When most people think about Florida, they imagine tropical beaches and sunshine, but Florida is actually where colonial history of the Americas began and Saint Augustine in Florida prides itself as being the oldest everything in the United States. You’ve got the oldest fort, the oldest street, the oldest church, the oldest house, etc. referring to the the first European colonial takeover of the United States beginning from the 16th century. It’s a very charming little town that takes you back in time and shows some of the complex history of the region.
What did I see? I went there twice. Once after a conference in Gainesville and once after a family trip to southern Florida heading back up to Tallahassee with my father. To start you off, there’s a walking tour of the town, with a visit to the town old cathedral, the beautiful Flagler College campus and the terrific Lightner Museum.
- Walking Tour Around Saint Augustine : Florida
- The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine
- Old Music Boxes Collection : Lightner Museum – Saint Augustine
- Flagler College : Saint Augustine
In the spirit of ‘oldest everything’ tourists like to visit historical houses …
- Dow Museum of Historical Houses : Saint Augustine
- Oldest European House in America : Saint Augustine – Florida
There’s also a grand fort with live demonstrations and nearby there’s a cute tourist trap covering pirate culture and life.
- Castillo de San Marcos – Oldest Fort in the US : Saint Augustine
- Saint Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum : Florida
And if you’re tired of history, Saint Augustine was also blesses with a charming stretch of white sand beach …
A wonderful place, one of the highlights of my Florida travels, not to be missed if you’re in the area.