St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the USA founded by Europeans, established in 1565 by the Spanish. And you notice it at every turn: narrow lanes, Spanish colonial architecture, a mighty old fort and a flair that recalls a European town more than Florida. A good place to stroll, with real history under your feet.
Castillo de San Marcos
The landmark is the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the USA, built by the Spanish from the shell-rich coquina stone. From the ramparts you look out over the bay.
The old town and St. George Street
The center is the car-free St. George Street, a narrow lane full of shops, cafes and old houses. It is a good place to stroll. At the weekend it is busy, during the week noticeably quieter.
Flagler's grand buildings
Henry Flagler left behind splendid hotels in the Spanish style in the late 19th century. The former Ponce de Leon Hotel now houses Flagler College, and the old Alcazar the Lightner Museum.
Lighthouse, cross and fountain of youth
On the offshore island stands the striking black-and-white St. Augustine Lighthouse, which you can climb via 219 steps. By the bay the great cross at the Mission Nombre de Dios commemorates the founding of 1565. And the Fountain of Youth tells the legend of Ponce de Leon's fountain of youth.
