St. Augustine, a city in northeastern Florida, founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement within the borders of the continental US. The tour guides proudly boast that St. Augustine was established 42 years earlier than Jamestown VA, and 55 years earlier than Plymouth, MA.
Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, Florida’s first governor named the settlement “San Agustín“as his ships from Spain first sighted land in Florida on August 28, the feast day of St. Augustine. The city served as the capital of Spanish Florida for over 200 years. Spain ceded Florida to the US in 1819, and St. Augustine was designated the capital of the Florida Territory upon ratification of the Adams–Onís Treaty in 1821. The territorial government moved and made Tallahassee the capital of Florida in 1824.
I enjoyed the Old Trolley Tour around the city. I loved the browsing all the shops along the the pedestrian market. While walking along the waterfront I saw dolphins playing in the water. I ate some darn good Jambalaya and to die for Banana Foster at Harrys Seafood Bar & Grille. I was less inclined to spend money at all the small museums, and attractions. I also avoided the Fountain of Youth and other prime attractions.
Footloose & Fancy Free 