Day Trip to St. Augustine | America’s Oldest City
Today, we’re taking you on an exciting day trip to St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the United States. Under an hour south of Jacksonville, St. Augustine was founded in 1565 and reflects over 400 years of cultural influences. Are you ready for this adventure? Let’s dive in!
Gonzalez-Alvarez House
Our first stop is the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, constructed in 1723. As the oldest existing residence in America’s oldest colonial town, it sets the tone for your trip. The historical landmark reflects Spanish colonial architecture, with modifications from the British period.
You can delve into the house’s rich history with guided tours that start every 30 minutes. Even without a tour, the house has plenty of information for a self-guided exploration. This is nice so you can learn at your own pace about the aspects that interest you most.
Castillo de San Marcos Fort
Next, visit the Castillo de San Marcos Fort, one of St. Augustine’s most prominent historical sites. Built by the Spanish to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, the fort has served many roles, from protector to prison. Today, it’s a relic of the past, showcasing over 450 years of cultural intersections.
Park rangers and volunteers in period dress bring history to life with engaging stories and demonstrations. Be sure to explore the bastions, guard rooms, and prison chambers. Don’t miss the live reenactments or cannon firings for a truly immersive experience.
Oldest Wooden School House
In the heart of St. Augustine, you’ll find the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the United States. The exact date of its construction isn’t documented. However, the house’s unique style is reminiscent of the typical early colonial buildings in the city.
This is a great place to bring your kids because there are many educational experiences waiting for them. There are plenty of school artifacts to see here. But the real highlight is the animatronic presentation about the time’s education history.
Lightner Museum
Now, we’ll cover the three hotels made by Henry Flagler, the industrialist tycoon who helped make tourism in Florida possible. First up is the Lightner Museum. Formerly known as the Alcazar Hotel, this establishment was completed in 1888. It was designed to offer luxurious accommodations during America’s Gilded Age. This means the former hotel catered to wealthy tourists visiting St. Augustine.
However, the hotel closed during The Great Depression, and Otto Lightner later bought the building and gifted it to the city. He turned this Gilded Age resort into an eclectic museum to display his vast collection of art and artifacts. Sure, the museum pieces are interesting, but the building itself is also a marvel to see!
Casa Monica Resort & Spa
Another one of these Flagler Hotels is the Casa Monica, a lavish hotel that embodies Moorish and Spanish baroque architecture. It was built in 1888 by Franklin W. Smith and quickly purchased by Henry Flagler, who intended to make it a luxury winter resort hotel. Much like Alcazar Hotel, it went through different management. It even changed names, from Casa Monica Hotel to Alcazar Annex and back to Casa Monica again. Today, Casa Monica fulfills its role as a hotel where you can enjoy upscale accommodations and amenities.
Flagler College
Lastly, and arguably the most beautiful of all the Flagler Hotels, is Flagler College. Formerly known as the Ponce de Leon Hotel, this building was opened in 1888 and was an instant hit among its customers. The building initially served as a luxury hotel to attract wealthy northerners to Florida. Today, it serves as Flagler College, a small private liberal arts college in St. Augustine. And honestly, to say that this is one of the most beautiful campuses in the country is a massive understatement.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Did you know that the Fountain of Youth is in St. Augustine? Well, sort of. There’s a park in St. Augustine named Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. This place is believed to be the landing site of the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513. The site was developed into a park to commemorate the legendary waters believed to be sought by de Leon.
While the park doesn’t feature a magical spring that will help you regain your youth, it does have some enjoyable family-friendly activities. For starters, you can actually drink from a spring in The Fountain of Youth & Spring House. There are also other must-see exhibits here, such as the Discovery Globe, Timucua Indian Exhibit, and Planetarium.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed discovering the rich history and cultural heritage of America’s oldest city. If you like the places we’ve visited, we encourage you to check them out and experience these historical wonders for yourself. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a charming day trip destination, St. Augustine has something for everyone.
Did we miss any hidden gems? Let us know in the comments below!