Welcome to St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States! Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is a charming city with a rich history and plenty of sights to see.
Let's start with a visit to the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fort that was built to protect the city from foreign invaders. This impressive structure is made of coquina stone, a type of limestone that is native to the area, and is now a National Monument. You can explore the fort's various rooms and learn about the history of the fort and the city.
Next, we'll head to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, which is located on Anastasia Island just across the Matanzas Bay from the city. The lighthouse is over 140 years old and offers stunning views of the city and the coastline. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse and visit the museum to learn about the history of lighthouse keeping and the maritime history of the region.
For a taste of St. Augustine's Spanish heritage, we'll visit the historic district, where you'll find narrow streets lined with colonial-era buildings, such as the Spanish Quarter Museum and the Oldest Wooden School House. You can also visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, a beautiful Catholic church that dates back to the 18th century.
For a break from history, we can visit St. Augustine Beach, which is just a few miles south of the city. This beautiful stretch of sand is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. You'll also find plenty of restaurants and shops in the area.
Finally, no visit to St. Augustine would be complete without a taste of the city's famous datil pepper sauce, which is made from a local variety of hot pepper. You can find this spicy condiment in many of the city's restaurants and shops.
In short, St. Augustine is a city with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation. I hope you enjoy your visit to this historic corner of Florida!
