We will be spending a minimum of 3 months in Florida, but maybe more. Our first stop is to St. Augustine.
Our first time in St. Augustine, and we are on over load. There is so much history in this town going back to 1565 by Spanish explorers. It is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement within the borders of the continental United States. It is the second oldest city in United States territory after San Juan, Puerto Rico (founded in 1521).
Because there is so much to see, we suggest that you look into booking a trolley city tour. We did the Old Town Trolley, we got to ride two days, so if you don’t get to hear or see what you want to on the first day, you have the next day. They also offer different packages as well. We were there for a month, and this helped us know what we wanted to really go explore, and things we knew we would be ok to miss.
https://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine
St. Augustine being so old, makes for so much history. At one time this was the gateway into the city. Founded in 1565 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. In 1562, a group of Huguenots led by Jean Ribault arrived in Spanish Florida to establish a colony in the territory claimed by Spain. They explored the mouth of the St. Johns River, calling it la Rivière de Mai (the River May), then sailed northward and established a settlement called Charlesfort at Port Royal Sound in present-day South Carolina. Spain learned of this French expedition through its spies at ports on the Atlantic coast of France. The Huguenot nobleman René de Laudonnière, who had participated in the expedition, returned to Florida in 1564 with three ships and 300 Huguenot colonists. He arrived at the mouth of the River May on June 22, 1564, sailed up it a few miles, and founded Fort Caroline.
Aviles Street is one of the oldest streets in the nation.
This area is a very popular spot in St. Augustine. It is St. George Street, this quaint walkable street is lined with shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Many side streets and fun for all. This is located in the heart of old town along with the oldest house, and Castillo de San Marcos.
Where else, but in the oldest city would you find a tree that is over 600 years old. Located in the parking lot of a Howard Johnson’s. It is a beautiful and large tree, and not unlike others in the area, having the beauty of the moss hanging from it.
This beautiful view of the streets lined with trees.
A fun stop of the Old Town Trolley Tour, is the Old Jail Museum. Home to prisoners for over 60 years, the Old Jail in St. Augustine looks more like a resort than a maximum-security facility. The original structure was built in 1891 by Henry Flagler; and although it has been restored and renovated throughout the years, it looks very much the way it did when it opened over a century ago.
As part of your ticket, you also have a shuttle over Lion’s Bridge to the Lighthouse, Alligator farm and beach’s.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse was built in 1871 and 1874. 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse. But completely worth it when you get to the top and see that amazing view.
You will not be disappointed when visiting St. Augustine, so much history, beautiful beach’s, close to some other major city’s.
Stay tuned to see our other adventures in the area.
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