Known as the “Ancient City,” Saint Augustine is located between North East and Central East Florida and is convenient to Jacksonville, Orlando, and Daytona airports. North Florida has a year-round mild climate perfect for strolling Saint Augustine’s historic district, with its cobblestone streets, cafes, bars, unique shops and bed and breakfast inns. Beach rentals and [...]
Known as the “Ancient City,” Saint Augustine is located between North East and Central East Florida and is convenient to Jacksonville, Orlando, and Daytona airports. North Florida has a year-round mild climate perfect for strolling Saint Augustine’s historic district, with its cobblestone streets, cafes, bars, unique shops and bed and breakfast inns.
Beach rentals and St. Augustine bed and breakfast facilities range from the historic, such as the Carriage Way Bed & Breakfast located in the city’s historic district, to the contemporary Ocean Gallery, which opened in 1983. Those looking for a “home-away-from-home” might consider renting an oceanfront suite or studio at Beacher’s Lodge, another relatively new facility open since the late 1980s. Of course, there is a wide selection of budget-priced motor inns around St. Augustine as well, all of which offer easy access to the area’s many attractions.
St. Augustine has 43 miles of beach, so there is the right type of beach for everyone. Some beaches permit vehicles and dogs while others allow only pedestrians. Some of the area beaches produce shelling opportunities, while others are covered only in luxurious fine, golden sand. Saint Augustine Beach is located on Anastasia Island where you can enjoy sandy beaches, the St. Johns County Pier, fine shopping and more. RV and cabin camping areas are located nearby.
Vilano Beach has a wide variety of vacation beach rentals, lodging, waterfront restaurants, the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier and parasailing. Vilano Beach is refered to as Saint Augustine’s best kept secret!
This 450 year old city has a lot to see so you might consider taking advantage of one of the many guided tours offered by local businesses. Two of the more unique tours are offered by Avalon Carriage Service and Black Raven Adventures. The former company offers a one-hour tour of the ancient city in a horse-drawn carriage, while the latter provides an unforgettable voyage aboard a replica of a 16th Century pirate ship.
Like tourist destinations in the eastern U.S., St. Augustine has its share of “living history” exhibits, including the Colonial Spanish Quarter (http://staugustinegovernment.com/visitors/spanish_quarter.cfm) and Dow Museum of Historic Houses (http://www.augustine.com/vacation/business/Dow_Museum_of_Historic_Houses) , both of which will give you and your family a good idea of what the community was like in its early days.
Next, treat yourselves to a swim with live dolphins at Marineland (http://www.marineland.net/). As you might imagine, this program is extremely popular, so make reservations early! Then, for sheer family fun, check out Fiesta Falls Mini Golf (http://www.lafiestainn.com/golf.html), right by the ocean next to La Fiesta Inn’s beach rentals.
From single vantage points around town, you can experience both the joy of the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean horizon and the peacefulness of the sun setting beyond the salt marsh along the intracoastal waterway. For information about St. Augustine or to have information mailed to you, please call the St. Augustine Chamber of Commerce at 1-904-829-5681 or visit www.stjohnscountychamber.com . St. Augustine, Florida is a great vacation destination filled with romance, beauty and warmth.