Known as 'America's Oldest City', St Augustine is the perfect choice for those wanting to combine history and culture with the fun and thrills of Orlando, barely 2 hours' drive away.
In a nutshell
It's also great for exploring nearby Brevard Country, Cape Canaveral and Daytona Beach. But before you do, there's plenty on your doorstep to fascinate you. Founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez, St Augustine is a fascinating mix of the ancient and modern, combining some of the oldest and grandest buildings in America with beautiful beaches, water sports galore and an eclectic range of attractions for all the family. In a nation that celebrates the new, it provides a complete contrast to the rest of Florida, becoming something of a national shrine, despite the march of progress.
Getting there
Flight Details - You fly direct non-stop to Orlando international airport from Gatwick, Manchester or Glasgow with award-winning Virgin Atlantic. Easily the best way to get here!
Flight Time - Approx 9 hours
Time Difference - GMT -5 hours
Distance - Approx 115 miles from Orlando international airport.
Driving Times - Approx 2-hour drive from airport.
Handy stuff
Did you Know?
- More than 2 million tiny white lights are used to light up St Augustine during the annual Nights of Light festival, which takes place in Nov.
- After his famous 'Believe It Or Not' cartoon took off, Robert Ripley became an avid world traveller, seeking stories of bizarre and unusual proportions, and his first ever museum can be found in St Augustine.
- St Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, founded on 27 Mar 1513.
- Aerial view tours of St Augustine and the beaches are available to book locally.
Additional info
Heritage and Culture
Fort Matanzas still guards the city like a huge medieval castle. There are also glorious churches with exotic arches, Byzantine spires and Mediterranean bell towers. Take to the cobbled streets in a horse and cart for a tour of the US's oldest buildings. Other attractions include a contemporary theatre, opera, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, and a chocolate factory.
Historical Museums
Don't miss a trip to the living museum of the Colonial Spanish Quarter, where working tradesmen recreate the lives of the city's 18th-century inhabitants. The Lightner Museum displays one man's collection of turn-of-the-century art treasures and the hands-on Old Florida Museum is sure to fascinate both children and adults alike.
Out and About Sightseeing
The Old Town Trolley stops close to all attractions and lets you hop off and on as many times as you like. There are horse-drawn carriage rides through the historical area and custom-built hearse rides around St Augustine's haunted sites, plus every month there are also guided art walks. For money-saving coupons and FREE area maps, stop by the visitor information centre.
Ultimate Golf
Heading northwards on the historic A1A scenic route, you'll encounter Ponte Vedra Beach Inn & Club, one of Florida's finest golf resorts since 1928. In St Augustine itself, World Golf Village is perhaps the ultimate destination for enthusiasts and home to the World Golf Hall of Fame, 2 championship courses, a PGA Tour Golf Academy and Renaissance Resort.
Shopping for Old and New
Check out the antique shops on San Marco Avenue or at the Lightner Museum Antique Mall. St George's Street offers pedestrian-only shopping with goods including handcrafted gifts, blown glass, arts and crafts, and shoes. For bargains, head to St Augustine Premium Outlets on the edge of town for well-known stores selling brand names at discount prices.
Families and Beaches
There are 43 miles of pristine beaches to enjoy with water sports galore. St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is the state's oldest and a fun place for all the family. Also climb the 219 steps to the top of St Augustine Lighthouse and visit its museum or have a picnic in the park nearby. Fort ruins and putt-putt golf centres will also intrigue, as will Anastasia State Park.