Florida Vacations - St Augustine

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St Augustine>>> 105 miles (168 km) north east of Orlando, 39 miles (62 km) south of Jacksonville

St Augustine Florida

St. Augustine seems more like a European village than a modern U.S. city.  From the very earliest French Huguenots settlers, the colony has been under French, Spanish and British rule until the United States acquired Florida from Spain in 1821.

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is America's oldest continuous European settlement and much of its early history is still evident.

The town has a 17th-century fort, old city gates, horse-drawn carriages passing along narrow streets, a plethora of historic buildings and reconstructed 18th-century Spanish Quarter.

"The Nation's Oldest City" is one of Florida's top vacation destinations, and its easy to see why with it's old-world charm, unique historical attractions and numerous dining and shopping options.

To those in need of retail therapy, there are numerous shops selling specialty gifts such as handmade arts and crafts, speciality items and tourism mementos.

St Augustine has over 35 antique shops and 20 art galleries throughout the city offering everything from original creations by local artisans to valuable heirlooms. There are hundreds of landmarks throughout 144 blocks of historic homes and sites which can be visited in horse-drawn carriage, train or trolley or by taking a walking tour. 

St Augustine accommodation ranges from bed and breakfast in quaint historic lodgings, hotels and inns, vacation rental properties, condominiums, townhouses and campground facilities.

Just across the Bridge of Lions is St. Augustine Beach (Anastasia Island), a popular beach front destination for locals and visitors alike to access the city's 24 miles (38 km) of lovely beaches.

Ponte Vedra Beach to the north of St. Augustine is one of Florida's more up market destinations and the location for several resorts offering prestigious golf and tennis facilities. 

Getting There & Getting Around

Visitors to St Augustine can arrive via either Jacksonville's international airport, about an hours drive to the north, or via the Daytona Beach airport, about an hour's drive south. Services are more frequent, and fares usually lower, at Jacksonville. Amtrak train services terminate at Jacksonville.

On-street parking is nonexistent in St. Augustine's historic district, and metered parking lots elsewhere are difficult to find and are often full. Your best bet is to park in the large lots behind the visitor center on Castillo Drive.

Open airs buses, trains and horse drawn carriages service the historical districts and city highlights. The Sunshine Bus Company runs public bus routes Monday through Saturday to 7pm. Yellow Cabs provide taxi services throughout the city. There are outlets in the city for the hire of bicycles, mopeds and scooters.

St Augustine vacation highlights :: getting the best from your St Augustine vacation

Visitor Introduction To --> Jacksonville vacations::  Amelia Island vacations ::  Daytona Beach vacations

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