St. Augustine

The oldest European-founded city in the US, with a Spanish fort, cobbled lanes and Gilded Age hotels—and Atlantic beaches right next door.

St. Augustine lies on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida, about 65 km (40 mi) from Jacksonville and 170 km (105 mi) from Orlando. Founded by the Spanish in 1565, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the continental United States. Under successive Spanish, British and American rule, the city gained a coquina fortress, narrow cobbled lanes and colonial homes; in the late 19th century, railroad magnate Henry Flagler built lavish Gilded Age hotels here such as the Ponce de León and the Alcazar, creating a distinctive blend of Spanish Revival and Moorish styles. The city divides into three parts: the historic core (Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, the Plaza de la Constitución, Flagler College and the Lightner Museum) is entirely walkable; across the Bridge of Lions on Anastasia Island are the lighthouse, the Alligator Farm, a state park and St. Augustine Beach; and further south along A1A are Fort Matanzas and Marineland. The best season is October to May, when the weather is mild. Nights of Lights, from mid-November to late January, is when the city looks its best after dark, though lodging gets tight. June–September is hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and August–October is hurricane season to keep an eye on. Getting there: the nearest airport is Jacksonville International (about an hour's drive), or drive about 2 hours from Orlando. Parking is tight in the old town, so stay in the historic district or use the Historic Downtown Parking Facility; in town, sightseeing trolleys offer hop-on, hop-off service. Plan on 2–3 days.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries