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.
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.
Bridge of Lions is a double leaf bascule bridge spanning across the Intercoastal Waterway in St. Augustine, Florida. A pair of Medici lions placed on two sides at the entrance is said to guard the bridge. The bridge was built in the year 1927. After the original bridge broke down several times, renovation was done and the bridge is currently in use. It has landscaped palm trees and a newly-built dock extending into the bay which is open for public visits.
This historic edifice stands on the original cathedral established in America's very first Catholic parish sometime between 1565 and 1575. When the Spaniards first gained a foothold in what was then Timucuan country, they hastily constructed a church to which the British subsequently burned. The second and third incarnations befell similar fates until the present one was erected in the late 18th Century. The cathedral is open to the general public throughout the week in addition to Mass on Sunday.