St. Augustine Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in St. Johns County, Florida, United States
About St. Augustine
42 years before the English established a colony at Jamestown in Virginia, and a full 55 before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, theSpanish colonial empiresettled St. Augustine. Founded byPedro Menéndez de Avilesin 1565 as the colony's capital and in an effort to protect Spain's claims inFloridafrom theFrenchat Fort Caroline (present-dayJacksonville), the town had a rocky start. Pirates attacked, as did the local Native Americans, and British privateer Sir Francis Drake burned St. Augustine to the ground in 1586. In response, the Queen of Spain dispersed funds to construct a masonry fort to protect the town, and construction on the Castillo de San Marcos began in 1672. The fort was never captured, despite multiple attempts, including a 58-day siege by British forces in which the town
Top Attractions in St. Augustine
Explore the best things to see and do in St. Augustine:
- ★Adventure Landing
- ★Alligator Farm Zoological Park
- ★Anastasia State Park
- ★Anastasia Watersports
- ★Blessing of the Fleet
- ★Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- ★Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
- ★Celtic Music & Heritage Festival
Where to Eat in St. Augustine
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Amici Italian Restaurant
- 🍴Beachcomber Restaurant
- 🍴Casa Maya
- 🍴Collage
- 🍴Gas Full Service Restaurant
- 🍴Georgie's Diner
Where to Stay in St. Augustine
- 🏨44 Spanish Street Inn
- 🏨63 Orange Street Bed & Breakfast Inn
- 🏨Anastasia Inn
- 🏨Bayfront Westcott House
- 🏨Best Western Bayfront
- 🏨Carriage Way Bed and Breakfast
St. Augustine Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: