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.

If you're heading to the Colonial Quarter, it is almost impossible to miss the City Gates…read more While no actual gate remains, you do get to see the pillars and stonework that were part of the wall back in the 1800's, and ponder what it was like to live inside a walled city prone to attacks by land and sea. It's a great (free) photo op and, incredibly, not that busy! 108/2025

I can't be the only one that geeks out at old architecture, right??…read more How can you not find the old city gates super cool! It's like stepping back in time! As a kid I thought it was the coolest thing! Like walking through a portal into the past!

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.

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.

This is one of my favorite parts of St. Augustine, this sea wall definitely has its flood…read moreprotections purpose but it also provides an opportunity for the public to explore the river front safely and presents some great photos of the Lion's Bridge and the Fort as well as the ancient city's beautiful water front. One of the things I love about St. Augustine is the abundance of parking throughout the city so you can always if you are patient find a parking spot close enough to all the sights around the city to explore it's beauty and the sea wall is no exception with the public parking lot just in front of the historic fort. It's also nice to see a number of safe pedestrian crossings along the sea wall walk to access the heart of the city. I rarely visit the city without walking the sea wall...

The Matanzas River lines a portion of the City of Saint Augustine. The Sea Wall helps to protect…read morethe city from countless hurricanes over the centuries. The major threat to St. Augustine has always been water from flooding, the tides or storm surge. The dangers of water were first addressed by the Spanish in 1696. They built a coquina and limestone seawall to protect the settlers and soldiers. The US Army rebuilt the wall from 1837-1846 with coquina and cement (Florida became a state in 1845). It held up well for 160 years. In 2012, with the help of a FEMA flood assistance grant, a new 1,200-foot reinforced concrete seawall was fabricated and finished in 2014. This past year on 7 Oct 16, the new and improved seawall got its first test when the Category 3 Hurricane Matthew hit the Florida coast with a seven-foot storm surge on St. Augustine. Water went over the top of the seawall and caused flooding. The wall was built to withstand a Category 1 hurricane. However, if the wall was not in place, the flooding and damage could have been worse. Like many other locals and tourist...we like to walk on these walls but we never really take into account their full purpose or history. Close to the Marina there are some historical markers and information. It is well worth it to walk down the sidewalk or wall to read this information and take it all in. On a side note, these walls are very pretty to include in your pictures at any time of the day. Enjoy!...It's Free! For more reading: https://www.visitstaugustine.com/history/glimpses/seawall.php http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/2015-08-03/st-augustine-seawall-gets-national-recognition

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.

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.

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've been to St. Augustine about 3 or 4 times and as a matter of fact I believe it was while I was…read morein St Augustine attending a friends wedding was when I first started Yelping and received my very first Elite Badge. A little brief history on St Augustine. It was founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, and is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States. It's known as the "Ancient City," and serves as the county seat of St. Johns County and is famous for its Spanish colonial architecture and rich history. Some of the highlights to see and do are the Castillo de San Marcos a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress that defended the city for centuries and now serves as a major national monument. And if it's shopping you're looking for then the St. George Street area is for you. A pedestrian-only thoroughfare in the historic district featuring over 30 historic houses, shops, and restaurants. And your trip isn't complete until you do the "Nights of Lights" A world-renowned holiday display where the city is illuminated by millions of white lights. Note: this is only during the Christmas holiday season and a few weeks after. I didn't have enough time to see it but the famous St. Augustine light house is something to see. But those steps will test your physical fitness. lol And for all you photogs. Some of the most beautiful Spanish architecture I've seen. You'll wear that shutter button out. Very popular city but packed in the summer so plan accordingly.

I can't even imagine saying anything more positive about this place than previous reviews. It's all…read moretrue. Additionally, my partner has said many times that the city of Saint Augustine has its act together. HISTORY. ARCHITECTURE. BEAUTY. Been here 2 weeks. Not only do you find the best American food, including southern and seafood but you find great worldwide cuisine. A Foodie Paradise. Don't miss it if you get a chance.

What a fascinating look at the history of Florida's educational system haha!…read more It's the old original schoolhouse that was built in the 1700s. It's amazing to see! I'm impressed it's held up so long! The tour guide gave us a bit of history on the building and what a class would look like in that time period. It's honestly a must see! I love old buildings and architecture, so this definitely made me geek out!

We visited the oldest school house today on a class field trip. The employee told us about what…read morelife was like for kids who attended the school house years ago in the outside courtyard. We got an inside tour also. The kids got to write their names in ink and a feather quill on an attendance sheet. The kids also got to play with old timey toys and ring the outside school bell. It was a fun tour and the kids enjoyed it.