Introduction to St. Augustine

America's oldest permanent European settlement, St. Augustine draws history buffs and romantics to its Colonial Spanish Quarter and 18th-century buildings. It's a city that's been on travelers' itineraries for ages. Unlike other tourist hotspots, St. Augustine actually lives up to its romantic hype. With its coquina buildings and sprawling, moss-draped live oaks, visitors can do more than just museum hop. St. Augustine encourages guests to sit down for a while, and to drink in scenes from the past along with a chilled glass of sweet tea.
Things to Do
It's no surprise: Historic sites top the list of must-sees in this 16th-century town. St. Augustine's historic attractions rank among the best in the U.S.: the Oldest House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and the Colonial Spanish Quarter, among others, all dating from the early 1700s. Evoking scenes from a quaint Spanish village, this historic quarter bursts with coquina buildings, their almost-hidden gardens visible out back, their courtyards shaded by stately live oaks and Spanish moss.
Shopping
Spanish-influenced home decor and furniture fill the antique shops and galleries in St. Augustine's historic district. Glossy oak tables, vibrantly-colored, Mediterranean-style tiles and silver bric-a-brac fill display windows along Aviles Street and St. George Street. Original oil paintings of all sizes capture the romantic scenes of historic St. Augustine: Cool coquina courtyards, cobbled streets and Spanish moss-draped shade trees.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Old Town St. Augustine amps it up it on weekends, when young locals and tourists head out for drinks and music. The A1A Ale Works draws crowds with its relaxed microbrewery, menu dotted with Caribbean, Floridian and Cuban influences, and weekend live rock and R&B. The Mill Top Tavern is a rare combination of nightlife and history. Located near the fort, the rustic 19th-century mill (with its still-operational water wheel) offers drinks, food and live music every night of the week.
Restaurants and Dining
Spicy food lovers, St. Augustine has something special for you: the Datil, one of the hottest peppers you'll ever find. Restaurants across town add whole and ground Datils to their menus. Hot Stuff Mon sells an assortment of Datil delicacies you can take home with you. The gaudy neon stripes covering its exterior are just the beginning at Gypsy Cab Co. where the inventive menu constantly changes, but the black bean soup and salads are local favorites. Top off the meal with a regional favorite: Key Lime Pie.