Travel With Annita and Friends

Travel With Annita and Friends


Destination: St. Augustine Florida The Ancient City

January 30, 2022
 St. Augustine The Ancient City

History, Culture, Adventure, Cuisine 


St. Augustine Florida the Ancient City – is a favorite destination along the North Florida coast. Filled with intriguing history, culture, outdoor adventure, and delicious cuisine, St. Augustine is one of  Travel With Annita’s top destinations for 2022 vacations.


With adventures all around the city and a long, long list of things to do, the oldest city in America welcomes everyone – families, solo travelers, couples – everyone will create fond memories during their stay.


Here is our list of things to do:


A visit to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. The fort was built by the Spanish to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route.  There are stories of pirates along the water ways and St. Augustine has many to tell. This vital route from the Caribbean along the Atlantic Ocean depended on the fort as an important part of defending commerce and privateers in search of economic opportunities.


Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves that history – it is the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States with more than 450 years of history, cross-cultural interactions and intriguing people.


During your visit you can immerse yourself in the exhibits throughout the fortress.  An artillery tour with displays throughout the Castillo takes you back to black cast iron weapons, cannons and big guns. The artillery which is still in place gives you an insight into how the fort would have been defended.


During inclement weather bring along a umbrella or rain jacket so you do not miss seeing and experiencing any of the activities around the fort.


St. Augustine Florida the ancient city

Tour the inside of the fort – plan for a couple of hours for a full experience.


 


Historic St. Augustine Florida

Take a look inside the various rooms around the fort.


 


St. Augustine Florida

Take a tour to learn about the cast-iron artillery located around the fort.


 



 


St. Augustine Florida

A fort made out of seashells survived three days under cannon fire. The Castillo de San Marcos did just that, made of local coquina stone it has stood for hundreds of years. Click here to learn more about the Coquina Stone


 


St Augustine Florida

National Park Service Interpretative Guides are available to answer questions. *Annita talks with one of the guides for the podcast – Quarter Miles Travel.


 


St. Augustine Florida

The moat is now filled with grass. However, at one time it was filled with water as part of its defense.


 


St. Augustine Florida

Located throughout the fort you’ll find drawings and information about people who are part of the fort’s history.


 


St. Augustine Florida

Inside some of the rooms you’ll gain a sense of what it was like for those stationed at Castillo de San Marcos.


 


Next on our list is The Fountain of Youth. Is it a mystical spring or maybe there are mineral properties that will make you healthy and young.  Take a sip and judge for yourself. 


A visit to the Fountain of Youth and you’re walking through living history.  Learn about Juan Ponce De Leon the Spanish explorer who in 1513, led the first known European expedition to La Florida, which he named during his first voyage to the area. One of the things he was searching for – The Fountain of Youth. 


Today you can explore St. Augustine and Florida history from 2,400 BC to modern times.  Exhibits with very knowledgeable interpreters share life during those time periods and you can see them in person. 


St. Augustine Florida

Historical interpretations are part of your experience visiting the Fountain of Youth. Interpreters wear period clothing to immerse you in a full historic experience.


 


st. Augustine Florida

Historic structures around the grounds provide a step into the day-to-day lives and traditions of people who once called the area home.


 


St. Augustine Florida

Historic structures and interpreters dressed in period attire offer presentations about day-to-day life hundreds of years ago.


 



 


St. Augustine Florida

During your self-guided tour, placards around the grounds offer information and pictures giving us insight into thelives of people who once called the area home.


 


St. Augustine Florida

A dugout canoe – once a mode of transportation around St. Augustine.


 



 


St. Augustine

Peacocks may give you a show of amazingly beautiful colors. Wait for it!!


 


St. Augustine Florida

Stop and take a drink from the Fountain of Youth. Is it mystical or does it offer mineral properties helping us stay young and healthy. Take a drink.


 



 


You can’t come to St. Augustine without a visit to the lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Built in 1874, the lighthouse still stands boldly along the St. Augustine shore. Climb the stairway of 219 steps to the top where you’ll find an amazing view at the top of the light house, 165 feet high.



 


St. Augustine

Maritime Museum across from the St. Augustine Lighthouse


 


After checking out the lighthouse head down to Anastasia State Park for kayaking, picnicking, biking, strolling the beach or building sand castles.  It’s all fun and relaxing too.


St. Augustine Florida

Bike rentals are available for rental. Also golf carts. Doc Bill selected his bike and he’s ready for a ride along the shore.


 


St. Augustine Florida

The beach is accessible with a boardwalk which is easy to maneuver.


 


St. Augustine Florida

Take in the view of the pristine shores.


 


Head over to the Alligator Farm.  Yes, there are real gators showing us how they live in a natural habitat. You’ll find other wildlife too. Interesting birds flock above your head and the path ways lead to many interesting natural habitats for the animals and reptiles from around the world.  


St. Augustine Florida

Plan to spend at least half a day at the Alligator Farm


 


St. Augustine Florida


 


St. Augustine

Stroll along the boardwalk and watch the gators in their natural habitat with water birds joining them along the edge of the water. A great example of co-habitation in nature.


 


St. Augustine Florida


 


St. Augustine Florida

Turtles roam around the farm in a large enclosed area.


 



 


St. Augustine Florida

Have a little fun with a friendly (not real) gator ready for you to take a photo and share with your family and friends. Made to look just like the real thing, it give you an idea of a gator’s size.


For those wanting to see the alligator farm from above, how about stretching your legs and your adventurous side on the ropes course at Alligator Farm. Journey around the park tackling various challenges and you can be super proud once you reach the end point; you can say you beat the ropes.


St. Augustine Florida

Take the Rope Course Challenge and glide over the gators, turtle and other areas of the farm. Travel With Annita friend Meryl Pearlstein prepares to start the course.


 


St. Augustine Florida

The Ropes Course gives you a workout across the farm. Travel With Annita friend Jim Pearlstein makes his way across the expansive board and ropes.


 


Nothing is better than being out on the water.  A sunset cruise gives you an adventure along with a glass of  champagne. It’s the perfect way to end your day of touring this historic city.  The Schooner Freedom gives you that Sunset Sail.



 


St. Augustine Florida

A toast to a lovely evening!


 


Picture perfect sunset from the bow of the Schooner Freedom


 


There is the historic center in St. Augustine, well preserved and ready to share my stories from days gone by. It an easy walk around the city center where Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets and wooden structures take you back in time.  


St. Augustine florida

The Old School House is one of the oldest wooden structures in St. Augustine’s historic area.


 



 


St. Augustine Florida

Take an architecture tour around the historic city center


 


The bustling area along with the historic and modern parts of the city is easy to get around by taking the Old Town Trolley.  Hop on – hop off with stops at all of the attractions around the city.


 


St. Augustine

Hop on – Hop off  Old Town Trolley



 


St. Augustine’s Eco Tours take you around the city shores with spectacular city scape views.  And you’ll learn about the very sustainable projects and initiatives in the area. 


St. Augustine Florida

Eco tours offers a choice of tours with a focus on protecting the environment.


 


St. Augustine Florida

Great views during your tour of the Castillo de San Marcos


 


St. Augustine Florida

Get an unclose view of The Great Cross


 


St. Augustine florida

Great views of the shore. Your guide provides information about sustainable and preservation initiatives in the area.


Florida coastal cuisine is the very best.


St. Augustine Fish Camp


St. Augustine Fish Camp is located on the water, with a spectacular sunset as you dine on fresh seafood, fish and various menu delights.


St. Augustine florida

Sunset and dinner at St. Augustine Fish Camp




 Catch 27  is your dinner on the patio restaurant spot.


St. Augustine florida

Devil eggs with bacon. Order one for yourself – they’re hard to share. Delicious!


 


St. Augustine Florida

Minorcan Conch Seafood Chowder


 


Casa Reyna Taqueria has a fabulous roof top view, overlooking the city. It’s your dinner spot for good food and people watching.  




 


The Urban Asado


A collaboration of Chefs preparing grilled menu items —— from beef, sausage and veggies, the grilled meal is served under moonlight and at your shared table.  Bring your family and friends, along with your wine and enjoy an unforgettable evening. Book this experience ahead of time to ensure you have your spot. It’s a unique one of a kind dinner that you’ll be talking about for years to come.





 




All this touring, exploring, adventure and tasty meals means you’ll need to have a comfy place to rest in the evenings.


St. George Inn – located in the heart of the historic district.  The oversized rooms are set up for relation and getting that well deserved rest so you’re ready to get back out the next day. 


To learn more about this lovely hotel located in the best spot for seeing the city click here.



Breakfast included – oh yes, and have breakfast in the courtyard before starting your daily adventure.  The Tram stop is right around the block from your room and many spots for ice cream, chocolates and snacks.


St. Augustine

Grilled ham and cheese croissant for breakfast in the courtyard.


 


St. Augustine florida

Enjoy a lighter start to the day with fresh fruit.


 


St. Augustine Florida

Enjoy a glass of wine – Bin 39 Wine Bar in the lobby of St. George Inn. Sit for a while with your glass of wine in the courtyard.


 


St. Augustine Florida

Enjoy the tranquil fountain sounds while having breakfast or with a glass of wine in the evening at St. George Inn.



St. Augustine

Enjoy the tropical setting. Relax, people watch, shop a little in the courtyard right outside your hotel room.


 


St. Augustine Florida

Ready to start your day? The Old Town Trolley is right around the corner from your room.


 


Ready to start planning your St. Augustine getaway. – floridiashistoriccoast.com


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