Florida’s Historic Coast combines history, Old World charm, sunshine, golf and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches into an unforgettable vacation getaway.
St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, offers nearly 450 years of history for visitors to discover. Ancient, narrow streets lead to the soaring architecture of a by-gone era while a massive fortress continues its more than 300-year guardianship of the town’s star-spangled bay. Nightly ghost tours, historical re-enactments, trendy art galleries, upscale shopping and more than 30 annual events and festivals create excitement and fun with a Mediterranean look and flavor. More than a dozen exquisite courses challenge golfers and the World Golf Hall of Fame, where the greats of the game are enshrined, both humbles and inspires visitors.
The nation’s first seaport, St. Augustine has always been linked to the sea. Since 1874, its historic lighthouse has marked a safe haven for mariners. The 144-square block historic district begins at the City Marina and more than 30 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places are within easy walking distance – as are more than a dozen distinctive restaurants offering everything from local seafood to upscale Spanish cuisine.
Blue water boaters can access the city through St. Augustine inlet and proceed to the City Marina or the private Camachee Cove Marina – or they can anchor out in the shadow of the Castillo de San Marcos, the Spanish fortress built in 1672. These marinas, as well as several on the San Sebastian River, provide full service stops for boats traveling the Intracoastal Waterway. Historic, narrated tours of the harbor are available from St. Augustine
Sightseeing Cruises and sunset sails aboard the Schooner Freedom are popular attractions. Both depart from the City Marina. Also based here is St. Augustine Eco-Tours providing an up-close and fascinating look at the local marine environment.
Water sports are bountiful. Kayak the coastal salt marshes, fish aboard one of the many charter boats, see the sites from a
parasail, get the adventure of wind-surfing, kite surfing,
scuba diving or just soak up the rays along the magnificent Atlantic Ocean. A walk along the secluded beach of Anastasia State Park can yield a bounty of seashells, as well as lasting memories of dolphins frolicking just beyond the surf line or maybe even a northern right whale lazing in the warm winter sunshine.
Accommodations include world class resorts, seaside condos, award-winning hotels and historic inns. . For information, call 1.800.653.2489 or go to:
www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.