St. Augustine

St. Augustine

  • St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, also holds the distinction of being one of the nation's most charming. Known as the "Ancient City," Saint Augustine is located between North East and Central East Florida.
     
  • Convenient to Jacksonville, Orlando and Daytona airports.
     
  • Because of North Florida's year around mild climate, but especially in the warm spring and summer months, the area's delightful historic district, with its cobblestone streets and its quaint cafes, bars, unique shops and bed-and-breakfast inns, comes alive with locals and tourists setting out on foot to explore significant landmarks such as:

    Castillo de San Marcos »
    Throughout its history, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, with its elaborate double drawbridge entrance suspended above what is now a now dry moat spanning an impressive 40 feet, has been closely intertwined with the city and the neighboring structures which served as the city's outer defenses for many years - Fort Mose to the north and Fort Matanzas to the south. The Castillo and the town serve as outstanding reminders of the might of the early Spanish empire in the New World. Given the architectural details, it's hardly surprising that Castillo de San Marcos actually took 23 years to build (construction began in 1672 and was completed in 1695). Fabricated of coquina, a virtually indestructible limestone comprised of broken sea shells and corals, the walls of the fortress remained impenetrable through 300 years of enemy shelling and pounding by violent storms. Castillo de San Marcos is constructed alongside picturesque Mantazas Bay, with its sleek modern-day sailing vessels. 

  • Fort Matanzas »
    Built 1740-1742, represents a well-preserved masonry watchtower fort built by the Spanish. By providing a perch to observe enemy vessels approaching from the south, the fort played a strategic role i n warning St. Augustine of potential enemy advancements from the south via the Matanzas River.

    Flagler College »
    The College offers 20 majors, 26 minors and two pre-professional programs in selected studies emphasizing liberal arts, education and business. With an average class size of 21, Flagler College provides an exceptional opportunity for a private education at an extremely affordable cost.

     

  • As with any location steeped in history, there are many exciting museums located in the area. Among the many is the Lightner Museum.

    Lightner Museum »
    When it opened its doors in 1889, Henry Flagler's Alcazar Hotel, with its distinctive Spanish Renaissance styling, staggered guests with its style and opulence. The building now houses the Lightner Museum, featuring an intriguing array of items, from Native American artifacts, to stuffed birds, steam-engine models and more.
     

  • If you love to golf or play tennis, then this is the place for you! There are many golf courses and tennis resorts located in the area. Ponte Vedra, home of The Players Association (PGA) and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) are a 20 minute drive from the Down Town historic district.
     
  • The many marinas dotted around the area make boating access ultra convenient by sea, river or intercoastal waterway.
     
  • Fishing, diving, surfing, parasailing and other water sports are abundantly accommodated.
     
  • The town also boasts 43 pristine miles of beaches. There's the right type of beach for everyone: some permit vehicles while others allow only pedestrians. Some of the area beaches produce abundant shelling opportunities, while others are covered only in luxurious fine, golden sand.
     
  • From single vantage points in town, you can experience both the joy of the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean horizon and the peacefulness of the sun setting beyond the salt marsh along the intracoastal waterway.