Exploring St. Augustine
America’s Oldest City
By Beth Graham
Casa Monica Hotel
T
ravelers flock to Florida for its
pristine beaches but many are
missing out on one of the country’s
most historic towns, St. Augustine, located
just 30 minutes south of Jacksonville on
North Florida’s first coast. It was Ponce
de Leon’s quest for the Fountain of Youth
that led him to Florida in 1513, and today,
this is one of St. Augustine’s most popular
92
fwt
FALL 2016
attractions. Decades later in 1565, Spanish
explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés established the Oldest City, which celebrated
its 450th anniversary in 2015. The Spanish
influence is still prevalent all over the city
through the architecture, food, and cultural
attractions. Visitors will feel as though they
are transported to another era.
Much of the historic district is walkable,
although the old trolleys and horse-drawn
carriages are a great way to see the city.
You’ll find both tourists and locals strolling
St. George’s Street, the city’s historic district
lined with cobblestone streets, quaint outdoor cafes, and offbeat artisan shops.
Exploring History
St. Augustine has become somewhat of
a school field trip mecca, allowing students
to experience the country’s history up close
and personal. The city’s top attractions offer