St. Augustine

Founded in 1565 and notable as the oldest continually occupied European settlement in the United States, St. Augustine is a city apart. The narrow streets of the Ancient City are lined with homes that date back to the 1700s, their stalwart walls constructed from native coquina stone just like the monstrous Castillo de San Marcos, an imposing fortress which began to rise in 1672 for the Spaniards to defend their fledging outpost. For history and culture, this is Florida’s most fascinating city, where waves of settlement brought together a diverse mix of peoples and faiths. Among the many churches and cathedrals are the Mission of Nombre de ...

Founded in 1565 and notable as the oldest continually occupied European settlement in the United States, St. Augustine is a city apart. The narrow streets of the Ancient City are lined with homes that date back to the 1700s, their stalwart walls constructed from native coquina stone just like the monstrous Castillo de San Marcos, an imposing fortress which began to rise in 1672 for the Spaniards to defend their fledging outpost. For history and culture, this is Florida’s most fascinating city, where waves of settlement brought together a diverse mix of peoples and faiths. Among the many churches and cathedrals are the Mission of Nombre de Dios, the first Catholic mission in America, and the St. Photios Shrine, honoring the first Greeks in America in 1768. Fort Mose, circa 1738, was the site of the oldest free African-American community in America. When Henry Flagler arrived in town, the Gilded Age began in earnest, with Flagler erecting three grand destination hotels for his railroad. All three still stand, and one – now the Casa Monica – is still a luxurious resort. Surrounded by salt marshes and windswept barrier islands, St. Augustine is a destination for the outdoors, too, with wild places perfect for kayaking and hiking.

About the Expert

Sandra Friend has written 12 books about Florida, including the Explorer's Guide (Countryman Press) series to Florida.