The historically rich landscape of St. Augustine, Florida is filled with remarkable tales of the past, of plundering pirates and privateers, conquest, settlements and pioneer families that built thriving communities. The history and culture of St Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, has been shaped by major events and characters, including Henry M. Flagler, colonization and the Civil Rights Movement. Present-day St. Augustine is the home to many notable historical sites and some 42 miles of amazing beaches.

Notable Historical Sites:

• The history of Mission of Nombre De Dios dates back to the early beginnings of the settlement of Presidio of San Agustin in September of 1565, when explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed in St. Augustine. He claimed the land for the Spanish Crown and the Catholic Church. Mission of Nombre De Dios is a notable sacred spot, where the first parish mass was performed by Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales, the first parish priest. To this day, this site continues to be dedicated to the devotion to Our Lady of La Leche. Presidio of San Agustin would later be called St. Augustine, Florida.

• Old Jail was once a prison that served the city of St. Augustine from 1891-1953. It was constructed in 1891 by Henry Flagler and was designed with a Romanesque Revival exterior. Although Old Jail has been restored and renovated throughout the years, it still maintains the distinct appearance of a fancy Victorian house.

• As the oldest masonry fort of its kind in the U.S., Castillo de San Marcos is more than 315 years old. This stone fortress was the product of the Spanish, who started construction in 1672 and completed the structure in 1675. It was built of local coquina stones, quarried from Anastasia Island, with the purpose of protecting and defending Spain's possessions along the coastline against an invasion.

Notable Beaches:

• Vilano Beach is located in St. Johns County, just north of the historic district, and is known for its charm. It boasts tiled fountains and a retro art deco style in appearance, and offer the opportunity for activities like surfing and skimboarding, as well as shell hunting and fishing.
• Stretching for 1,600 acres, Anastasia State Park features four miles of white, sandy beach, rich ecosystems and abundant wildlife, that includes dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, crabs and marsh birds. It’s estuarine tidal salt marshes, beautiful nature trail, maritime hammock and ancient sand dunes show its spectacular, natural beauty. Sunbathing, surfing, swimming, fishing, paddle boarding and sailboarding can all be enjoyed at Anastasia State Park.

The history, culture and beauty of St. Augustine are beyond measure, making it a truly remarkable place.