Planning a Visit to St. Augustine? Know All About the Oldest City in the U.S!
The longest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States is St. Augustine, also known as the “Nation’s Oldest City.
King Philip II of Spain dispatched Menendez to the New World with the goal of establishing strong Spanish towns along the coast and driving the French out of Florida. He established St. Augustine as his headquarters.
The first Thanksgiving was actually a feast in St. Augustine, according to various historians. Spanish colonists ate a dinner of alligator, shellfish, tortoise, and wild turkey with residents of the Timucua tribe in Florida some fifty years before they met the pilgrims breaking bread with the Wampanoags at Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Traveling to St. Augustine will expose you to over four centuries of history that is heavily influenced by the Spanish, Greeks, English, African Americans, and Native Americans.
The following are only some of the highlights that the city has to offer.
1. Rich History
Whether or not you are a history buff, you will be definitely intrigued by this place with an interesting background! The first European adventurer to set foot on the continent is said to have landed in the city of St. Augustine. More specifically, the first person to cruise the Florida coast was the Spanish explorer Ponce de León, who also gave the peninsula the moniker “La Florida.”
The oldest city in the United States is St. Augustine, which was established in 1565 by Pedro Menéndez de Avilé for the Spanish crown. This Spanish colony was frequently invaded over the years, particularly by the British. After Florida was purchased from Spain by the Americans in 1819, St. Augustine served as the state capital for a few years until Tallahassee replaced it in 1824. When you visit this place, you will see the reflection of every colony that has ever lived in St. Augustine.
St. Augustine is a wonderful destination because of its old-world beauty and cobblestone streets. You’ll feel as though you’ve traveled back in time when you stroll through these tiny streets! Flagler College is the first cast-in-place concrete building in the United States and a superb example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. St. George Street also has a lot of charming stores and eateries to check out.
2. Home of the Beaches
The beaches in St. Augustine are among the greatest in the state, whether you want to swim, surf, sunbathe, or just take a long stroll. The St. Augustine region provides tourists with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Matanzas and Tolomato rivers, and white sand beaches and dunes. Some of the most stunning beaches in the area are Anastasia State Park, Vilano Beach, and the very own St. Augustine Beach.
3. World of Culinary Delights
The colonial quarter of St. Augustine has bars and restaurants that serve both classic and contemporary cuisine to satisfy every palate. The following is a list of some of St. Augustine’s top eateries and bars:
- Green Turtle Kava Bar: With a twist to regular bars, the Green Turtle bar offers unique healthy drinks like kava that are to die for. It is the ideal spot for non-alcoholics looking to have a good time in a bar.
- The Floridian: This well-liked restaurant offers Southern-style fare for lunch or evening.
- Columbia Restaurant: Constructed when the hotel was first established in 1905, this famous restaurant serves the best Spanish food.
- St. George Restaurant: With stunning views of the harbor and local specialties, this charming restaurant serves fresh fish.
- Prohibition Kitchen: This speakeasy is set in the era of prohibition and serves traditional American fare and handcrafted beverages.
- Burrito Works Taco Shop: Due to its popularity, there is typically a line at this Mexican taco restaurant, which is excellent for a quick dinner.
4. Haven of Art and Culture
St. Augustine is regarded as a center of American art and culture because of the many museums and galleries that can be found there. Among the top art galleries are the Lightner Museum, Flagler College Art Museum, and St. Augustine Art Association.
5. Photogenic Locations
St. Augustine is the best site in Florida to shoot pictures! You don’t want to miss your opportunity, so bring your camera, smartphone, or iPad! There are many photo ops in the area, whether you’re photographing Flagler College or the blazing sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Also worth seeing is Magnolia Avenue, which is close to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and is one of the most photographed streets in the United States. The arching curve of the oak trees coated with Spanish moss is what makes this lovely roadway so well-known. Driving or walking through it will be an unforgettable experience that will make you feel as though you are passing through a tunnel of lush foliage.
6. Great Nightlife
St. Augustine has everything you could possibly want in terms of fun! This little city can accommodate a wide range of nightlife fans with its abundance of cocktail bars, pubs, and live music venues.
Some of the top destinations in St. Augustine for nightlife are as follows:
- Kava Bar: Enjoy the Kava, Herbal tea and much more at the famous Green Turtle Kava bar.
- Tini Martini Bar: Savor delectable martinis and mixed drinks at this bar while taking in live music.
- Stogies Jazz Club & Listening: Live music is best enjoyed in the laid-back setting of this jazz and blues club.
- No Name pub: This pub offers a terrace with a view of the Castillo de San Marcos where you may unwind with a beer.
- Trade Winds Lounge: A classic venue for live music in a vintage setting, this tavern has long been a favorite with sailors.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Florida soon, do think about including a trip to the quaint and ancient town of St. Augustine on your schedule! The mystical extension of Spain in Florida, St. Augustine’s Spanish architecture, winding cobblestone alleyways, and hanging balconies will take you to another world! Don’t forget to visit the famous Green Turtle Kava Bar for a new experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I travel to Florida's St. Augustine?
St. Augustine is a fantastic weekend retreat or day vacation destination because it’s conveniently accessible by car and airplane. Jacksonville, which is about an hour away, and Orlando, which is about two hours away, are the two main airports close to St. Augustine.
It’s a simple day drive from other popular tourist destinations like Cape Canaveral, Daytona, Kissimmee, and Melbourne if you’re already in Florida.
What is the city of St. Augustine famous for?
For over four centuries, Augustine has been able to captivate and amuse tourists. The Nation’s longest continuously inhabited European-established community in the continental United States has more to offer than just quaint streets lined with brick, historic sites, and immaculate beaches. It’s the perfect blend of modern and historic.
Which is the oldest street in St. Augustine?
St. Augustine’s Aviles Street is a hidden treasure that skillfully combines culture, art, and history. Aviles Street, the country’s oldest street, welcomes guests to meander through the era while taking in the lively ambiance of contemporary St. Augustine.