St. Augustine | America's Oldest City
ST. AUGUSTINE | FLORIDA
St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest city in the United States. Now get ready for the qualifiers. Established in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited, European-established settlement in the contiguous United States. Despite all that, the old world charm of the city is unmatched! This post will talk about a few of my favorite sites to see while in St. Augustine.
ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE
Growing up in Florida, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is the first lighthouse that I ever saw in person and it still one of my favorites. The red light atop the black and white barber pole just seems so iconic to me. This was my first time getting the chance to capture the lighthouse with my drone and the sunset light made it so much more special.
This iconic lighthouse is not only a beautiful piece of architecture, but it also offers some of the most stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
The lighthouse was first built in 1874 and is still active today. It is located on Anastasia Island and is open to the public. Visitors can climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse to take in the views. The climb is a bit of a workout, but it's worth it for the views at the top. You can see the city of St. Augustine, the Atlantic Ocean and even the Bridge of Lions.
The lighthouse also has a museum that tells the history of the lighthouse and the people who have worked there. You can also see the original lens of the lighthouse and learn about how it works. The lighthouse keepers' house is also open for visitors to explore and learn about how the keepers lived and worked.
One of the best things about visiting the St. Augustine Lighthouse is that you can also explore the surrounding area. The lighthouse is located in a beautiful park, Anastasia State Park, and is a great place for a picnic or to take a leisurely stroll. It offers beautiful views, a glimpse into the past, and a chance to explore the surrounding area.
Don't forget to bring your camera!
BRIDGE OF LIONS | ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA
The Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine, Florida is also one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. This double-leaf bascule bridge connects the mainland of St. Augustine to Anastasia Island and is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
The Bridge of Lions is named for the two marble lions that guard the entrance to the bridge. These lions, named "Duclos" and "Ponce," are replicas of the original lions that were installed in the 1920s. They are quite impressive and make for a great photo opportunity.
The bridge itself is a beautiful piece of engineering. It was built in 1927 and is a great example of Mediterranean Revival architecture. The bridge is also a great spot to take in some of the best views of the Matanzas Bay and the city of St. Augustine.
The best way to experience the Bridge of Lions is by walking or biking across it. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the bridge and take in the views of the water and the city. The Bridge of Lions is also a popular spot for fishing, so bring your rod and reel if you're a fishing enthusiast.
If you're visiting St. Augustine, make sure to add the Bridge of Lions to your list of things to see. It's an iconic landmark that is not only beautiful but also provides some of the best views of the city and the Matanzas Bay.
CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS | ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA
If you're looking for a bit of history and some stunning architecture, the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida is a must-see. This 17th-century fort is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States and offers a glimpse into the past of this historic city.
The fort is located on the Matanzas Bay and is the perfect spot for a breezy stroll. The coquina (a type of limestone) walls of the fort are incredibly well-preserved, and you can still see the original cannons that were used to defend the city. The fort also has a moat and drawbridge, making it feel like you've stepped back in time.
One of the best things about the Castillo de San Marcos is that it is open to the public, so you can explore the fort at your own pace. There are also guided tours available, which are a great way to learn more about the history of the fort and the city of St. Augustine.
While you're at the fort, make sure to take a walk around the walls for some of the most beautiful views of the Matanzas Bay. You can also visit the museum inside the fort which showcase the history of the fort and the city of St. Augustine.
Overall, the Castillo de San Marcos is a must-see for anyone visiting St. Augustine. It's a great way to learn more about the city's history and is also a beautiful spot to take in some of the best views of the Matanzas Bay.
FLAGLER COLLEGE | ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA
If you're a history buff or just love beautiful architecture, a visit to Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL is a must. The college is housed in the former Ponce de Leon Hotel, which was built by Henry Flagler in 1888. The hotel was one of the most opulent of its time and attracted wealthy vacationers from all over the country. Today, the college has preserved the grandeur of the hotel, and it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
Walking through the college's grand hallways and ornate rooms, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. The college's main building, known as the "Rotunda," is a highlight, with its impressive dome, marble floors, and grand staircase. The college also has a beautiful courtyard with a fountain, which is a great spot to take a break and relax.
Flagler College offers guided tours of the main building, which are a great way to learn more about the history of the hotel and the college. The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the building's history, and you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for this beautiful piece of architecture.
If you're visiting St. Augustine, make sure to add a visit to Flagler College to your itinerary. It's a great way to experience the city's rich history and to see one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.