St. Augustine is affectionately known as the "Nation's Oldest City" as it was founded forty-two years before the English colony at Jamestown, Virginia, and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. The founder of St. Augustine, Pedro Menendez de Aviles and his Spanish fleet arrived off the coast of Florida on August 28, 1565, the Feast Day of St. Augustine. Twelve days later, on September 8, he stepped ashore, planted the Spanish flag into the sandy soil and, with soldiers and settlers who had traveled with him Menendez hastily fortified the fledgling village and named it St. Augustine.
From that day until today, the City of St. Augustine has continued to survive and thrive. St. Augustine has been destroyed many times by fire and pirates but its residents never gave up on this pristine location, making it the oldest permanent European settlement on the North American continent. Today St. Augustine continues to thrive and prosper as it proudly proclaims over four centuries of history, which includes Spanish, English, Greek, Native American and African American influences.
A visitor to St. Augustine may delve into the city's history by visiting one of many museums depicting the way of life of early Spanish colonists, or may choose to simply enjoy the feel of history by strolling the narrow old world streets. Even if history is not a center of interest, visitors cannot help but appreciate the rich heritage that makes St. Augustine a unique getaway.
When visiting St. Augustine, the perfect first stop is the St. Augustine/St. Johns County Visitor Information Center, better known as the VIC. From this central facility, one may plan a day-long or a week-long stay as helpful guides will answer questions about museums, historical sites, transportation, guided tours, restaurants, shopping opportunities, recreation and lodging and even recommend a beach club to relax in the evening.
Whether you are visiting St. Augustine for an afternoon or a week or any length of time in between, the VIC offers all the information you will need on area accommodations, restaurants, attractions, shopping, and sightseeing. Both the St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and the Old Town Trolley Tours offer tours, discount attraction tickets, and depart regularly from the VIC. You can also purchase tickets for a horse drawn carriage tour. There are hundreds of brochures, several specialized information kiosks and helpful receptionists to assist you with all you informational needs.
Hardly a weekend does not go by that there is not something going on in St. Augustine. Perhaps it is an arts and crafts festival with lots of good food or maybe there is a free concert in the Plaza. There may be a reenactment of 16th century battle on the city's narrow streets or a surfing contest on some of the best waves in Florida. Whatever the event, it is sure to be more fun in St. Augustine.
St. Augustine provides all the amenities necessary for an enjoyable stay!