Exploring America’s oldest city, St. Augustine Florida, is taking a step back in time and getting to know 500+ years of early American history.
In 2020, St Augustine Florida celebrated its 455th anniversary making it the oldest city in the United States. Situated along Florida’s historic coast, between Jacksonville to the north and Daytona Beach to the south, this city was settled by Spanish explorers in 1565. But many other cultures like Native American, French and British also made their home in this area. The city’s historic fort built in 1672 to protect the town and its Spanish merchant ships along with more than 60 historic sites serve as a beautiful reminder of a by-gone era full of old-world charm. From the oldest maritime port with a historic lighthouse to the oldest mission where the first holy mass was held in 1588, St Augustine is a mecca for a history buff. 
As we continue to rethink travel and exploration as a result of the global pandemic, a more meaningful travel adventure that enriches the mind, feeds the soul and brings a sense of calm among all the chaos of the world, seems like the perfect adventure. And for all of us who are looking for more meaningful travel, St. Augustine is a perfect place to explore. There is a special sense of adventure in this alluring seaside escape to learn about how the past 500 years shaped the present in so many ways – via food, culture, ecology, architecture and lifestyle.
Unique things to do in St Augustine
You can experience old world charm by visiting some of the many historic attractions in St. Augustine.
#1 St Augustine Lighthouse Museum
At the nation’s oldest maritime port, St. Augustine Lighthouse stands watch over much of the city with stunning 360deg views at the top of its 219 steps. St. Augustine’s lighthouse is one of the few lighthouses that visitors can ascend up and it is well worth the trip. The lighthouse museum attached to the lighthouse also is a must visit. The museum houses artifacts that speak to the maritime history of St Augustine as well as the lives of the lighthouse keepers throughout the years. 
Jay Smith, the office manager at the Lighthouse museum says, “The lighthouse, the museum and even the marine archaeology lab at the museum gives you an opportunity to take a walk back in time. As we look at the men and women at the lighthouse, you understand the role these keepers played not just in the history of the light station but also within the history of the city.”
#2 Lightner Museum
The Alcazar hotel was completed in 1888 and was the second grand hotel in St. Augustine built by railroad magnate Henry Flagler. At the height of its popularity and opulence, in the 1890s, thousands of guests stayed at the hotel. The hotel routinely hosted grand partiers, charity balls and local celebrations. But as the years rolled by and people started exploring other options for vacations, the Alcazar witnessed an ongoing decline in visitation. Following the great depression, the Alcazar closed its doors in 1931.
It was then purchased in 1947 by Otto Lightner, who transformed the Alcazar into the Lightner Museum to house a collection of gilded age artifacts including fine and decorative art, Tiffany glass and musical instruments. Today the museum is a must visit to get a glimpse of America’s golden age.
#3 Castillo de San Marcos
The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental US. It was built by the Spanish to protect and defend the Spanish claim to the city in 1672. The fort is a National Monument and, at over 315 years old, it’s the oldest structure in St. Augustine. There are plenty of things to do at the fort and most of the ranger led programs are free to the public. The fort also served as a prison during the revolutionary war. The fort is open to the public year-round except for Thanksgiving and Christmas and a visitor’s pass can be purchased online.
#4 Cathedral Basilica
The Cathedral Basilica is a Spanish colonial renaissance cathedral was built in 1797 and later reconstructed in the late 1880s. It symbolizes the nation’s oldest diocese.
#5 Paranormal and Ghost tours
With a city that has around 455 years of history, there are bound to be many different kinds of adventures and a paranormal tour or ghost tour is just the right way to experience the darker side of St. Augustine. Now, doesn’t that sound like fun? From a tour of the many graveyards, to a tour of the old schoolhouse and even the old jail, there are many options for a ‘Frightseeing tour’ in St. Augustine. You will hear stories of spirits encountered, tales of murder and might even see some ghostly apparitions on these tours, so be prepared.
With so much history and architecture in St. Augustine, there is something to do for every kind of traveler. And so much of its history is also reflected in its culinary footprint. From rustic hook and cook adventures to an elegant eatery located in a former historic indoor swimming pool at the Lightner Museum, the largest in the world at its time, St Augustine is definitely an epic culinary adventure.
Places to eat in St. Augustine Florida
#1 The Floridian
The Floridian serves innovative and traditional southern flair that is regionally inspired and fresh from the source. The dishes are a synthesis of southern comfort foods as well as lighter, healthier, vibrant and creative dishes. Everything on the menu is excellent and they have many vegetarian and vegan options as well.
#2 Hook And Cook Adventures
Conch House Marina and Resort offers many hook-and-cook adventures for those who want to be a little bit more hands-on about their food. Try your hand at inland fishing on several small inland fishing boats for a day out on the water. This experience is a great way to enjoy St Augustine waters and great weather. Plus, the chef Kyle Robinson at Conch House Marina will cook your catch for a truly unforgettable experience. He is always ready to stop by your table and chat with you about your adventures in the water and along old St. Augustine.
#3 Food Tours
For a more well-rounded culinary adventure on land, try a food tour via one of the many food tour operators in St. Augustine. The Tasting Tour is an award winning, woman owned and operated food tour company with a local-neighborhood foodie tour and culinary adventure. They are open 7 days a week and can accommodate groups of any size – small intimate setting to large 100 guest groups. Laura Morey, a tour host with the company says, “This is the perfect way to see all the culinary culture in St. Augustine. From Spanish to Greek to American and everything in between, we partner with some of the best in the city to provide an unforgettable experience.”
St Augustine Florida is part of Florida’s historic coastline where so many interesting and wonderful stories are just waiting to be excavated from its maritime history. The area is famous for shipwrecks dating back to 1500s and each discovery brings with it the opportunity to know more about the country’s early history.
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