Vacationing in Old St. Augustine

America's oldest permanent European settlement is still today one of the most fascinating cities to visit on the east coast. There is an air of "Old Europe" in much of the historic area of town, but a short drive will deliver the visitor to beaches and activities that any oceanside resort town offers. St. Augustine, Florida is situated a short distance off of Interstate 95 near Jacksonville.

First, it is always nice to know a bit of history for the place at which you will be spending vacation time. St. Augustine is absolutely rich with history and was founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles. Other well-known people have histories tied in with St. Augustine as well. Sir Francis Drake burned his way through the town in 1586. Even before the founding, it is said that the explorer Ponce de Leon found his way to St. Augustine searching for the infamous fountain of youth. It appears that he actually found it at St. Augustine and today visitors can drink from the legendary fountain.

Upon entering St. Augustine, an imposing and more than a little impressive structure delights visitors of all ages. Sitting on its own small "mound" or hill is the 17th century-built Castillo de San Marcos, the fort. Never have its walls been penetrated by an enemy (except perhaps time itself.) It keeps watch over Matanzas Bay today as it has done for centuries. Admission to the Castillo is a small amount and you can go through the rooms of the fort as well as climb the steps to the gun deck. Costumed re-enactors are often found at the Castillo and they will sometimes give demonstrations.