St. Augustine was founded in 1565 — 55 years before the Mayflower. It is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, and the weight of that history is physical: the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fort built from coquina (shell limestone quarried from nearby Anastasia Island), still stands complete at the bayfront. The old city is walkable, the streets are narrow and cobbled, and the light off the Matanzas River in the evening is one of the most beautiful things on the Florida coast.
What to do there
- 01
The Castillo de San Marcos at opening time — the 1695 star fort on the Matanzas River, one of the best-preserved colonial forts in North America. Rangers in period uniform fire the cannon at noon. Walk the gun deck, read the interpretive panels that tell the actual, complicated history of Spanish, British, and Native occupation. Arrive at 9am before the tour groups.
- 02
St. George Street on a Tuesday morning — the pedestrian main street of the historic district, lined with colonial-era buildings housing galleries, restaurants, and the occasional legitimate antique shop. Buy a bag of kettle corn from the street vendor who's been there for years and walk slowly.
- 03
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park — a genuine archaeological site (Timucua village, Spanish mission ruins, 1565 landing site) that also happens to include a spring that Ponce de León reportedly identified as restorative. The spring water tastes of sulfur and is actively unpleasant. The archaeology is genuinely interesting. The combination is worth the admission.
- 04
Anastasia State Park at dawn — 1,600 acres of barrier island beach, tidal marshes, and maritime hammock 5 minutes from the old city. The beach is wide, uncrowded, and backed by dunes. Launch a kayak into Salt Run Lagoon at low tide and watch the shorebirds work the flats.
- 05
The Lightner Museum in the former Alcazar Hotel — Henry Flagler's 1888 Spanish Renaissance hotel, converted into a museum of Gilded Age antiques, Victorian art glass, and mechanical music machines. The former indoor pool is now an antique marketplace. The café occupies the old casino. One of the most atmospheric buildings in Florida.
Best time to go
October through May — mild temperatures, low humidity, and the crowds are manageable. June through September is hot, humid, and peak tourist season; the city is still beautiful but loud. The Nights of Lights holiday display (November through January) illuminates the old city every evening and is genuinely spectacular.
Insider tip
The best meal in town is at The Floridian on St. George Street — Florida-sourced ingredients done simply and well, in a converted Victorian storefront. Go for Sunday brunch. The shrimp and grits is made with local creek shrimp and Anson Mills grits and has been on the menu since the restaurant opened.
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