Area Info
St Augustine’s 12,000 residents live with more than 430 years of history every day and share it with nearly 2 million visitors each year. People come from far and near to visit our historic sites, beaches, outdoor recreation, enjoy our spectacular waterways and weird wildlife.
The city’s rich history and cultural diversity have helped shape a dynamic city of both residents and visitors. St Augustine’s story is carefully preserved through archaeological digs and scholarly research. Tours of the city and its attractions and landmarks are available by tram, trolley, horse-drawn carriage or cruise boat.
Historic landmarks include the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, The Lighthouse and Museum; both interpret life in the early days of St Augustine settlement. Also a favorite; The fountain of youth, where it is said , Ponce de Leon sought eternal youth; and the Mission of Nobre de Dios, where Pedro Menendez de Aviles first set foot on Florida’s shore. Still other landmarks are the Ponce de Leon and the Alcazar hotels built by standard oil magnate Henry Flagler in the later 19th century. Today those grand Victorian structures house Flagler College and St Augustine City Hall and Lightner Museum, a Victorian collectibles museum. The city has more than 50 attractions, historic sites and points of interest.
Shopping in St Augustine is a buyer’s delight with boutiques, unique gift shops, antique stores, and museums waiting to be discovered on nearly every downtown street. On the outskirts are shopping malls and retail centers, a mile long St. Augustine Outlet Center is just off I-95 at SR 16.
