With such a wide selection of attractions for honeymooners and those on the romantic vacations, it is not easy to make a choice that would not only be beneficial and economical, but with attractive accommodations and scenery to make such a trip a worthy benefit for those involved.
Historic lanes are lined
with artisan shops.
St. Augustine offers these, and much more, where visitors can indulge in a wide range of activities including the opportunity to browse through antique stores and malls, visiting specialty shops, quaint boutiques, and local galleries.
Over the period of centuries, various cultures have left their mark on St. Augustine menus. Spanish cuisine, Minorcan specialties, English pub fare, and fresh local seafood are only part of what is available to satisfy your palate.
St. Augustine, Florida is world renowned for its beauty and historic charm, and is home to more than 30 romantic Victorian and Spanish-style inns, some of them centuries old, offering much more than just romantic guest rooms, but also an astounding array of historic sites and buildings..
Actually each inn provides personal service and an ambiance unparalleled by larger lodging options. Bed and breakfast inns, for example, offer elegant suites and rooms, some with views of lushly landscaped gardens and other sceneries. Some also boast amenities such as Jacuzzis, private porches, sundecks, exclusive beach house use, antique furnishings, decorative fireplaces, bicycles, private entries, and most of all, peaceful luxury that is unmatched.
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches, offers a combined total of over 7,000 accommodation units, including world-famous luxurious seaside resorts and unique bed and breakfast inns as well as camping facilities and RV parks.
St. Augustine was founded in 1565 when the governor of Florida, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed on the site that is now the city he called St. Augustine. It is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States and was founded 42 years before the English colony at Jamestown, Virginia, and 55 years before the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock.
The Inn on Charlotte . . .
. . . is a hisotric guest house . . .
. . . built in 1918.
A truly remarkable and astonishing experience awaits you at The Inn on Charlotte where affordable Bed and Breakfast Inn luxury is offered in the Historic District.
Built in 1918 and restored in 2003, the eight well-appointed guest rooms offer single or double Jacuzzis and King and Queen Beds.
Owner Lynne Fairfield’s warm smile sets the stage for a wonderful experience. Her sister, Valerie Wright, is a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, providing the Inn with culinary delights that are only to be dreamt of.
Guests wake up to freshly brewed coffee that can be sipped on one of the inn’s wide veranda to be followed with a special breakfast served in the elegant dining room. The Inn on Charlotte, located at 52 Charlotte Street, is one of the most remarkable Bed and Breakfast Inns in St. Augustine. (800-355-5508)
It provides the kind of foundation to enable its guests to venture out to and experience the romance and adventure on the high seas, embarking on the 72-foot topsail schooner, Freedom, which is certified for 49 passengers.
Special events include weddings, private charters, anniversaries, corporate groups, and others who want a relaxing day sail during which snacks, fruits, and drinks are included. Once on board passengers can absorb the surrounding beauty, keep a keen eye out for dolphins and other marine life, or just relax in the shade of the sails.
Day sails on Schooner Freedom.
Or take the walking tour.
Dolphin greetings.
The Schooner Freedom is an authentic replica of a 19th century blockade runner. She is a 72' long, double-masted, gaff-rigged, topsail schooner. She was built in Norfolk, Virginia in 1982 by famed naval architect Merritt Walters, the first of his many Rover schooners. The Freedom was the first sailing tour boat to be certified under the Coast Guard sub-chapter 'T' to carry passengers to hire. Freedom is frequently inspected by the USCG and carries all of the equipment necessary to ensure a safe and fun outing.
Daily cruises include a mid-day cruise, departing at 12:15 p.m.; a sunset cruise departing at 6:15 p.m. (summer hours); and the Ghost of the Matanzas pirate cruise departing nightly at 8:15 p.m. All cruises are two hours and subject to season conditions.
St. Augustine’s Premier Tall Ship is located at the City Marina, next to the Historic Bridge of Lions.
Visitors to this beautiful city can easily walk through nearly 450 years of history along ancient narrow streets leading to the Plaza de la Constitucion, established by Royal decree in the 16th century. The magnificent hotels of the Flagler era represent the very best Spanish Renaissance architecture in the United States; the 144 square block historic district features 20 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For those who like the outdoors, the beaches of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Anastasia Island offer beachgoers an exceptional 42 mile long oceanside playground filled with opportunities to explore, discover, and experience the wonders of the beach environment. From swimming and surfing to shell collecting and biking, the beaches of this beautiful stretch of Atlantic shoreline offer year around fun in a seaside paradise that is second to none.
The Castillo Real, which was opened in early 2005, is a beautiful Mediterranean boutique hotel featuring multiple fountains, hand-painted murals, and a three story lobby atrium. There are 60 rooms, including six oceanfront suites and 28 whirlpool rooms and suites.
The modern Castillo Real hotel.
Some of the features include executive and luxury suites, pillow top mattresses, three story lobby atrium, marble floors and showers, three fountains, outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool spa, fitness center, steam room, and Casablanca spa designed to relieve the stress of everyday life and inspire well being.
Other features are flat screen TV, DVD/CD player, refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, complimentary wired and wireless high speed Internal access, hairdryers, and private vanity areas. Breakfast buffet is served daily in the Castillo Restaurant. Recreational facilities include a private sundeck, sauna room, and fitness center.
St. Augustine’s Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village provides luxury accommodations and upscale amenities including tennis, water sports, bicycling, and other activities.
The World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village houses interactive displays, historic artifacts, a special exhibit gallery, an IMAX theatre, and the Hall of Fame itself, which honors the game’s greatest players and contributors.
The PGA Tour Spa Laterra, located at the World Golf Village is the first spa to bear the PGA Tour name and features special golf-enhanced services and fitness programs comparable to those used on the PGA Tour. Inspired by Ponce de Leon’s mythical Fountain of Youth, the design incorporates water in its many forms, including fountains, streams, small lakes, waterfalls, pools, and reflecting ponds.
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
Discover the rich maritime history.
Climb 219 steps to the top of the 165-foot tower for a breathtaking view of historic downtown St. Augustine, the beaches, and the nation's oldest port. Discover St. Augustine's rich maritime history at the site of Florida's first lighthouse. Explore exhibits in the restored keepers' house used by the Coast Guard in WWII; St. Augustine, shipwrecks, and the lives of the keepers and their families are showcased. Don't forget to shop in the museum store for unique lighthouse and maritime gifts.
The Lighthouse has an educational program called LAMP (Lighthouse Archeological Maritime Program) that has three full-time staff. The program is dedicated to the investigation, interpretation, and better understanding of the maritime history and archaeology of St. Augustine, the "First Coast" region of Florida, and beyond.
Through historical research and the scientific study of shipwrecks and other maritime archaeological sites, LAMP seeks to engage local and visiting communities while exploring the dynamic story of our nation's oldest port city.
History await through the city gates.
The Sightseeing Train experience is perhaps one of the best ways to see St. Augustine. Everyone loves to ride the sightseeing red trains with free parking, free hotel shuttle; the narration keeps you occupied throughout the trip. In addition there is unlimited on and off privileges at more than 20 stops for shopping, attractions, and restaurants.
Another experience that no one wants to miss out on is the horse drawn carriages which include sightseeing tours with continuous narrations on the different areas as well as their historical perspectives. Providing daily narrated and evening carriage tours of St. Augustine, Country Carriages Tours are a romantic way to see St. Augustine. In addition to their scheduled tours, carriages can be rented for special occasions like weddings, parties, and family outing.
Claude’s Chocolate, located at 15 Hypolita Street, in the heart of the historic district is just one block from the bayfront, a must see for visitors. Claude and Nicole Franques have created a new chocolate shop that matches the best Europe have to offer. A certified chef and pastry chef, Claude has worked in some of the finest hotels in France and New York. The shop is a masterpiece of fine, handmade European chocolates sprinkled with the quaint historic ambiance of St. Augustine. Claude’s Chocolates offers daily tasting specials and seasonal surprises.
A visit to the Fountain of Youth is a must. One can stroll through the gardens of what was once the Indian Town Settlement Seloy, explore the archaeological excavations and drink from the pre-historic spring Ponce de Leon discovered in 1513. First opened as an attraction by Diamond L’il, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is believed to be the site where Ponce de Leon landed on his famed search for the island of Bimini and the Fountain of Youth, claiming Florida for Spain.
The Park exhibits exciting evidence of the early Timucuan Indian inhabitants, as well as evidence and artifacts of the first Spanish colony. The fountain of youth is nestled between life-sized dioramas of Indian town-life and the Ponce de Leon landing; drink from the cool ancient spring as well as experiencing the Christian Indian burial grounds.
Juan Ponce was born in 1460 in the village of San Cervas in the province of Campos in northern Spain.
Winery Tours and wine tasting at San Sebastian Winery featuring Florida-produced sparkling, dessert and dinner wines. Visitors are taken on an interesting journey through the complete wine making process. After a short audio-visual presentation in the theatre, visitors will enjoy a guided walking tour of the 18,000 square foot wine production facility.
The wine tasting counter is perhaps the most exciting portion of the tour. Those on the tour are treated to a wine tasting experience by a trained winery attendant and taken through the interesting steps of how to taste, savor, and enjoy a wide selection of San Sebastian premium table wines.
Located in the former Alcazar Hotel, Lightner Museum features Relics of America's Gilded Age, elegantly exhibited on the museum's three floors. Costumes, furnishings, mechanical musical instruments, and other artifacts give you a glimpse into 19th century daily life. The Lightner collection includes beautiful examples of cut glass, Victorian art glass, and the stained glass work of Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Monuments galore
grace the town.
Wedding vow renewals
The reneweal of the vows ceremony involved Samantha and Brandon Miller of St. Augusitne. They were renewing their vows after two years of marriage. The ceremony was held at the Amore Wedding Chapel and in the Courtyard of St. Augusitne City Hall (the former Alcazar Hotel). The ceremony was organized by the Wedding Authority. The reception was in the Sala Menendez Room at the Alcazar and the wedding cake was made by Hot Shots Bakery (904-824-7898).
Restaurants
The Conch House Marina and Restaurant is a must on your list; if you love the Caribbean, you will love the Conch House, featuring the finest seafood, steaks, salads, and Caribbean style cuisine. The restaurant is dockside of the resort's 200-slip marina, conveniently located on Salt Run, just off the Intra-coastal waterway and near the St. Augustine Inlet.
Habana Village Café has been serving authentic Cuban food in downtown St. Augustine since 1999. While the specialty is Cuban cuisine, the Café also offers a variety of Latin-seasoned meals adapted to the American taste.
Lunch at Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille ensures the freshest seafood, steaks, burgers, chicken, pasta, soups, and salads. Harry’s was voted for the best clam chowder.
The Tasting Room is a new restaurant reflecting St. Augustine’s rich Spanish heritage and features tapas and wine in a casual atmosphere with a Spanish influence throughout the menu. It is the creation of Michael and Christine McMilan.
South Beach Grill is a casual, ocean front dining experience you will not soon forget. Regarded as one of the best local restaurants for fresh fish, shrimp, oysters, and crab legs! All fish is hand cut in house, fresh from the loin.
Caps on the waterfront is a delight for tourists as well as residents. The restaurant also caters weddings, private parties, or groups of tourists. The ambiance is relaxing and there are special activities for children. Located on the Intra-coastal Waterway on St. Augustine’s North Beach, Cap’s is a St. Augustine waterfront dining favorite. Once a fish camp that catered to local fisherman’s bait and tackle needs, the facility was converted into a restaurant in 1980. The menu features exclusive recipe’s using local seafood favorites.
Award winning cuisine can be had at Ninety- Five Cordova at Casa Monica Hotel on Cordova Street. The historical setting and surroundings pave the way for an exhilarating evening. Built in 1888, The Casa Monica is the landmark hotel of St. Augustine’s historic district. Restored in 1999, this luxury hotel exemplifies the beauty and history of the region.
Historic Sites
St. Augustine's oldest house. . .
. . . and the USA's oldest school.
Historic sites include St. Augustine’s Oldest House, the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, founded in 1704, located at 14 St. Francis Street. Visitors delight at seeing the old house and its kitchen and antiques. An old stove is still in existence as well as other artifacts which add to the charm of the old building.
Even today the walls and floor are still in existence, retaining their own history. The Gonzalez’s sparse furnishings speak of the family’s sparse life. The site has been occupied since the 1600s and the present house dates to the early 1700s. Since 1893 visitors have toured the house to see evidence of the Spanish, British, and American occupations of St. Augustine, and to learn how the residents lived. In 1970 the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the house a National Historic Landmark.
The Old St. Augustine Village includes nine historic homes dating from 1790 to 1910. As one of the oldest surviving Colonial structures in St. Augustine, the Prince Murat Home is the oldest house on the Old St. Augustine Village property. The house was purchased in 1821 by Antonio Canova and is named after its most famous occupant, Prince Achille Murat. A nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, Prince Mural was also the Crown Prince of Naples in Italy. Spanning the period 1790 to 1910, the Village has five exhibit galleries nestled among the buildings' courtyards and gardens. Included in the 1572 town plan of St. Augustine, this city block contains an archaeological record of a sixteenth-century hospital and cemetery, an eighteenth-century Spanish Colonial defense line, and an early St. Augustine bridge. The Village has on-staff docents and interpreters to explain and demonstrate life in St. Augustine during its various historic periods.
The Oldest Wooden School House is a sight to behold as thousands can attest.
The second oldest structure on the Old St .Augustine Village property is the Dow House. This house was constructed by Antonio Canova in 1839 and was originally located where the William Dean Howells Home currently stands on St. George Street.
The Cathedral Basilica.
Gold was stored in Castillo San Marcos,
protected by the Conquistadores.
Historical Monuments and Churches
One of the most significant edifices is the Cathedral Basilica established in 1565. It is the oldest continuously active Catholic faith community in the continental United States. Founded on September 8, 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles when he first sighted Florida on the Feast Day of St. Augustine.
The original structure was a rectangular building 120 feet long and 42 feet wide. Typical of many churches built by the Spanish during the eighteenth century, walls of the façade swoop upward in graceful curves in a style reminiscent of the baroque, to the quaint Moorish belfry surmounted by a gold cross.
The Castillo de San Marcos
Castillo de San Marcos was for many years the northern most outpost of Spain’s vast New World Empire. It is the oldest masonry fort and the best preserved example of a Spanish colonial fortification in the continental United States. It anchored East Florida’s defenses, which extended northward to the St. Mary’s River, westward to the St. Johns River, and southward to Fort Matanzas.
It protected St. Augustine from pirate raids and from Spain’s major rival, Great Britain, during a time when the Florida-Georgia-Carolina coastline was an explosive international battleground.
The roots of the Castillo’s history reach back to the years just after Christopher Columbus’ final transatlantic voyage when conquistadores carved out a vast and wealthy overseas empire for Spain, first the Caribbean and then on the mainland of Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru.
Work began on the Castillo in 1672 and was completed by 1695. The Castillo replaced nine successive wooden fortifications that had protected St. Augustine since its founding. The fort’s commanding location on the west bank of Matanzas Bay allowed its guns to protect not only the harbor entrance but the ground to the north against a land attack.
Spain held Florida until 1821 when serious Spanish-American tensions led to its cession to the United States. It was renamed Fort Marion and used to house Indian prisoners during the Seminole War of 1835-42.
An outside wall bears the evidence of bullet holes following the shooting of some of the prisoners during the Spanish times. Inside the fort there is a section which was used to hold the Indian prisoners.
Slave Market
This building was a market that was also used for the sale of slaves. The plaque outside the building explains that the building was originally a guard hut, then a place for Public Auction.
Freedom Park
This was the area where the Emancipation Proclamation was read. The freedom bell is in the far corner.
“During the Civil War, St. Augustine fell into Union hands in March, 1862. In January of 1863, President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was officially issued in Florida at this location”. The plaque spells out the rest of the Proclamation.
The city has an estimated 15,000 residents while the county seat of St. Johns County has an estimated 150,000 residents all of whom are committed to preserving the legacy of the nations oldest permanently European Settlement.
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Feature story by Edwin Ali, Jetsetters Magazine Florida and Caribbean Editor.
