Saint Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is located on Florida's Atlantic coast, just 38 miles (61 kilometers) southeast of Jacksonville. It is the county seat of St. Johns County, and home to 11,592 people.

St. Augustine was founded in 1565, and proudly proclaims itself the "the nation's oldest city." Not surprisingly, historic attractions abound, including the Oldest Wooden School House in the US and the Oldest House Museum Complex. Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth is a must-see for any visitor. Billed as "North America's first historic site," this locale was once an Indian village, the site of Ponce de Leon's 1513 landing, and the location of the 1565 St. Augustine mission and colony. Visitors can learn about the city's centuries-long history through a variety of exhibits, and even enjoy a drink from the fabled Fountain of Youth Spring. To see the how the Spanish influence shaped the history of Florida, visit the c. 1672 Castillo de San Marcos and the circa 1742 Fort Matanzas.

Other historic attractions include Old St. Augustine Village, the Lightner Museum, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the Old Florida Museum. For some light-hearted fun, stop by Potter's Wax Museum or Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum.

St. Augustine is between the Matanzas and San Sebastian rivers, just slightly inland from the Atlantic Ocean. This location means that there are plenty of waterfront delights, including Marineland, the Municiple Marina, fishing charters, and scenic cruises by boat and helicoptor. Just minutes from downtown St. Augustine, the Anastasia State Recreation Area offers a beautiful beach and plenty of activities for the whole family. Water lovers can dive into the ocean and enjoy surfing, swimming, and sail boarding, while landlubbers can enjoy sunbathing, nature hikes, and coastal camping. Nature lovers will want to head out to the Guana River State Park, a 2,400-acre (971 hectare) area that protects a variety of coastal habitats and wildlife.

St. Augustine's popularity as a tourist destination means that there's even more waiting in store. During the day, you can play some golf and tennis or browse the city's many art galleries and shops. At night, the city offers many family-friendly entertainment options including plays, murder mystery productions, and awe-inspiring acrobatic stunts.

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