History and culture radiate
from St. Augustine,
Florida, the
oldest permanent European settlement in the United
States. With deep historical roots, it is not surprising that there
are more than 85 historic sites and attractions located here. A visit to the
Spanish Quarter Village unveils many of the most famous historic attractions
in a concentrated area. While the colonial atmosphere of this city remains intact,
there are also many modern sites and amenities that add to its popularity as
a travel destination.
Located on the northern
Atlantic Coast of Florida, the 43 miles of sandy beaches attracted explorers
to this region centuries ago, and continue to draw in visitors today. The golfing
opportunities offered in and around St. Augustine are also enticing. Several
world-class golf
courses that accommodate varying levels of play are open to the public.
The cobblestone streets and hanging Spanish moss add to the city's romantic
atmosphere, making it also ideal for intimate getaways. No matter what reason
brings travelers to St. Augustine, it is certain to have something of interest
for everyone.
HISTORY
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CenturySpanish Flag |
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The Spanish explorer Pedro
Menendez de Aviles discovered St. Augustine in 1565, 55 years before the Pilgrims
allegedly landed in Plymouth,
Massachusetts
and 44 years before the English settled Jamestown
in Virginia.
Shortly after arriving, Menendez and his troops invaded the Timucuan village
of Seloy, where the native inhabitants lived, and renamed it St. Augustine.
After surviving two attacks
by the British, in 1586 and 1668, work was begun on building a stone fortress
that is now called Castillo de San Marcos. Construction of the fort began in
1672 and was completed in 1696. The Castillo saw two attacks before it was officially
dedicated in 1756.
In exchange for Havana,
Spain finally gave in to British pressure and signed Florida over to Great
Britain in 1763. England ruled the area for 20 years, including during
the American Revolution. Spanish rule returned to East Florida and St. Augustine
in 1783 for another 37 years under the Treaty of Paris.
The United States took possession
of Florida in 1821, after purchasing the land from the Spanish. A final, unsuccessful,
attempt was made by the area natives to regain control of the land during the
Seminole War in 1837. In 1845 Florida officially became the 27th state of the
Union.
Henry Flagler came to revolutionize
Florida and the southern United States in 1885 with the establishment of the
Florida East Coast Railroad, which eventually joined Palm
Beach, Miami
and other cities along the eastern coast. Flagler's interests also extended
to developing accommodations in St. Augustine. He built the Ponce de Leon and
Alcazar
hotels, and also purchased the Casa
Monica Hotel making it his own by renaming it the Hotel Cordova (the
original name has since been restored).
With the progression of
the railroad and the addition of several grand hotels, St. Augustine grew as
a popular tourist location. Today, visitors from all over the world come to
this historic city to learn about its past, enjoy its modern attractions and
take part in the host of available recreational activities.
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Golfing
- A St. Augustine Pastime |
CLIMATE
Because St. Augustine enjoys
pleasant weather year-round, it is of particular appeal for visitors looking
for a warm winter getaway. Much like the whole of Florida, temperatures are
moderate in St. Augustine, and always warmer in the summer months. From July
to September, the temperature averages between 70° F and 90° F (21° C and 32°
C). This is also the peak season for rainfall, with approximately 6 to 8 inches
(15 to 20 cm) of precipitation monthly. The remainder of the year is slightly
cooler, averaging around 50° F to 70° F (10° to 21° C), but these temperatures
are still generally conducive to visiting beaches, touring the city and partaking
in a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
TRANSPORTATION
Jacksonville
International Airport is the closest commercial airport to St. Augustine.
Several taxi and shuttle
services operate out of the airport offering transportation to St. Augustine.
With service to and from Jacksonville, the Greyhound
terminal is located in downtown St. Augustine within walking distance of many
city center attractions. Palatka
hosts the nearest Amtrak
station with connections to Tampa,
Miami and Orlando,
as well as other locations across America.
Within St. Augustine's city
center, the recommended way to get around and visit the historic attractions
is by foot. The city does not offer a public transportation service; however,
St.
Augustine Sightseeing Trains is a unique way to see the city. Visitors
can take a complete tour of the city, or board and re-board at their leisure
spending time at each attraction. Car
rental agencies, bicycle
rental shops and taxi
services are also available.
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
Historic Attractions
St. Augustine's most famed
feature is its historical presence. Attractions detailing the area's history
and lifestyles of past inhabitants are abundant.
The Spanish
Quarter Village is a living history museum that includes approximately
one city block of restored and restructured buildings. Its purpose is to inform
visitors about Spanish colonial life. Throughout the village are craftspeople
and residents reminiscent of the 18th century willing to answer questions about
the life and times of early St. Augustine. The village houses portray the daily
routines and responsibilities of their former inhabitants. Utensils used for
cooking and other household items are on display, as well as examples of children's
toys, woodworking tools, blacksmiths' hardware and more.
Nearby are the Spanish
Military Hospital Museum and the Government
House Museum. The Military Hospital Museum, a reconstruction of the
original military hospital (circa 1791), offers a glimpse into early medical
care and the supplies available for patient treatment. The Government House
Museum provides a detailed depiction of St. Augustine's history, particularly
with respect to culture, economy, architecture and archaeology. The information
is presented through a series of chronological exhibits.
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Drawbridge
at Castillo de San Marcos
Photo Courtesy of National Park Service
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The Castillo
de San Marcos National Monument is a compelling historical attraction
in St. Augustine that must be visited. It dates back to 1672 when the Spanish
began construction, making it the oldest masonry fort in the United States.
The Castillo has played an important role in St. Augustine's military past and
the establishment of the New World. Although it was originally built to protect
the Spanish empire, several different flags flew here during the 205 years it
served as an active fort. The Spanish, British, Confederate and US Governments
all gained control of the Castillo at one time or another. Visitors can explore
the exhibits that are held within the fort's 14-foot (four-meter) thick walls.
A walk along the 35-foot (10-meter) ramparts affords spectacular views of the
city and the bay.
The Fort
Matanzas National Monument is another fortification, which was completed
in 1742. Like Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Matanzas serves as a reminder of
the early Spanish empire in the New World. Located on Rattlesnake Island (one
of the Barrier Islands), this fort was constructed to protect the Matanzas Inlet
and warn St. Augustine of enemies approaching from the south. A public ferry,
which boards at the Visitors Center dock, offers transportation to the fort
every hour between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm (inquire locally for further information).
Beaches
St. Augustine's beaches
lie on the Atlantic coast. The city is near three popular beaches: Anastasia
Island, Vilano Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach.
Anastasia Island is paradise
for beach vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located east of St. Augustine,
just one-and-a-half miles from downtown between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal
Waterway (a stretch of navigable water that extends from Norfolk,
Virginia to Key West,
Florida), its 18 miles (29km) of white sandy beaches are sure to please. The
Anastasia
State Recreation Area is also situated here, and is one of the busiest
state parks in Florida. Whether spending one or several days, there are many
facilities and activities available including fishing, hiking, swimming, surfing,
picnicking and camping.
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| Sea
Oats Along the Beach |
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Vilano
Beach is situated
north of the St. Augustine Inlet, just three miles from the historic district.
The beach stretches for miles, and is a great location for enjoying the Atlantic
coastline. Sunbathing, collecting seashells, playing volleyball and boating
are all possible activities for visitors to partake in.
Ponte
Vedra Beach, north of St. Augustine on the Coastal Highway, is one of
the most fashionable districts in the area. It is comprised of many secluded
beaches, which are bordered by sand dunes, palmettos and sea oats. Premier facilities
for golf and tennis are abundant, as this area hosts the Players Championship
Tournament each spring and is also home to many organizations: the PGA Tour
Headquarters, the first Tournament Players Club and the international headquarters
for the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour. Many sports professionals
live in this area and regularly use the facilities offered here.
World Golf Village
World
Golf Village provides an ideal base for a golf vacation in St. Augustine.
It is comparable to few resorts in the world, and offers many unique features
in addition to the golf courses.
There are two championship
golf courses highlighted at World Golf Village that many golfers will find difficult
to resist. The King
and Bear was created by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. This course
is beautifully designed and presents many challenges in a natural setting. Loblolly
pines, centuries-old oak trees and open meadows surround the golf course. The
Slammer
and Squire, named after course consultants Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen,
was designed to accommodate all playing levels. Its pristine setting of hardwood
hammocks, wetland preserves and native flatwoods is conducive for the surrounding
wildlife population. Both 18-hole courses have a par of 72.
In addition to these two
world-class golf courses, World Golf Village has many other features for golf
lovers to enjoy. The World
Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring the game and its legendary
players through traditional and interactive exhibits. Both educational and entertaining,
among the exhibits are an interactive Rules Theater, a Great Championship Moments
mini-theater, an authentic 1880s putting green with an original woodshafted
putter and gutta percha ball (made from a rubber-like material), and an outdoor
putting course.
An IMAX
Theater also provides the opportunity for entertainment at World Golf
Village. This 6-story movie screen is coupled with a dynamic sound system to
offer an incredible movie-going experience. A variety of films are featured
at the theater throughout the year.
World Golf Village also
has several accommodation options that match the world-class style of its golf
courses. Bellhops clad in traditional golf knickers welcome guests for their
stay in hotel rooms or private condominium rentals, which overlook the golf
courses and the village grounds. Each location offers fitness and recreational
facilities, as well as spa services and a range of dining options.
