Saint Augustine
St. Augustine is a favorite getaway. We can spend a day or a week and not tire of this beautiful ancient city. It is a living masterpiece with so much depth and detail that even though we have been there many times, we always find something we missed on our earlier visits. Over four hundred years of history is revealed at every turn.
On our latest visit in sunny March, the air had a hint of coolness and the breeze off the Atlantic played havoc with our hair, but it was a glorious day for seeing the old city.
Our first stop this trip was Mission of Nombre de Dios (Name of God). It is believed that this is the location where Pedro Menéndez de Aviles founded the city of St. Augustine on September 8, 1565. Parking is free and there is no charge, but donations are accepted. Grab a brochure at the gate and follow the shaded walk as you imagine the historic scene.
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Leaving the mission, turn left onto San Marco Avenue and travel approximately one mile to Castillo Drive. Turn right then left into the Visitor's Center parking garage. We prefer parking in the garage, but there is parking at the fort, along the streets, in private lots, and in other areas. Parking at the garage is easy. It's conveniently located, transportation trams make regular pickups, and major credit cards are accepted. Prices may vary, depending on special event days, etc.
The Visitor’s Information Center is the place to begin if this is your first visit to St. Augustine. Besides an abundance of information and helpful attendants, you’ll find restrooms, a gift shop, and more. Pick up a map while you’re there.
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Our next stop was Castillo de San Marcos. The Spanish fort built of coquina was begun in 1672 and completed in 1695. The fort was renamed Fort Marion during the British period.
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Next we strolled down some of the main streets in the Ancient City shopping district, passing many interesting sites along the way (Some will be mentioned in the photo captions while others will be listed following the photos). The Old City Gates serve as the northern entrance to Saint George Street, the heart of the shopping district.
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TRAVEL TIPS
1. There are many ways into the old city. We usually enter by way of State Road 16 or State Road 207 (both are accessible from I-95).
If you’re in the mood for shopping, take the State Road 16 exit off of I-95 where you’ll find St. Augustine Premium Outlets and Prime Outlets.
From the Malls travel east on State Road 16 (Bartrum Scenic and Historic Highway) about five miles to San Marco Avenue.
From State Road 207, turn left onto U.S. 1/Ponce de Leon Blvd. Travel to Castillo Drive which will lead to the Visitor's Information Center where there is parking, information, a video about the city, and a sightseeing tour trolley or tram.
2. When we stay a few days in St. Augustine, we enjoy taking one of the sightseeing tour services mentioned above. This is a great way to see all of the ancient city and become acclimated before setting off on foot. The trams and trolleys stop at many of the popular sites and hotels. Our tickets were usually good for three days of riding.
3. If we’re on a day trip, we prefer parking in the Visitor’s Information Center’s parking garage. It’s convenient and economical. From here we can walk to Castillo de San Marcos. We are also only a short walk to the harbor and to the shopping district where there are plenty of unique shops, art galleries, and places to eat.
4. We learned the hard way to check the events schedule before visiting the city. Traffic, traffic routes, and parking can be a real problem on special event days.
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