The oldest extant Spanish fortification in the United States, this bulwark stands as a remnant of the European colonization of America. The Castillo de San Marcos dates back to 1672 and is a fine example of military architecture built in defense of the Spanish crown. The fort's masonry is called coquina and for more than 200 years of battle, this limestone withstood countless strikes among European powers. The dearth of traditional materials in Florida forced the Spanish to use this porous, yet resilient material, to the dismay of their enemies who found the fort impossible to conquer in battle. It was declared a national monument in 1924 and today, San Marcos remains a fascinating place. At the visitor's center one can join a ranger program, see a live re-enactment or just walk around and explore the fortress, whatever the choice, the fort definitely merits the trip.
At this historic lighthouse, visitors can find out what it's like to be a light keeper when they climb the 200 odd steps to the top. Not only do guests see the well-maintained, functioning light, they also have a breathtaking, panoramic view of the surrounding St. Augustine area and beaches. The tour of the tower, the keeper's house and grounds are both guided and self-guided, however only the guided tours allow visitors a more in-depth, behind-the-scenes look. This 19th-century tower is one of only six lighthouses in Florida that is still open to the public.
This building which housed the Old St. Johns County Jail is an excellent example of Romanesque Revival architecture. It was built in 1891 by the same firm that created Alcatraz and during its use as a jail, it gained a reputation as one of the most violent places in Florida. The jail ceased to function in 1953 and since then it has become quite the tourist attraction due to the rumored ghosts that walk the halls. The tours are guided and after the visit, the jail is a good place to catch a ferry or train to other points of interest around St. Augustine.
St. George Street follows a historically old pathway that was once used by the Timucuan Indians before the first European colonists arrived. Over the last 400 years it was used by the Spanish, British and Americans as the main thoroughfare in which commerce commenced in the New World. Today, it is a pedestrian-only street that begins at the Castillo de San Marcos and meanders past Maria Sanchez Lake until it ends at South Street. Along the way, there are many sights, restaurants and the place where guests will find all of the city's kitschy, sometimes tacky souvenir shops.
Juan Ponce de Léon never did find the fabled "fountain of youth" which it was alleged he sought in 1513. In fact, some historians suspect that he actually sought Spanish loot. Nevertheless, the contingent of his compatriot, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés did land on this spot which has been converted into an archaeological park. Subsequent excavations have confirmed Avilés' expedition and even though he landed here, the park plays upon de Leon's name instead. Housing a cornucopia of colonial America circa 1565, this park is replete with ancient village replicas, canons and myriad archaeological figurines which lend insights into the life and times of the earliest Spanish settlers in America. The park has exhibits of both the Spanish arrival as well as those on indigenous peoples, most notably the Timucuan. The settlement as well as the replica burial grounds make the park a great place of learning and historical exploration, especially when the actors fire off the canons and archaic arquebuses.
Located near the historic downtown St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park is a scenic recreation area that is one of Florida's oldest state parks. The park's most iconic feature is its stunning beachfront, which stretches for miles along the Atlantic Ocean. It offers visitors natural beauty, ancient sand dunes, an abundance of wildlife, as well as activities that include swimming, fishing, and hiking on self-guided nature trails. There are many picnic pavilions, restrooms, and vending machines here, making it the perfect destination for families and couples looking to spend a day outdoors.
Located within the Mount Royal Airpark on the banks of the St Johns River, Mount Royal is a Native American burial site believed to have been built between 1250 and 1500 CE. The site comprises numerous small and large mounds, and the findings were based on extensive excavations conducted in the mid-18th, late-19th and 20th Centuries.
The St. Mary's Episcopal Church is a historic church located in Green Cove Springs, Florida. This Carpenter Gothic style church was built in 1879, featuring wooden frame exteriors and a steeple, with the church looking even more picturesque by the waterside. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Fruit Cove Baptist Church is a local community church based in the city of Saint Johns. If you are a firm believer of Christianity, then attend the mass services organized every Sunday. They also organize community and cultural events for the people in the vicinity.
Set sail along St. Augustine's historic coastline on a true-to-life 19th-century blockade-runner. This charter company offers two excursions daily - a Day Sail and a Sunset Sail, both 120-minutes in duration. The Day Sail is ideal for families looking to spend a relaxing afternoon out on the water, while the Sunset Sail is perfect for couples. Beverages are included in the tariff. Sails start at USD40 for the day trip and USD50 for the evening sail. Visitors can soak in the sights from a new perspective and take in the coastline's natural beauty as you watch for dolphins and turtles. Timings vary by season, so do call ahead.
A house rich in culture and history, the Avero House which is also known as the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is definitely worth a visit. Built in 1749, this building acts as a shrine to the first Greek immigrants that came over to St. Augustine in Florida. The museum houses many artifacts, memorabilia and small treasures of those immigrants. A beautiful museum which reflects the hardships, struggles of those immigrants and preserves the Greek culture as well, this place should not be missed.
The oldest extant Spanish fortification in the United States, this bulwark stands as a remnant of the European colonization of America. The Castillo de San Marcos dates back to 1672 and is a fine example of military architecture built in defense of the Spanish crown. The fort's masonry is called coquina and for more than 200 years of battle, this limestone withstood countless strikes among European powers. The dearth of traditional materials in Florida forced the Spanish to use this porous, yet resilient material, to the dismay of their enemies who found the fort impossible to conquer in battle. It was declared a national monument in 1924 and today, San Marcos remains a fascinating place. At the visitor's center one can join a ranger program, see a live re-enactment or just walk around and explore the fortress, whatever the choice, the fort definitely merits the trip.