Aviles Street in St. Augustine is the oldest street in the United States. It dates back to the 16th…read morecentury, around the 1570's. It's also home to some of the city's oldest historical sites and continues to be a vibrant arts district. Galleries are open late during special days. We learned this information when we took an Old Town Trolley tour around St Augustine to learn more about this amazing city and its streets. Aviles Street was originally called Hospital Street because it was the location of the second Spanish Military Hospital Museum, which is open to tourists even now. There are local musicians who perform at the corner of Aviles Street and Artillery Lane. That would be fun to watch! Sidewalk cafes offer food and drinks while visitors enjoy the music. We want to return to this delightful street, which is more quiet than St George Street with less tourists. It is in the beart of historic St Augustine. Do not attempt to drive down this street because it gets very narrow and your vehicle will get scratched up. It is made up of cobblestones so wear comfortable shoes.

Aviles Street is a stunning historic street situated in St. Augustine, Florida. It is considered…read moreone of the oldest streets in the United States and is home to colorful buildings, art galleries, and cafes. Visitors to Aviles Street can experience a unique glimpse into the Spanish Colonial past. The street is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, and visitors can immerse themselves in the charm of its rich history.

Interesting place full of history and fun facts about the origins of the fort, the area, how it was…read morebuilt, etc. beautiful view of the bay too. It took us about an hour to get through and that was reading 60-80% of the things. $15/adult with no park passes

We showed up just in time for the cannon firing. It wasn't as loud as I was expecting, but it was…read morestill cool to witness and I'm glad we caught it at the right time. Since we were visiting St. Augustine for 5 days, we had checked out the ground level of the fort (which was free) and then a couple days later, we went back and bought an America the Beautiful pass so we got the group paid for (plus we got a pass for the next year out of it). It was neat seeing all the different rooms and they did a good job putting a lot of information in each that my dad ate up lol.

It is so beautiful and amazing history and fun experience for all ages and I learn so much history…read moreand culture it is remarkable and fun and incredible i love it so much and absolutely amazing perfect for schools and community thank you so much for everything i appreciate it so much devotion to determination and education! Hugs From Lauren

Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth is one of the most popular landmarks in St. Augustine, Florida…read more You can start your visit by following the paved pathway while greeting the colorful peacocks, who make their homes around the grounds. The Founders Boardwalk near the rear of the park is a quaint waterfront trail leading to sweeping views of the St. Augustine inlet and Matanzas River. Next to the boardwalk is a 35-foot replica Spanish Watchtower which can be climbed on for 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding 15-acre Fountain of Youth park. When you return back towards the front entrance, you may notice a quarter dispenser for releasing food in order to feed the peacocks. This makes for a playful moment as the peacocks are gentle and will gladly eat from your hands. Now it's time to sample the magical waters from the Fountain of Youth... Entering inside the Fountain of Youth building gives tourists a visualization into Ponce de Leon's discoveries. Make sure to grab a cup, approach the spring waters and drink from de Leon's mystical fountain. It's nothing but tap water, lol, but if you believe in the extraordinary powers from the legendary tale, you can feel rejuvenated. Overall, the Fountain of Youth is a playful historical attraction making the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida, a worthwhile visit. Lastly, outside the gates to the Fountain of Youth is Magnolia Avenue, a charming street leading to breathtaking canopies of ancient live oak trees draped in Spanish moss.

I am enthralled with the Bridge of Lions! Especially the statues of lions on each end of the…read morebridge!. It is not easy to photograph them because of the heavy traffic and minimal parking spots in this busy area. But when there's a will, there's a way! I did the best I could understand the circumstances. Thanks to a concrete barrier, you can walk the bridge and focus on the sights without facing the risk of navigating car traffic. A walk across the bridge and back to see all four lions is about a mile, and worth every step. The bridge gets its name from two white marble lion statues guarding the bridge on the west side. Commissioned and donated by former St. Augustine Mayor and medical doctor, Andrew Anderson, the lions are named Fiel and Firme, Faithful and Firm. They are copies of Medici lions from Florence, Italy. They are fabulous to look at in person. Put this on your list of things to see in St Augustine.

Very touristy of me, but I was mesmerized by this bridge! I'm in a landlocked state, so being near…read morewater with a bridge to cross was something I'm not used to and enjoyed greatly. Very scenic and obviously functional as well. Definitely worth taking a moment to look out the window if you can do so safely as you cross this bridge.

Had an amazing time walking down St. George Street in St. Augustine. It's one of those places that…read moreinstantly pulls you in with its charm and history. The whole street is packed with character, from the old style buildings and brick walkways to all the unique shops, restaurants, and little hidden spots along the way. We spent a good amount of time just exploring and browsing, and every corner had something interesting. There are plenty of places to grab a snack, a drink, or just sit and people watch, and everything feels very walkable and relaxed since it's pedestrian only. The atmosphere is what really makes it special. There's a constant mix of music, laughter, and energy, but it still feels laid back and fun instead of overwhelming. You really get a sense of old St. Augustine history blended with a lively modern vibe. Overall, St. George Street is a must visit if you're in the area. Great for walking, shopping, eating, or just soaking in the scenery. Easy five stars and a place we'd happily come back to again.

This review has been sitting idle for a while but unknown why since this street is 90% why I love…read moreSt Augustine. Pure fun walking along the one mile long pedestrian only corridor with boutique shops, bars, restaurants and deep Florida history lining both sides. Recommend highly to stay at the boutique hotel St George Inn. The street is very busy during the day and most shops close early and at dark the area gets flooded with students from the Flagler College nearby. A few kiosks selling ghost tours through the haunted St Augustine area in a trolly or the walking tour through the old jail. Yes, we got sucked in on two different occassions and slightly boring but not pricey. Located at the North end of the street, take two hours out of your day to visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument but beware the excessive heat in summer time - really cool cannons though. Fun times always on St George Street in St Augustine.

Highly recommend this tour... it's another powerful reminder of the extraordinary legacy of Henry…read moreFlagler, one of the nation's great early industrialists. Opened in 1888 as the opulent Hotel Ponce de Leon, it was the crown jewel of Florida's Gilded Age. The tour is led by one of the college's students, which makes it even more engaging. Everything is impressive, but highlights for me were the stunning Tiffany chandeliers, the clock made by Thomas Edison, and the grand dining hall still used by students today. Tips: When in the Palm Beach area visit the incredible Flagler Museum in Palm Beach... fantastic. And when in Tampa, visit Flagler's buddy's Tampa Bay Hotel (built in 1891) also turned into a college... at the Henry B. Plant Museum.

Stars abound!!! Rating stars that is. Do not miss this…read moretour if you love history, architecture or success stories. Henry Flagler was indeed a successful, self made man and his impact on Florida was immense. He loved this hotel he built that is now a college. Kit our tour guide was great.

I'm glad I took the tour of this house except I took a giant fright , when I saw this mannequin…read morethat had this weird drape on . The tour guide said there were ghost in this home so my heart was racing , I'm glad I did not feel one or see one . About this oldest home González-Álvarez House Historic house in Florida, United States The González-Álvarez House, also known as The Oldest House, is a historic house museum at 14 St. Francis Street in St. Augustine, Florida. With a construction history dating to about 1723, it is believed to be the oldest surviving house in St. Augustine. It is also an important example of St. Augustine's Spanish colonial architectural style, with later modifications by English owners. It was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1970. The house is now owned by the St. Augustine Historical Society and is open for public tours as part of the Oldest House Museum Complex. Evidence can be seen of the Spanish, British, and American occupations of St. Augustine. The González-Álvarez House is located in a residential area south of downtown St. Augustine, on the north side of St. Francis Street between Charlotte and Marine Streets. It is a two-story structure, its first floor built of coquina and its upper level framed in wood with a clapboarded exterior. It is covered by a hip roof finished with wooden shingles. The building is reflective of multiple periods of alteration and enlargement, during different periods of colonial administration. The land on which this house stands has been occupied since the 17th century, when a building is documented to have been standing here. The present house's earliest period of construction dates to about 1723, when the first floor was built, and it was documented as being occupied by Tomás González y Hernández, an artilleryman at the Castillo de San Marcos, and his family.The design of this house is one that was adopted by Spanish colonial settlers to deal with local living conditions and available building materials. It was built of readily available coquina limestone, with its main thick walls oriented east-west, and has an open covered loggia on the east side. The latter allows prevailing southeasterly winds to cool the structure, while the thick walls provide insulation from hot weather. The interior floors are made of tabby concrete. After the British took over Florida in 1763, the González family left for Cuba. In 1774 the house was purchased by Major Joseph Peavett, an Englishman, who added the wood-frame second story, and put glass windows into openings previously only enclosed by wooden shutters. It was further enlarged by the third owner, Geronimo Alvarez, who added a two-story wing built of coquina. The house was taken over by the St. Augustine Historical Society in 1918, which undertook its restoration to a late 19th-century appearance in 1959-60, reversing a number of intervening alterations. List of families who lived in the oldest house First Spanish period 1625-1763, family of Tomas González y Hernández & María Francisco de Guevara British period and second Spanish period 1775-1790, Joseph Peavett & Maria Evans Second Spanish period and into statehood 1790-1882, Family of Gerónimo Álvarez & Antonia Vens 1882-1918, William B. Duke family (1882-1884), Mary Carver and Dr. Charles P. Carver (1884-1898), James W. Henderson family (1898-1911), George T. Reddington and the South Beach Alligator Farm 1911-1918 1918-present, St. Augustine Historical Society

This is the oldest house in St Augustine It has held up very well for about 400 years with a few…read morerenovations and additions in the early 1700s in Spanish architecture. I was amazed at how well it looks. The garden is beautiful in ornamental style. The Oldest House Museum is located in St. Augustine, Florida in St. Johns County, Florida. It is operated by the St. Augustine Historical Society and includes the González-Alvarez House, the Manucy Museum of local history and the Edwards Gallery. The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person for the guided tour and lasts about 1/2 hour.

Add the Lightner Museum as a stop when visiting St. Augustine! The museum is located in the heart…read moreof the city in what use to be the Alcazar Hotel, a Gilded Age Resort. The building architecture and the gardens are beautiful. There were many collections to peruse, which were housed on 3 levels. It took us about two hours to make our way through, but you could easily spend 3 if you take your time and read everything. The floors all have a front and rear. The best suggestion we were given is to start on the 3rd floor an make our way down. The staff on hand were friendly and readily available to answer any of your questions. You can make a reservation for lunch at the Cafe, which is located on the lower level of what was once a pool.

Love coming here! The history of the museum is fascinating and the exhibits are amazing! If you…read morelove art this is a place you'll not want to miss! You might even want to continue to support them by becoming a member. TIP: You can become a member of the museum for as little as $50. per year. Membership supports everything they do at the museum, from exciting new exhibitions and engaging programs, to the preservation of their historic building and collections. According to their website, every membership to the Lightner Museum includes: * Unlimited free admission to the museum's permanent galleries and exhibitions for a full year * Invitations to Members-only previews of special exhibitions * Discounts on select events and programs There are many more perks and additional levels of membership. For additional information and to purchase memberships online, go to lightnermuseum.org Support your local arts.

Must See! Rich History! If you're ever in the area you should definitely stop by for a quick trip…read moreback in time!

This building is owned by the St. Augustine Historical Society…read more THE TOVAR HOUSE House of the Cannonball So called because of the British cannon balls found embedded in the coquina wall, probably from the Oglethorpe siege guns of 1740, Owned and occupied by Joseph Tovar, it was sold during the British period to a Scottish merchant. Purchased by Don Geronimo Alvarez at public sale in 1790. After the Civil War, a Union General, Martin D, Hardin, made it his home. Preserved by the Saint Augustine Historical Society since 1918

Beautiful house listed on the National Historical Society. Must see. Came here for a wedding and it…read moremakes a great backdrop. Amazing courtyard and gazebo made the wedding perfect

Finding a venue/reception site for your wedding can be a tough decision. But it's like finding the…read moreright person, when you know, you know. My wife and I searched and searched until we finally made an appointment with Angie at the Llambias House. Let me just say, WOW! We immediately knew this was it, it was exactly what we were looking for! Elegant, beautiful, chic, fairytale like, and much more! If you decide this is your place, too, make sure you work with Angie! She envisioned exactly what we wanted, helped out tremendously the day of our wedding, and up to the day of. She immediately responds back to any questions or concerns you may have, and is extremely personable. We ALWAYS felt welcomed (even when we asked a billion questions)! Our only set back was the miscommunication of the insurance policy for all vendors. Being new to the wedding world, we were unaware of this rule (and it was never talked about directly). The Llambias house provides a list of preferred vendors, but you can also choose other people which we did for some vendors. The set back was that it was not directly stated that ALL of your vendors must have wedding insurance. The people on the list of preferred vendors were insured, but we did not know that this was the reason. We didn't realize either that not many vendors have wedding insurance, so it was not something we asked about before hiring. It did cause a problem with our DJ, and we lost our deposit and had to find another DJ a month before the wedding, but everything happens for a reason, right?! YES! Our DJ was even better than the 1st, so it ended up working out in the end! The Llambias house was gorgeous the day of our wedding and made for phenomenal photos! Thank you Angie for all of your help!! Kate & Bran