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.
Restored to its 1888 glory, and registered in the Historic Hotels of America, this Moorish castle-like landmark is a very special place to stay. With authentic period features and decor, you really will feel like you have taken a step back into yesteryear.
Location, location, location is what this hotel is all about. It's right on the beach; in fact the only thing separating you from it, is the pool. Why don't you relax on a lounger, order a cocktail from Crabbie's tiki bar and listen to the waves lapping on the shore?...
It's quite a new hotel, but you wouldn't know it! Built in early 2005, it has a period design mixed with contemporary comforts. The lobby, with its stone fountain, recalls the days of Spanish Florida that you will be glimpsing elsewhere in this historic town. You are right in the historic area, just over the road from the bay.
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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.