The “Nations Oldest City” is what St. Augustine is often referred to. It was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers. It is the oldest continuously inhabited European established settlement in the mainland United States. San Juan, Puerto Rico is the oldest settlement, founded in 1521. Eventually, Spain ceded Florida to the United States in 1819. At the time, St. Augustine was the capital of the Florida Territory but it was moved to Tallahassee in 1824.
St. Augustine, Nations Oldest City
The Nations Oldest City is rich in history and has numerous things to see and do. We were only here a week and barely got a sample of the city.
It is definitely a tourist destination, which tends to limit parking. Most streets are narrow, some cobblestoned and parking lots are usually full. We opted to park far away and get some walking done. Some visitors go for the hop on/off trolley but that doesn’t work with a dog.
Walking the streets, we came across the oldest house, a statue and some bananas.
A mass grave from the Seminole war in 1835.
The old city gates at the north end of the St. Augustine were built in 1808 as a line of defense for the city.
We met our friends Jacquie, Lynda and Guy for lunch at the St. Augustine Fish Camp.
St. Augustine Beach went on for miles.
The Gusto Bistro Italiano and Wine Bar was delicious. Sandy loved their cannoli for dessert.
Sun-Compass RV, Nations Oldest City
We stayed here before. They have full hook ups and intermittent WIFI. The park is large enough to get some long walks in. They also have a pool and a work out facility.
Jake loved their 2 dog parks.
The A1A Ale works Restaurant and Taproom was perfect for lunch on a cold day. Their outdoor dog friendly balconies were closed because it was only 45F outside and windy, so they let Jake sit with us at an indoor table. They told us that St. Augustine is a very dog friendly city. There were nice views from the restaurant.
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
An educational museum with over 800 artifacts on piracy; some from the 1600s in Port Royal Jamaica, where piracy started.
An original pirate flag.
A talking decapitated head of Blackbeard. He was an English pirate born in the 1600s. Blackbeard was an imposing man, standing at 6’5″ and weighing 220 pounds.
There were plenty of information placards about the numerous artifacts around the museum describing their history. Definitely worth a visit.
San Sebastian Winery
Surprisingly, they make some good wines. Many of their grapes are sourced from California. Wine tastings are free and spread out over a couple of floors. We had a nice lunch on their upstairs balcony and Jake was able to join us.
St. Augustine Distillery
They were established in 2013 and produce bourbon, rum, gin, and vodka. The tour is free and the samples were delicious. Sandy liked their bourbon old fashioned.
