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St. Augustine

St. Augustine History

   Florida’s rich and diverse cultural past began in 1513, when Ponce de Leon discovered the region by mistake. When he returned to Spain, the news of this incredible discovery brought forth many explorers in search of the riches of the New World. One such man was Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles.
   As the founding father of St. Augustine, Menendez established St. Augustine in 1565. It’s now considered the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin in the United States. The settlement was 42 years old before the English colonized Jamestown and 55 years old before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.
   In 1672, construction began on the Castillo de San Marcos, the first fortress built to defend St. Augustine. This historically significant fortress was constructed from native coquina rock, a crushed shell stone that is found in quarries across the Matanzas Bay. Working with the local resources available to them, the Spaniards used the coquina rock to create the blocks for this enduring bastion. The unique construction helped defend the Spanish settlement when the English attempted to invaded twice: once in 1702 and again in 1740. Castillo de San Marcos was used as a military installation by the United States from 1821 to 1935. Today it is managed as a national park.
   In 1821, the United Stated negotiated with the Spanish for the purchase of this portion of Northern Florida. It was accepted into the union as a state in 1845.
   Just a short drive northeast from Daytona Beach, St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach are a step back in history. Located along Interstate 95, St. Augustine invites you to walk down the streets of Florida’s oldest city, stay awhile, and relive the past in the historic architecture, museums and local events.

St. Augustine Fast Facts

   Location: St. Augustine is located on the northeast coast of Florida, about 40 miles south of Jacksonville
  *Total area: 10.73 square miles (8.37 square miles land area; 2.36 square miles water area)
  *Population: 11,592
  *Housing units: 5,642
   Average annual rainfall: 38.94 inches
   Average temperatures: 81ºF in summer, 55ºF in winter
*Information provided by 2000 Census

Historical Points of Interest

   One of the most visible landmarks in St. Augustine is its red-topped, black-and-white-striped barber pole: the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum. The lighthouse is located on Anastasia Island, one mile south of the Bridge of Lions. Established as a simple lookout tower, the landmark was used as a watchtower for seagoing vessels. It is now a symbol of the not-so-distant past as a beacon that had warned mariners of the shores of St. Augustine and the entry into its port. Tourists from around the world visit the site to take the challenge and ascend the 219 steps that lead to the top of the lighthouse, which rises 165 feet above its base on Anastasia Island. Once you reach the top of this vantage point, you can view miles of pristine beaches and the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
   Anastasia State Recreational Area has a plethora of activities for every type of sand and surf aficionado. There is camping, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, sail boarding and boating. In addition to the many activities available, this 1,535-acre park has four miles of white sand beaches that begins at the jetty of the St. Augustine inlet. The ocean is cradled by miles of the most beautiful sea-oats-topped sand dunes.
   Back toward civilization, past the sand dunes, is the world-famous Salt Run Lagoon, which is home to some of Florida’s most exotic marsh land inhabitants, such as herons, sandpipers, terns and egrets, just to name a few. Salt Run is also known for its unique stretch of perfect waters for sailboarding and kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Park hours are 8 a.m. to sunset year round. The cost for admittance is $5 for up to eight people per vehicle. For individuals walking in or riding a bike, the cost is $3. You can rent beach-accessible wheelchairs, surfboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, bikes, canoes, catamarans and kayaks at Island Joes, located within the park. This store also carries a wide selection of beach and camping supplies as well as a snack bar.
   As you drive up the coast toward St. Augustine and cross the Bridge of Lions, you embark on your journey into the past of the oldest city in Florida. The bridge, which was built by Henry Flagler, bears his signature lions’ crest. His many Spanish Renaissance architectural inspirations are prominently displayed throughout the city. Flagler's unparalleled development of Northern Florida -- which provided innovative transportation, and state-of-the-art resort facilities in St. Augustine and along the Eastern coastline -- brought rapid development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
   One of the focal points of this development was Flagler's Hotel Ponce de León. In 1888, Flagler constructed the luxurious hotel, which was later reconstructed as the Flagler College, a private institution for the arts and sciences. The Hotel Ponce de León (Flagler College) is located in downtown St. Augustine on the intersections of King, Valencia, Sevilla and Cordova Streets.
   Flagler is also noted for building the Alcazar Hotel, which now houses the Lightener Museum, offering many amazing displays of stained-glass windows donated by famed artist Louis C. Tiffany as well as other precious glasses. This is a classic example of 1800s-era Americans’ infatuation with the Spanish Renaissance Revival style.
   As you enter the Historic Downtown city, it’s apparent that you’ve just stepped back through the portal in time. With narrow brick streets and distinctive homes and shops built of coquina intertwined with concrete, stucco and hardwood, many visitors are in awe of the myriad of historical points of interest.  With so many remarkable historical attributes, there’s always something new and exciting to explore down every thoroughfare.
   As you stroll down St. George Street, don’t miss the De Mesa Sanchez House, which was established in 1764 and is home to the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum. The museum is filled with the living history of the St. Augustine. Museum guides dressed in authentic period clothing provide informational tours about the life and times of this pre-American Revolutionary era.
   Next, be sure to visit the Pena-Peck House, which was established in 1740. The residence is situated on the corner of Treasury and St. George Street, and was built by Spanish Royal Treasurer Juan Esteban de Pena. The house is significant due to the unique architecture and history of the builders as well as the subsequent inhabitants.
   The Government House, established in 1710, was converted to what is now the historical city information center. This building, which is located off Cordova Street and Cathedral Place, was the center for all governmental activity. Now, you can pick up useful information about St. Augustine and its rich cultural history at the facility.
   The Oldest House, which dates back to the early 1600s, was originally known as the Gonzalez-Alvarez House. The building is known to locals as the site where a mulberry tree descends from the stock of trees of the 1830s. One of St. Augustine’s famous residents, Mary Paevett Hudson, lived in the house following the Revolutionary War. She later became known as the heroine in the Eugenia Price novel “Maria.”
   Located on St. George Street, just off of the Plaza, Prince Murat, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, lived in one of St. Augustine’s prized historical houses, which are now part of the Old St. Augustine Village. Built in 1790, Prince Murat’s home changed hands many times. The home’s claim to fame is that during one of its many transitions, it was once a restaurant where Greta Garbo dined during her visits to St. Augustine.
   Religious devotees will not want to miss the St. Augustine Trinity Episcopal Parish Thrift Shop, which was established in 1821. This is in the oldest Protestant Church in Florida.
   If you are looking for a place to stay, visit the 1791 Spanish Colonial St. Francis Inn, which has been accommodating guests since 1845. The unique part of this inn is that it was built without any right angles.
   On the corner of St. George Street and Tolomato Lane is the oldest wooden schoolhouse. This exciting old classroom has audio-animated, life-size figures of the teacher and pupils as they looked in the late 1700s to early 1800s. The museum is complete with rare school books, slates, pencils and maps.

Lodging and Accommodations

   St. Augustine offers accommodations ranging from the less expensive to grand and elegant lodging. St. Augustine is renowned for its romantic spots for two as well as trips for the entire family. With unequaled comfort, luxury and service, let your next stay in St. Augustine be a fun-filled adventure. Known as one of the best vacation destination spots for honeymooners as well as those lucky enough to be celebrating an anniversary, St. Augustine is the No. 1 destination for unprecedented vacationing.
   If a bed and breakfast is your idea of a favorite romantic get away for two, St. Augustine is the perfect place. There are several quaint B&Bs located near the historical downtown, including Ginn’s Inn, Pelican Dunes at Crescent, Summer Wind by the Sea and the Beach Cottages Company.
   Get ready to spoil yourself as you relax in one of St. Augustine’s premier hotels, condominiums, cottages or homes. Famous for its historical sights, beautiful ocean waters and family fun, St. Augustine offers the best accommodations around. Most accommodations are near the ocean, downtown and other exciting activities for the entire family.
   Offering spectacular views of the ocean and historical sights, rental condominiums in St. Augustine are reasonably priced, some starting as low as $775 per week. There are many fabulous oceanfront vacation homes that start at $1,250 per month. If you want an oceanfront property that’s not quite so big, explore the many oceanfront villas and condominiums starting at $495-$695 per week. With many of the homes, your ocean views include a private beach, cool ocean breezes and endless blue-green water. Most homes come with a complete setup, so all you have to do is walk in with your suitcase and feel right at home.
   If it’s golf you like, play a round at any of the many fantastic championship courses throughout St. Augustine.

Dining

   The lighthouse and the Castillo are popular sites in Florida’s oldest city, but the 60+ restaurants in and around town are just as famous. One such eatery is the Columbia Restaurant. Located on St. George Street in the historic district, the Columbia has been consistently voted No. 1 for preparing and serving the finest Spanish cuisine in Florida. The evening begins as you walk into the courtyard, and a congenial old world feel overcomes you. You are graciously met by your server, who offers fresh baked bread, hot from the oven. If you so desire, one thing on the menu you should not miss is their signature sangria. There are three types of this world-famous Spanish delicacy served at the Columbia, but the staff of the Columbia serves it with a twist: tableside! Made from fresh fruit, brandy and Spanish merlot wine, the server prepares the fruit, brandy and wine as you sit and watch. With appetizers and main entrées made specific to any dietary need, you won’t want to forget the delectable desserts. The cost is reasonable for a family of four. Reservations are required, so be sure to stop in and make them before you begin to shop for the day; it’s worth the extra effort.
   If you are looking for more of a family dining experience, be sure to stop at the Gypsy Cab Company, located on Anastasia Boulevard.  Noted for its urban style of cuisine, the Gypsy Cab Company is truly a dining experience to be had by all. While so many of the restaurants serve the same food the same way at the same time of the day, the chefs at the Gypsy Cab Company begin each and every day with a brand-new menu, based on the fresh catch of the day and the freshest vegetables from the produce market. From poultry to steak, you will be surprised by the superb quality of all of the ingredients as well as the diversity of the menu. After dinner, take in the comedy show located next door to the Gypsy Cab Company. Local and top nationally known comedy acts perform there Thursday through Saturday. It’s a reasonable cost for an extraordinary dining experience you will be sure not to miss.
   After a long, hard day of shopping in all of the most wonderful shops and quaint boutiques that St. Augustine has to offer, lunch and/or dinner is a tantalizing idea. In the historical district, there is an absolute plethora of dining extravaganzas. As you stroll down Hypolita Street, there is the La Parisienne Restaurant, which is great for the casual stroller. If it’s more fun for everyone you are looking for, check out Scarlett O’Hara’s Restaurant. Prepared to come casual and have a lot of fun at night in this local hot spot. Also on Hypolita Street, visit the Pizza Garden or the Bistro Hypolita. Both of these restaurants are great and have a wide variety on the menu that is sure to please everyone.  While you are staying in St. Augustine, check out the many curbside menus and begin to write your own reviews about your new favorite place to dine in St. Augustine.

Attractions

   When you think of St. Augustine, the first things that usually come to mind are the lighthouse and the Castillo de San Marco. St. Augustine is one of those rare finds where a family with diverse interests can stay the whole weekend and never get bored.
   Getting around town has never been easier. Jump on one of the tour trolleys or carriage rides. The Old Town Trolley Tours is located downtown on San Marco Avenue. Step on board and enjoy the narrated seven-mile tour that will acquaint you with all of the fascinating points of interest in one of the nation’s oldest cities. Tour rides include on and off privileges for three consecutive days, and discounted attraction prices are available.
   If you’re seeking a bit of romance, walk down to the bay side and hop on a carriage ride. The driver will recount all of the wonderful and quirky nuances of St. Augustine as you slowly meander around town. If you aren’t in a hurry, this is a must-do for anyone.
   For a taste of the wind in your hair and salt on your lips, get aboard the Schooner Freedom, the only 72-foot, 19th-century replica of a Blockade-Runner premier tall ship in the port. Sail in the bay from the north end of St. Augustine down to the south of the Bridge of Lions. Listen as the captain and crew regale in the glory days of past of the many ships and their crews that have come in to port in the oldest city.
   For the history buff, there are many places of interest located in and near the celebrated downtown. The Oldest House Museum Complex is located in the oldest residential neighborhoods. Formerly owned by the Gonzalez-Alvarez family, this home is the historical district’s oldest surviving residential Spanish Colonial house. The complex also has two other historically significant museums, including the only gallery that is home to the one-of-a- kind exhibit embracing more than 400 years of St. Augustine’s history. The museum and store are open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
   Another museum famous for its authentic Spanish Colonialism is the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum. This unique museum depicts the lives of the Spanish settlers of 1740 in St. Augustine. Visitors will see the craftsmanship of the items necessary for daily living in the 18th century to include leather tooling, blacksmith and carpentry work.
   The Lightener Museum, housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, is located off the main square in downtown St. Augustine. Behold the breathtaking three floors of exquisite period pieces including genuine Tiffany glass works, donated by the noted artist Louis Tiffany. Stare in awe as you pass by the amazing collection of cut glass, antiques and furniture complete with authentic period wardrobes that depict the actual lifestyle and daily wear of the residents of the late 18th century to early 19th century.
   On the lighter side of life, stroll down to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum housed in the “Castle Warden,” an 1887 landmark built in the classic Moorish Revival style. Feast your eyes on more than 500 exhibits of the really strange to the absolutely unbelievable oddities of yesteryear. Many of the exhibits are from Robert Ripley’s very own private collection.
   If you couldn’t get enough of museums, try the Potter’s Wax Museum, America’s first and best wax museum. Have a lot of fun as you mix and mingle with some of Hollywood’s history makers as well as some of history’s horror producers! Be sure to see the new displays every month.
   What would a trip to St. Augustine be if you didn’t go to the Fountain of Youth? Ponce De Leon believed in it, and you will, too, as soon as you visit the incredible Landmark Spring, Cross of Discovery and the first North American excavated Christian Indian burial grounds. View the world like you have never seen it before in the Navigator’s Planetarium.
   Come visit all of St. Augustine and take home a piece of American history with you today.

Real Estate

   If you’re seeking a little bit of the old and a little bit of the new, St. Augustine is the place for you to consider for your next home. St. Augustine offers an amazing array of homes for every imaginable lifestyle.
   Nestled between fairways and pine trees, gorgeous three- to four-bedroom homes are listed around $475,000. If seclusion and privacy are more your style, there are majestic private estates with their own entry gates overlooking the spectacular intercostals waterways. Sit back on the veranda; sip a cool drink; and watch the sunset as the egrets fly by. Most estates begin around a million dollars.
   Historically speaking, if you want to be in the center of all of the action, try one of the true St. Augustine homes directly in downtown. Walk the brick streets to a local restaurant, or sit on your balcony and watch people go past. Numerous homes are three to four bedrooms and begin around $350,000.
   If you are more interested in a small, quaint villa in a safe, gated community, then St. Augustine is the place for you. Prices begin around $400,000.
   The amazing diversity of the communities that St. Augustine has to offer is sure to delight everyone on your list.

Education

   With 18 elementary schools, six middle schools and five high schools – along with three charter schools and three alternative schools – St. Johns County is an exploding example  of the rapid growth and expansion found throughout North Florida.
   Flagler College, which was founded in 1968, is located in downtown St. Augustine. Nearby cities offer community colleges for those who wish to receive a two-year degree.

Maps of St. Augustine

Written by Jennifer Phillips exclusively for CoastParadise.com.

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