Historic, scenic and informal, St. Augustine is a great getaway destination
The view to the east hasn’t changed in more than 400 years. That’s how long residents of the city of St. Augustine have been enjoying sunrise views across the waters of the Matanzas River. This natural deep-water inlet became the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in North America.
For more than 200 years, the city remained the center of government for Spanish Florida, and later became the first capital of the Florida territory. Flagler’s railroad ushered in an era of lavish winter resorts, which then sprang into cities farther to the south.
Today, St. Augustine is a favorite weekend getaway destination, combining beach time with eclectic shopping, picturesque B&Bs and a lively dining scene. It is also recognized as the oldest continually occupied city in the nation, and iconic landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos and the Old City Gates stand as reminders to a colorful past.
