Not surprisingly St Augustine City is named for the famed Christian saint, St Augustine of Hippo. St Augustine was founded on the 28th of August, 1565, which is the feast day of St. Augustine. It was founded by the Spanish admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles. It is 21 years older than the first British settlement at Roanoke Island and 42 years before the first permanent British settlement at Jamestown, Virginia.
Located on the Atlantic coast St Augustine is a beautiful coastal city. The historic Castillo de San Marcos lies right on the water. Visitors are welcome to explore the colonial fortress on a number of fascinating guided tours. You will also find here what some consider being the Fountain of Youth. You are even welcome to take a drink from the legendary spring. Perhaps its water will really bring you eternal youth!
Besides the beaches of St Augustine City, you will also be enamored by its rich history and heritage. The Spanish flair of the city abounds, and besides the Castillo de San Marcos there are a number of other historical sites to behold. The Colonial Spanish Quarter is the oldest part of St Augustine City, and allows visitors to experience the living history that is St Augustine.
You can also see the Government House Museum, which is the largest collection of artifacts in the city. It is also the most complete. If you go to the Visitor Information Center in St Augustine City you can purchase a tour package that will get you into both the Colonial Spanish Quarter, the Government House Museum and a chance to see an hour long film "Struggle to Survive" featuring the history of the early years of the settlement for only $8.00 a person or $16.00 for the entire family.
Nestled in the center of St Augustine City you will also find the St Augustine Municipal Marina. This is an excellent starting off point for a number of exciting boating tours and adventures. It is just another of the many exciting things to see in St Augustine. You will find it just south of the historic Bridge of the Lions.
If you are planning a visit to St Augustine City that last longer than just a day (and to do the city real justice you have to stay at least for a while) you will be looking to stay in one of the many fine St Augustine hotels. One of the most popular St Augustine hotels is the St. George Inn.
The St. George Inn is a beautiful hotel. The rooms are not the largest in the world, but they offer spectacular views and lovely balconies. The rooms afford a measure of privacy for its visitors. The staff are friendly and delightful and make it their sole mission to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
St. George Inn is only one of the many St Augustine hotels. The Anastasia Inn, with prices starting as low as $91 a night is one of the more affordable hotels, and also offers great location, beauty and courteous service. You might also be interested in Villas on the Bay or the Clarion Collection Casa del Mar.