Vacationing in Old St. Augustine

America's oldest permanent European settlement is still today one of the most fascinating cities to visit on the east coast. There is an air of "Old Europe" in much of the historic area of town, but a short drive will deliver the visitor to beaches and activities that any oceanside resort town offers. St. Augustine, Florida is situated a short distance off of Interstate 95 near Jacksonville.

First, it is always nice to know a bit of history for the place at which you will be spending vacation time. St. Augustine is absolutely rich with history and was founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles. Other well-known people have histories tied in with St. Augustine as well. Sir Francis Drake burned his way through the town in 1586. Even before the founding, it is said that the explorer Ponce de Leon found his way to St. Augustine searching for the infamous fountain of youth. It appears that he actually found it at St. Augustine and today visitors can drink from the legendary fountain.

Upon entering St. Augustine, an imposing and more than a little impressive structure delights visitors of all ages. Sitting on its own small "mound" or hill is the 17th century-built Castillo de San Marcos, the fort. Never have its walls been penetrated by an enemy (except perhaps time itself.) It keeps watch over Matanzas Bay today as it has done for centuries. Admission to the Castillo is a small amount and you can go through the rooms of the fort as well as climb the steps to the gun deck. Costumed re-enactors are often found at the Castillo and they will sometimes give demonstrations.

Another attraction to visit is the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. There is admission to the park, and things included in admission and found on the quiet and beautiful grounds are a Navigator's Celestial Planetarium, "Discovery Globe," a presentation about the navigation of explorers, a Timucuan Indian display and burial grounds, an extensive gift shop, and the fountain of youth itself. This includes a presentation and a drink from the fountain. Don't be startled to see peacocks roaming the grounds, and letting off one of those screams they do once in a while.

No matter what stresses life has brought upon someone vacationing in St. Augustine, walking the grounds of "the old mission," Nombre de Dios just may be what the doctor ordered for stress relief. The grounds are always peaceful, calm and beautifully landscaped. This is where to find a replica of a 16th century Spanish mission. The mission itself is the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche. Also on these grounds is a 65-foot cross that is visible for miles from out on the ocean. The significance of this place is to symbolize the site of the first Catholic Mass celebrated in America and offered by Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales in September of 1565.

Take a stroll along St. George Street for some fabulous shopping experiences. If you happen to need a bite to eat, try an empanada and cookie at the Spanish Bakery. There are dozens of great places in and around St. Augustine to eat, covering fast food to fine dining, but for a real feel of Spanish atmosphere , try to pick up one of these empanadas.

Museums in town include Old Florida Museum, Spanish Quarter Village, and Old St. Augustine Village, all living history types of museums (with some hands-on activities for children at the Old Florida Museum,) Government House Museum, the St. Augustine Lighthouse Museum, Potter's Wax Museum, and Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

Other points of interest in St. Augustine proper and the historic district include "The Oldest House" which offers tours, the oldest schoolhouse, various cruises around the bay and ocean including scenic cruises and even ghost cruises. Ghost walks are also given nightly around town, through the cemeteries and old sections of St. Augustine.

The best way to get around town without having to drive is by one of the trolley tours that are offered. Your ticket will cover three days and accommodates drop offs or pickups at about twenty stops along the route. The trolleys will not go across the spectacular Bridge of Lions, so your travels to that part of America's Oldest City will need to be via other transportation. If you don't wish to use the trolley, or want a ride in the evening when they are no longer running, try a horse and carriage ride, loading along the bayfront.

What is found "over the bridge?" You will be taking Highway A1A over the bridge and it is here, on the island where the beaches are found. Other places to visit on Anastasia Island are the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, Anastasia State Park, and the Spanish Quarry. The alligator farm houses rare reptiles, mammals, and birds. Be sure to say hello to all 15+ feet and over twelve hundred pounds of croc named Maximo. This place showcases all twenty-three species of crocodilians.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse, standing 165 feet above sea level, is also found on the island. There is a museum inside of the lighthouse's visitor center. If you wish to reach the observation tower via the steps and wish to count them, you will arrive at two hundred and nineteen before reaching the top of the lighthouse. In case you want to look for another way to the top, there isn't one. No elevator or easy way to the top of this spectacular lighthouse. Construction was completed in 1874. This is still a working lighthouse and seeing the rotating light after dark is quite impressive.

It is a good idea with any vacation trip, or even short road trip, to do thorough research of the town before arriving. The internet is a perfect place for such research. Know which restaurants are in the area, and decide which attractions you want to visit. Not only will this save precious time when you are actually at your vacation spot, but many places will offer discount coupons to print out from your computer.

The locals insist that at least three full days are needed to fully experience St. Augustine. This is certainly true with all the activities that are available. If your vacation will be divided between beach time and sightseeing time for historical areas, four or five days would serve better so you are not rushed.