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St. Augustine Driving Tour 2 Days
City: St. Augustine Beach
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Map: St. Augustine Beach
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Step back in time, two centuries or more. Visit St. Augustine, the oldest settlement in the continental United States. For history lovers, this is the city to spend some time.
Park your car just outside the city and walk past the Huguenot Cemetery. Stop in the St. Augustine Visitor Information Center to view the film on the history of this town. From here, walk through the stone gateposts and head right onto Orange Street. Visit the old drugstore, which was built in 1739. Return to the gate and walk along St. George Street. Next, is the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse. Continue down this same street and stop in at the Spanish Quarter. Here is a wonderful colonial village dating back to the mid-18th century. Still continue down the street until you come to the Plaza de la Constitution, which is the business district. Just to the side of the Plaza, is the Maritime Museum and the Spanish Military Hospital. As you are walking along Aviles Street you will turn right when you get to Artillery Street and head into the Oldest Store Museum. This is the first general store, which has thousands of reminiscent articles.
Now return back to Aviles Street to explore the Ximinex-Fatio House. From 1855 until 1875, this was a modern Inn. Next, turn left on Bridge Street then right on Charlotte Street, then another left on St. Francis Street. This brings you to the Gonzalez-Alvarez House. This site dates back to the early 1600’s and displays the lifestyle of the Spanish, British and American settlers. Also on this spot is the Museum of Florida’s Army.
Now walk back St. Francis Street, passing the St. Francis Inn and turn right on St. George. Go past the Plaza and turn left on King Street. Here you will enter the Lightner Museum. This structure was built by Henry Flagler, in 1888. This was the elite “Alcazar Hotel.” Collections of art, crystal, antiques and furnishings are beautifully displayed. Along with this is a shopping mall and café-restaurant. Next to this, are the Zorayda Castle and Museum of Weapons and Early American History. Now cross the road to enter the Flagler College. This was also a luxurious hotel, but it was closed in 1967. It opened in 1971, as Flagler College of Liberal Arts.
Now walk down Cordova Street heading north, turn right on Orange Street. Go through the city gate and follow San Marco Avenue to the Castillo de San Marcos Castle. This national monument was built somewhere between 1672 and 1695 and is the oldest stone fort in all America.
Now return to the parking lot behind the information center and visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Head north on San Marcos Avenue for about five blocks then turn right on Old Mission Avenue. This stop is the Mission of Nombre de Dios, the oldest and most holy site in the country. Here is where the first Mass was celebrated back in 1565.
Returning to San Marcos Avenue and heading north for three blocks, then turn right on Magnolia Avenue. Next stop is the Fountain of Youth. This is the site where Ponce de Leon first stepped foot, back in 1513. Searching for the fountain of youth and of course, gold, they found a spring of wonderful water. This ancient spring still flows and you can be given a free taste. Continue heading north another block, and turn right to enter The Old Jail. Built in 1880, until 1953 it was operated as the St. John’s County Jail.
Next, head south on San Marcos Avenue and drive your car across the Bridge of Lions and continue along SR A1A for 2 miles. Your next expedition is The Alligator Farm. It was first opened in 1893 and still attracts tourists from all over. You will surly enjoy the beautiful lagoon, boardwalk and entertaining shows. Also catch the Lighthouse Museum, which is opposite the Alligator Farm.
Keep heading south to visit the St. Augustine Beach Resort, then go further south for 9 miles. Next stop is Fort Matanzas. This Fort was built in 1740 out of coquina and is well preserved. Now keep driving south another 4 miles to Marineland of Florida. This is a great attraction park for the whole family to enjoy! You will like the aquariums, shows and exhibits featuring all species of sea life.
Again, heading south for another 3 miles will bring you to your last location, The Washington Oaks State Gardens, which is a perfect spot for an afternoon picnic. Concluding your driving tour, return north on SR A1A, which will bring you back to St. Augustine.
Write Your Own Review
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 From Charlie - June 27,2006
I fell in love with this place when I first laid eyes on in it in 1970. It still hasn't lost it's charm. Old world grace and history in contemporary Florida.
Email: dfcconsulting@florida.com
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