St Augustine
North Atlantic Coast of Florida

St Augustine is America’s oldest city, founded in1565 by Pedro Menendez de Aviles who claimed the entire Atlantic coast for Spain. From the beginning it was a presidio - an armed garrison - the main purpose of which was to keep trespassers from other nations out and to protect the Spanish galleons sailing the Bahama Passage to Spanish ports.

OVER 400 YEARS OF HISTORY AND A GHOSTLY WALK…
The oldest masonry fort in North America - the Castillo de San Marcos - is here and is a very popular site. Another fascinating historical site is Florida’s Oldest House Museum complex which is owned and operated by the St Augustine Historical Society. Here you will find Florida’s oldest house, together with museums, exhibition gallery and an ornamental garden with evidence of the Spanish, British and American occupations and giving an insight into how the residents lived. Old St Augustine Village, with its collection of nine historic houses, is another ‘must’ for the visitor keen to find out more about local history. It spans the period 1790 to 1910 and there are five exhibit galleries to explore as well as beautiful gardens. The Lightner Museum was once the Alcazar Hotel, built in 1887 in the Spanish Renaissance style, and its opulent lobby has been restored to its former glory. There are many fascinating exhibits of costumes, furnishings, mechanical musical instruments and gorgeous stained glass work by Louis Comfort Tiffany. For those who are brave enough, there is the Sheriff’s Ghost Walk - a 90 minute walk along the old, dark streets and cemeteries of St Augustine.

TAKE TO THE WATER…
If ghostly adventures are not for you, go for a cruise on the S/V Freedom - an authentic replica of a 19th Century blockade runner. You can also take a scenic cruise aboard the Victory III, giving you the chance to see unique views and historical landmarks of St Augustine from the water. If you would rather take your own boat there are boat rentals available and for the more adventurous there is parasailing and jet skiing.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS…
Guana River State Park is located north of St Augustine and is a 2400 acre preserve with plenty of historic cultural sites and more than four miles of beautiful beach, lined with 30 to 40 foot dunes. This is a fabulous place for swimming, sunbathing, surfing or fishing and in the interior portion there are nine miles of nature trails for hikers and cyclists. Fort Matanzas National Monument Park is a beach front park, home to the Fort Matanzas National Monument, built in 1742 to protect the area from British forces. This is a perfect area for boating, hiking, swimming, fishing and kayaking. There are also many varieties of bird life, making it a popular place for bird watchers.

THE PLACE TO GO IF YOU LOVE GOLF…
Golf lovers will definitely want to visit the World Golf Village at Sawgrass. Here, there are many attractions, including the World Golf Hall of Fame, two championship golf courses and the PGA Tour Golf Academy. A new permanent exhibit has been opened in cooperation with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Scotland - home of the world’s ruling body in golf. This new area includes exhibits tracking the history of the Open Championship - the oldest major title in golf. If miniature golf is more to your taste, Fiesta Falls mini-golf offers a fun day out. This is an award winning 18 hole course and has waterfalls, caves, a 65 foot Spanish ship and a wonderful ocean view - you can even play at night on the lighted course!

GREAT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT…
Across the Intracoastal Waterway lies St Augustine beach with its alligator farm and zoo - great family entertainment! If you are feeling really energetic why not climb the 219 steps to the top of the old black and white spiral striped lighthouse? One thing’s for sure - St Augustine’s combination of old-world charm, historical sites and golfing attractions make this an ideal family vacation area.

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