With National Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing, we thought it was totally appropriate to focus on the city that literally birthed Hispanic heritage in what would eventually become the United States of America.
St. Augustine, Florida was founded on September 8, 1565, shortly before Cher’s first world tour.
The 459 years since has changed the settlement dramatically, as you’d expect. History buffs can’t miss this destination because it’s jam-packed with sites and stories we kinda-sorta remember from high school history class, but mean so much more when visiting in person.
There’s no avoiding the impact of colonization or the harsh conditions and persecution many people faced at the hands of Catholic settlers, but if we only traveled to places that hadn’t been affected by outsiders or religion, we’d never leave our homes. Instead, we try to view destinations through a modern lens while also trying to understand the realities of their past.
We weren’t quite sure what to expect, but St. Augustine surprised us in many ways, good and bad. Perhaps we shouldn’t be shocked that any place in Florida—even the oldest city in America—would somehow feel like a theme park. Fair warning: St. Augustine is touristy, touristy, touristy.
But that doesn’t mean it isn’t without numerous charms, especially if you avoid the cattle-call group tours and explore on your own or with a knowledgable guide who isn’t solely concerned with dad jokes and pointing out the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. From culinary excellence to picturesque places that capture nearly five centuries of history at first glance, this culturally rich locale has plenty to keep you engaged.
We visited this past summer and came back with plenty of tips on where to stay, what to eat and where to go, whether it’s to discover Hispanic heritage, celebrate Pride next year—or both on the same vacation!
Where To Stay
During our week in St. Augustine, our group of travel writers had the privilege of staying at the St. George Inn, located in the heart of the historic district. Location makes this an excellent choice for exploring the oldest streets in America.
The charming hotel has plenty of amenities, too, including a generous order-off-the-menu breakfast (included with every stay), free Wi-Fi, Starbucks coffee in-room, plus an on-site wine bar with courtyard seating that became a regular go-to for our group each afternoon. Most of the spacious rooms and suites also offer guests spectacular views of the historic district or the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, which is also within short walking distance for awesome sunrise strolls.
What To Do
One of the things we love about St. Augustine is that it feels like New Orleans and San Juan, Puerto Rico had a baby. We get centuries-old architecture like NOLA and a coastal setting like PR for a truly unique mixture of cultures and activities. At the top of any to-do list for first-timers to St. Augustine, the aforementioned Castillo de San Marcos National Monument offers access to the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. and the only still-standing 17th-century military construction. Self-guided and park ranger-led experiences make it easy to stay for a short time or several hours, depending on your interest.
Next on the agenda, check out the legendary Fountain of Youth that Ponce De Leon thought contained youth-enhancing healing waters (spoiler alert, you can drink it, and it tastes disgusting, so maybe sneak in some Tito’s). This archaelogical tourist attraction takes cheesy to new heights in all the best ways while giving a fantastic glimpse into the myths and superstitions of the era, as well as the primitive ways people lived and struggled to survive.
Any trip to seaside parts of Florida requires getting out on the water if you ask us. Book a sailing or private charter with St. Augustine Sailing. Luxury vessels await to take you out to sea with plentiful snacks and cocktails, depending on the experience you book.
Where To Eat & Drink
St. Augustine also boasts a wonderful culinary scene, bolstered by centuries of Hispanic influences, plus access to fresh seafood. Anyone who knows us, understands the rarity of dining at the same restaurant more than once on any vacation. Yet we found Columbia‘s Spanish-Cuban fare so delightful and the service so friendly and attentive, we felt compelled to eat there twice. (Partly because we were treated with bitchy disdain by the employees at St. Augustine Seafood Company that we departed immediately, but mostly because we couldn’t wait to return to Columbia to try more items on the menu). The setting’s gorgeous and the pitchers of mojitos, various versions of paella and Cuban sampler platter can’t be missed.
Other dining highlights from our week in St. Augustine include impressive Pesca Platter, a seafood tower loaded with super-fresh seafood at Pesca Rooftop Kitchen & Bar; margaritas and Cochinita Pibil at Casa Maya; the Asado Trio (steak, chorizo and chicken thighs) at AsadoLife; a unique brunch experience highlighted by family-style fare served on beautifully crafted wooden boards at Ancient City Brunch Bar; and exquisite options (lobster rolls!) at Cordova inside Casa Monica Resort & Spa.
In addition to our duo of impeccable experiences at Columbia, another real standout is Michael’s. We opted for the chef’s tasting menu, which wowed from first course to last. Presentation, ingredients and flavors all surpassed expectations.
Getting To St. Augustine
American Airlines offers nonstop flights into Jacksonville, which is only an hour drive from St. Augustine. Renting a car to get around will be your best option, but it’s also easy enough to catch Uber and Lyft to get around if you don’t want to deal with parking. Or you want a nonstop mojito drip from morning to night.
For more information on creating an itinerary for St. Augustine, head to…
Visit St. Augustine
visitstaugustine.com
Photo by: Khairil Azhar Junos
