latin America, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic, St. Augustine is your answer. This is the oldest continuously occupied European Settlement in the continental United States where you’ll find structures still standing after 300 years.

The Castillo San Marcos will bring memories of the famous El Morro in Puerto Rico.
This is a national monument, the oldest masonry Fort in the United States and the only standing 17th century military construction, standing since 1695.

The fort sits on a 20.5 acre national park where you can step inside the fort, hear cannons fly, and attend live reenactments.

Fort Matanzas sits on the Intracoastal Waterway south of St. Augustine and was built by Spanish soldiers to protect from the British sailing through Matanzas Bay to invade. The site has grown to a park of almost 300 acres and features walking trails, picnic areas, small tidal beaches and the Fort. A complimentary ferry will take you there.

The two-acre Colonial Quarter offers an immersive look at four separate eras of the town’s history: 16th Century First City, 17th Century Spanish Fortified Town, 18th Century British 14th Colony, and 18th Century Spanish Garrison Town.

Take an interactive journey through each period with living history demonstrations and hands-on activities, themed exhibits, and period restaurants. The Colonial Experience offers guided tours.

Another must see area is King Street and it’s stunning landmarks. This historic district has the plaza of the Lightner Museum, across from Flagler College. King Street separates these two symbols of Spanish Renaissance architecture, both built by Standard Oil Magnate Henry Flagler as luxury hotels in the Gilded Age.

Flagler College
Built as the Hotel Ponce de Leon in 1888, the building was considered one of the most exclusive resorts of its day.

Explore the buildings and view 79 windows of Tiffany glass, hand-laid tiles, carved wood, gold-laced frescoes, and soaring ceilings.

The Lightner Museum
Originally built as the Alcazar Hotel by Henry Flagler, this hotel offered many recreation options for guests including a bowling alley, sauna, grand ballroom, and the largest indoor swimming pool of its time. Now it’s home to an extensive collection of Gilded Age artifacts including fine and decorative art, Tiffany glass, musical instruments, and rare oddities. It has stunning grounds, and is a perfect setting for standout photos – and events.

Villa Zorayda Museum
Also located on King Street, this former grand Gilded Age home was built in 1883. The building is a 1/10th scale reproduction of a portion of the Alhambra Palace in Granada and today houses a collection of art and antiques.

As you continue walking you’ll find the Memorial Presbyterian Church, built in 1889 and dedicated in March 1890. It now stands as a monument to Flagler’s own faith and vision. Church services are held weekly throughout the year with Sunday school as well.

We’re sure you’ve heard the legend of Ponce De Leon and his search for the Fountain of Youth. You’ll be happy to know it’s well preserved in St. Augustine. The park is home to a Discovery Globe, Planetarium, Timucua Indian Exhibit, Spanish cannons, and Native Christian Burial Ground Exhibit.
At the Fountain of Youth the first thing to do is take a drink of water from the legendary spring. The Taino Indian legend tells of a spring that was said to exist on the island of Bimini and a river, in what became known as Florida that would restore youth to those who bathed in their waters.

There’s a lot to see and do on the park’s scenic 15-acre waterfront grounds. Experience a Spanish cannon that is fired regularly, wander along a 600-foot-long observation platform over the marshes, and enjoy the wildlife with friendly peacocks and native birds all around.

Near the Ponce De Leon Fountain of Youth you’ll find the Mission of Nombre de Dios/Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche.
And two blocks north of the park is the St. Augustine Old Jail, included on the National Register of Historic Places and open to visitors as the Old Jail Museum.

World Golf Village Golf Resort 
St. Augustine is an ideal golf destination and the World Golf Village Resort is an award-winning championship course designed to offer both enjoyment and challenge in a picturesque resort setting. The King & Bear and Slammer & Squire are its two unique courses. Tee off on the beautifully conditioned courses with game-challenging landscapes, and savor chef-inspired dishes and hand-crafted cocktails at the clubhouses.
The site also hosts major events, including the St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival.  This Festival continues to showcase St. Augustine as foodie hub. Add the event to your 2024 plans for spring.

DINING

For a  unique waterfront dining experience, the Conch House Restaurant has it all.
Sit down under a palm tree on the outside deck or dine in one of their unique grass huts over the water. They specialize in seafood and Caribbean-style cooking, also offering steaks, chicken dishes, and salads.

Infusing bold, Mediterranean flavors with Spanish tapas-style dining,Costa Brava features an enticing menu, as well as an impressive collection of premium wines. The Casa Monica’s on-site restaurant serves refreshing dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

De Leon Latin Cocina, located inside the Ponce St. Augustine Hotel on US 1, serves Latin, Colombia, Spanish, and South American dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy authentic Latin American cuisine and South American classics ranging from arepas and tostones to yucca and plantains.

For upscale dining, choose Michael’s.
The food is too notch and on any given night you’ll find Michael himself orchestrating a superior culinary symphony of diverse flavors.

 Michael’s has received numerous honors and accolades, including Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 11 years in a row for their superior wine list. Chef Michael himself has been recognized as Best Chef of St. Augustine from several of the city’s publications.

Palm Valley Fish Camp is the result of a vision to create a restaurant with a neighborhood feel, the freshest seafood, panoramic views, and old favorite entrees with creative, new twists.

At San Sebastian Winery you’ll find ‘The Cellar Upstairs,’ a Wine Bar and Restaurant offering 360 degree views, live music, and casual food ranging from meat and cheese platters, salads, sandwiches and wings.

The Winery has complimentary tours and wine tasting seven days a week. And if you’re looking for holiday gifts, their extensive gourmet gift shop offers all of San Sebastian’s wines and wine accessories, gourmet food products and customized gift baskets.

In the Colonial Quarter be sure to explore Taberna del Caballo for tapas, flatbreads, sangria and more in an intimate candlelit restaurant that takes you back to olden times.

And you can also pop into Bull & Crown Publick House for a drink and dinner, either in the atmospheric pub or on the open air deck.

MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about St. Augustine visit www.floridashistoriccoast.com and follow on Instagram @FloridaHistoricCoast and
on Facebook.com/St. Augustine