The 9 most amazing attractions in St. Augustine

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Castillo de San Marcos is said to be the oldest masonry fortification in the U.S.

Castillo de San Marcos, which is located in St. Augustine, is best known for being the oldest masonry fortification in the United States. It features numerous rooms that once served as the home of soldiers and prisoners alike. Its construction was only completed in 1965 but as early as 1924 it was declared as a National Monument.

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In 1824, the independent, provisional American government built the first lighthouse in Florida at Augustine.

This “official” American lighthouse was constructed on the site of an earlier watchtower built by the Spanish as early as the late 16th century, according to some archival documents and maps. An early wooden watch tower near the Spanish structure, identified as a “beacon” in Drake’s account, is depicted on a map of St. Augustine made by Baptista Boazio in 1589, showing Sir Francis Drake’s assault on the area. By 1737, Spanish officials had constructed a more permanent tower out of coquina from a nearby island quarry. While archival documents are inconclusive as to whether the Spanish used the coquina tower as a lighthouse, considering the extent of maritime trade at the time, it seems likely.

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine houses the nation’s first Catholic church.

The St. Augustine Cathedral Basilica is situated at 38 Cathedral Place, between Charlotte and St. George Streets. It was built between 1793 and 1797 and was declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark on April 15, 1970. It is the oldest Christian congregation in the continental United States, having been established in 1565.

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Visit the history of the first Spanish settlers in Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine.

One of the oldest Spanish settlement locations, Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a privately owned park. Spread in 15 acres, the park is a fascinating historical spot where people can educate themselves about the earlier Spanish settlements and their culture. People can relax or walk in leisure and enjoy the riverfront scenery.

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Explore the life of a pirate at sea at St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.

A museum dedicated to pirates is a unique thing to hear. St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum houses antiquities that were taken after ransacking ships in the deep seas by pirates. 48 exhibition zones housing 800 priceless items make it the largest treasure trove in the world.

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Admire the beauty of the Fort Matanzas and take a lesson in the preservation and conservation of the ecosystem.

Built in 1742 to defend St. Augustine city from British attack, Fort Matanzas National Monument also protects the flora & fauna of 300 acres of the marshy coast of Florida today. In 1924 fort was restored to become a national monument. Besides educating themselves of the history, visitors can go on a boat ride on river Matanzas and appreciate the scenery.

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St. Augustine Beach is well-known for beautiful beaches that look out towards the Atlantic Ocean.

This small city on Anastasia Island is one of the best places to visit in Florida. With its lovely sandy beaches and spectacular ocean views, it is a favourite amongst both the locals as well as the tourists. Perfect for a weekend getaway, it offers many scenic spots you can explore at your leisure.

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Most of the ingredients used to make liquor in this former ice plant comes from Florida.

Prior to this distillery, an ice processing plant was built on the site in 1907. It was closed in the 1950s. About 60 years later, four local businesspeople set out to build the distillery which we can now enjoy visiting. The entrepreneurs are proud to say that, with the exception of malt barley, all other ingredients for their alcoholic beverages come from within the state. Aside from the wonderful drinks on offer here, tours are also a must-have. These enriching activities take you on a journey of discovery as to how liquor is made. Interesting points along this informative tour include fermentation stills, a laboratory and the bottling and barreling facilities. The tasting room serves as the cherry on top for all hardcore liquor aficionados out there.

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Two trees embracing each other serve as the perfect backdrop for lovers on Valentine’s Day.

Love is in the air all-year round in the city of St. Augustine. You can especially feel a unique romantic vibe in the Old Town district, where about 10 “love trees” can be found in their rather charming public display of affection. A “love tree” is born where two separate species of trees grow in, on, and through one another, creating a unique intertwined look.

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