St. Augustine, Florida

Pictures from

St. Augustine.

St. Augustine is in Northeast Florida inland from the Atlantic Ocean, 37 miles south of Jacksonville. Strategically located on the St. Augustine Inlet and easily accessible from the Atlantic Ocean, the nation's oldest city was founded in 1565 by Spanish soldiers and settlers. About 12,000 people still call St. Augustine their full-time home but because of its attraction as a tourist destination and its close proximity to the beaches, there is always an abundance of people and cars here.

The two biggest features of St. Augustine are the Old Town historic area and the 300 year old coastal fort, Castillo de San Marcos. Even today, from views high atop the old fort's walls, it is easy to see the layout of the area and intuitively understand the relationship between the sea, the old fort and the early town. As St. Augustine grew from its founding it became a prized coastal port city, suffering attacks from the indigenous Indian populations, pirates, brigands and foreign powers which necessitated the construction of well fortified defensive positions like the Santo Domingo Redoubt shown in the photos. Greater threats from aggressive enemy countries required the building of Castillo de San Marcos.

St. Augustine's Old Town is today a prized Historic District. Years of painstaking reconstruction efforts have yielded an authentic old world Spanish town. The narrow streets, once accommodating horse and wagon traffic are now used as wide pedestrian walkways through the quaint yet modern shopping areas formerly used as residences, shops or to provide town services. Old structures, like the Rodriguez - Avero - Sanchez house built in 1762 or the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in America provide a glimpse into our nation's history prior to even the Revolutionary War and American Independence from the British. 

The coquina stone, shell and sand fort, Castillo de San Marcos, has been guarding the city and surrounding waters of St. Augustine since 1695 when construction was finally completed. Powerfully built from local stone quarried nearby and righteously defended by its garrisons, the old fort has never been conquered in battle. Many times during its existence the local citizens left their homes in the city and encamped for days and weeks on its parade grounds, safe from attacking forces inside the high, thick walls. Today, the Old Town, a few hundred yards away, is easily seen from from the walls of the fort and one's imagination can easily roam back 300 years to portray Spanish soldiers and citizens of the colonial era.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum conjures up similar historic visions for visitors, although nearly recent compared to the Old Town era. In 1824 the first maritime beacon became active at the nation's oldest port city. The current structure and buildings have been rebuilt but date to 1876. The Lighthouse offers its visitors the opportunity to climb its 219 steps to the top and get a soaring panoramic view of of the area. Those less intrepid may see this same view from the relative comfort of the museum's books and displays.  

Across the Matanzas River, which separates the mainland from the outer islands, spans the Bridge of Lions. This route provides the northernmost entry onto Anastasia Island from St. Augustine. On Anastasia Island visitor delights abound starting with the Anastasia State Recreation Area. Continuing south is St. John's County Fishing Pier, St. Augustine Beach, Butler Beach, Crescent Beach and finally Fort Matanzas National Monument. Continuing a drive south on US A1A one will discover Marineland, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, beautiful oceanfront houses and communities and miles of scenic Atlantic Shore roadway.

Visitors to St. Augustine  can tour many local cities by car.  Jacksonville is about 40 minutes north and Daytona about an hour south. This area can be accessed best by aircraft from the International Airports in Daytona or Jacksonville.

St. Augustine Old Town Area

St. Augustine Beach

Bridge of Lions from Old Town to Anastasia Island.

St. Augustine Beach Houses

Castillo de San Marcos

Townsfolk gathered in the courtyard when the area was under attack.

Entrances to several rooms built into the walls.

St. Augustine Lighthouse

St. Augustine Lighthouse Museum.

Miscellaneous Pictures

Steps into the moat are well worn - note depressions.

Steps into the sea from the seawall.