Four hundred and forty nine years ago, a small expedition led by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed on the western shore of the Matanzas River and founded a settlement known as St. Augustine. This settlement  served as the capital of Spanish Florida for two hundred years and is the oldest continuously occupied European city in the United States.

St. Augustine remained the capital of East Florida as the territory changed hands between the Spanish and British, and was the capital of the Florida Territory until it was moved to Tallahassee in 1824.

Since the late 19th century, the city’s historic character has made it a major tourist attraction. Millions of visitors have flocked to the city in search of sun, fun, and adventure. Today, there are dozens of attractions within the city limits, and a few just outside, that helps make a visit to the old city a must-do for tourists and locals alike.

This is my list of the top five things to do in historic St. Augustine

#1 Take a Guided Tour

There are two major tour companies that offer continuously running tram style tours of St. Augustine. They are the Old Town Trolley Tours and the Red Train Trolley Tours. Both of them offer hop on/hop off tours of the city, and allow easy access to the many historic sites that are available for public visitation. By taking one of these trolley rides, you will have a basic idea of some of the history of the city, and get an idea of where you want to go later.

#2 Visit the Castillo de San Marcos

According to the National Park Service, the Castillo de San Marcos is a monument not only of stone and mortar but of human determination and endurance. It symbolizes the clash between cultures which ultimately resulted in our uniquely unified nation.

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Now, that might be a bit deep, but the fort is definitely a sight to behold. It is an imposing structure in the heart of the old city and provides a glimpse at the dangers that the first Spanish settlers faced int their efforts at colonization. The fort remained active until the early 20th century, and is not only a tribute to the spirit and ingenuity of it’s builders but a monument to the idea of westward expansion.

#3 Take a trip through history at the Colonial Quarter

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Go on an immersive, captivating journey through centuries of St. Augustine’s rich history, brought to breathtaking life at the Colonial Quarter—the revitalized two-acre signature attraction in the heart of the downtown historic district.

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Experience the Nation’s Oldest City like never before with an Historical Adventure Tour that immerses you in the sights, sounds and smells of three centuries. This living museum offers self guided tours, but you really can’t get a true feeling for the place without taking the guided tour, which breathes life into the nearly 5 centuries of history rebuilt within their two acres of amazing.  If you can, ask for Charlie, as he offers up a glimpse of colonial life with a large dose of humor.

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Vistors can also climb to the top of a 17th century watchtower replica, dine on classic Pub fare and Spanish Tapas and more! I highly recommend the Cuban sandwich at the Taberna de Cabellero.

 

#4 Glimpse the life of a bucanneer at the  St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum

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Located right next door to the Colonial Quarter lies the largest collection of pirate memorabilia on Earth, featuring everything from the original Jolly Roger to the skeleton of One Eyed Willie himself!

The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum offers an educational, exciting, and timber-shivering museum experience that transports you and your family back in time over 300 years to Port Royal, Jamaica, at the height of the Golden Age of Piracy

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Among more than 800 museum-quality artifacts, threaded through the storyline is the original journal of Captain Kidd’s last voyage, the only authentic pirate treasure chest in the world that originally belonged to Captain Thomas Tew and the oldest pirate Wanted Poster for the capture of Captain Henry Every.

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It is an awesome adventure into the world of pirates and plunder, both real and imaginary, that allows even the staunchest landlubber the ability, if only for a moment, to experience what it felt like to live a pirate’s life!

 

#5 Tour the Old City Jail

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Now that you’ve toured the Castillo de San Marcos, and delved into a life of piracy at the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, it’s time to head directly to jail! Built by Henry Flagler in 1891, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, the Old Jail served as the county jail until 1953.

Guns, weapons and courtyard displays are all part of this educational and fun experience for the entire family, but a guided tour of the interior of the amazing facility is the only way to get a better idea of how the original occupants, and the family of the jailer, spent their days. I’d recommend Ungrie, a man of Hagrid’s build and style, who seems to know too much about this facility that closed the year he was born.
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The roughly thirty minute walking tour includes a look into the sheriff’s quarters, the kitchen, and cellblock of the small facility. It also gives you a glimpse into what life must have been like for those incarcerated within the thick concrete and stone walls, and offers a small look into the history of another famous prison located on an island off the coast of California.

Of course, there are tons of other things to see and do around the historic city. Take the time to wander the streets of the old city, looking into the shop windows, and explore the centuries old cemeteries. Enjoy a good meal at one of the many fine restaurants located throughout town, or take a small horse drawn carriage tour of the narrow byways.

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A visit to the oldest continuously occupied European city in the United States should be on everyone’s  bucket list, and gives you a bit more of an idea of how we became what we are today. We should all tip our hats to Menendez and his crew of brave explorers, as we prepare for another 450 years of history in the New World!

Adam Sinclair
Adam is a lover of travel, and has always been interested in finding and exploring new and exciting places. In these tough economic times, travel can help provide an escape from the stresses of everyday life. He plans on sharing his favorite getaways with the readers of MiceChat.com, and hopes to visit some of the best area attractions with the world with his audience at his side. Follow him on twitter (@faborplumbs) as he searches for his next amazing destination, and check out some of his other favorite places at Faborplumbs Funtastic Finds as well as the Local Getaways section of Examiner.com!