If you enjoy a vacation chuck full of history and beauty, consider Saint Augustine on your next Florida travel. It is Florida’s first coast, it has survived five centuries of history, and today Saint Augustine remains as a tribute to its past with its old world charm.  History tells us that Saint Augustine is known as the nation’s oldest city and was founded over forty years before the English colonized Jamestown, Virginia and over fifty years before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. (Photo courtesy of flickr.)

Back in the 1950′s, a project was underway to preserve and restore Saint Augustine’s historical structures. Included in this project were a seventeenth century fortress, eighteenth century buildings, and huge architectural structures from the nineteenth century. These are buildings that date back to 1885 when Henry Flagler began building railroads and hotels in the area and they are still there as beautiful as ever.

Most people visit Saint Augustine for its history but once there, they realize that there is no other place like it in America. That is exactly what happened to me. While driving north several years ago, we decided to stop and spend a day in Saint Augustine. It was amazing! Literally all the buildings have that stucco Spanish style look that you see in Spain or Europe. We also found that Saint Augustine is a great vacation place for the whole family. Here are some of the attractions you can consider while visiting Saint Augustine. (Photo courtesy of myfloridatrips.com.)

Attractions for the whole family

• Bayfront Mini Golf – opened in 1949 and it is the oldest miniature golf course in Florida.
• Dolphin Watch and Harbor Tours of Saint Augustine – not only will you see dolphins in their wild habitat, but also beautiful scenery of the oldest city in America.
• Helicopter Tours of Saint Augustine – great views of Saint Augustine’s Lighthouse, the Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos and the entire city.
• Scenic Cruise of Saint Augustine – a relaxing one hour and fifteen minute cruise where you can see all the historical landmarks and natural sites of Saint Augustine.
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not – there are over 800 exhibits here for the whole family to enjoy.
• Fiesta Falls Mini Golf – fun for all ages at this landscaped course that also features 8 waterfalls, caves, and a 65 foot Spanish ship. You can also enjoy a great view of the ocean from a mountain top gazebo.

Museums

• Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum – go back in time to Saint Augustine in the 1740′s. A must see!
• Old Saint Augustine Village Museum – includes five houses with exhibits, historic furnishings, museum collections and lots of outdoor exhibits on a self-guided tour.
• Lightner Museum – this one is a must see! This is the former Hotel Alcazar built in 1887 and now the Lightner Museum. Enjoy three floors of exhibits that includes the stained glass work of Louis Comfort Tiffany, costumes, furnishings, musical instruments and other artifacts that gives you a glimpse into the 19th century life.
• The Oldest House – tour the oldest Spanish Colonial dwelling in Florida, the Gonzalez Alvarez house now a landmark museum. Here you will see evidence of British, Spanish and Americans and how they lived back in the 1600′s.
• Potter’s Wax Museum – enjoy past and present famous movie stars, poets, composers, explorers, artists, authors, and even presidents in the first was museum founded in America.

Not only can you visit the attractions and museums listed above, but Saint Augustine also offers great shopping especially if you like antiques. For sun and fun you can spend some time at one of the beautiful beaches either at Anastasia Island or the Atlantic Ocean. So on your next Florida travel vacation, keep Saint Augustine in mind and don’t forget to visit one of the fine restaurants scattered throughout the city. (Photo courtesy of flickr.)