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Best Free Sites in St. Augustine

, 6 Options Found

Ponce de Léon and his naval contingent first set foot upon the shores of the swampy Matanzas River in 1513. Thereafter, various European nations tried in vain to establish a permanent colony along this beautiful, but rugged coastline. The settlement wasn't permanent until Spanish conquistador Pedro Menéndez de Avilés finally succeeded in 1565. Named after Augustine of Hippo, this 'ancient city' began its fledgling existence countering attacks by indigenous peoples as well as those against the British and French. The boundaries of the old city usually begin at the magnificent Castillo de San Marcos, however visitors can start from the Ponce de Léon Fountain of Youth Archaelogical Park for a more comprehensive tour. Some notable sights along the way include the Mission of Nombre de Dios, the aforementioned Castillo, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and lovely, historic Colonial Quarter along St. George Street.

Although Florida is not necessarily known for its wine, it was indeed the French who planted the first cépages (variety of vines) here on the state's northeast coast nearly 400 years ago. The vintners grow and process San Sebastian's grapes at the Lakeridge Winery in Clermont, near Orlando, but the final steps in production are carried out here. Visitors are welcome to tour the winery and sample the San Sebastian's dry, sweet and spicy wines made primarily out of the Muscadine varietal. The winery also has a small shop that sells wine and accessories to visitors.

Originally built as a watchtower to aid in the defence of St. Augustine from enemy ships, this well-preserved Spanish fort was named a national monument in 1924. Breathtaking beaches, sand dunes and abundant wildlife, including nesting sites for endangered sea turtles, surround the fort. A short nature trail allows you to tour the small island and guided tours take place often. The only way to reach the fort is by ferry. The monument also offers opportunities for birdwatching, picnicking, and experiencing the unique coastal ecosystem.

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.

Visit a bit of the old world at St. Augustine's historic St. George Street and Spanish Quarter Village. The entirety of St. George Street is a quaint pedestrian strip and it's closed to all motorized traffic. Most of the buildings are reproductions of homes and shops that visitors would have seen in St. Augustine centuries ago. Inside some of those buildings, shops and restaurants are available and a myriad of street performers provide the entertainment—you can meet with and talk to colonists and soldiers as they go about their tasks, mimicking daily life during the mid-18th Century.

The St. Augustine Welcome Center is located just up the road from the Old Spanish Quarter, and provides free parking if you arrive early enough in the day. Otherwise, the Center provides a wealth of information on attractions, tours, and the geography and history of the area. There are also numerous discounts to attractions available, so it may be best to book tickets here for any or all of the museums and parks you plan to visit during your stay. Finally, the Center is the home base for the Old Town Trolley, another of the tour trains that ferries tourists around to many of St Augustine's sights in comfort.

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