St. Augustine Destination Guide March 2010
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Feature Of The Month
 

"Visit St. Augustine's Historic Bayfront: By Land, By Sea, By Air!"


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Come along with us for a video tour of America's oldest city—by land, by sea and by air. First, it’s a carriage ride along the historic bay front, where we learn about the landmarks that make this city so special. Then it’s time for a helicopter ride to see all of St. Augustine. Next, we'll set sail on the schooner Freedom to learn about this historic city’s nautical roots. Make sure you visit St. Augustine's Historic Bayfront! More about St. Augustine



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USA
Tour Saint Augustine
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Contact Us
904-825-0087

Starr Tours Inc.
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Contact Us
800-STARR-03

White Star Tours
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Contact Us
(800) 437-2323

Ionosphere Tours Inc.
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Contact Us
(800) 972-1741

Imperial Royal Tours Inc./Imperial Travel Services Inc.
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Contact Us
(800) 642-6645

Click here for a complete list of Tour Operators.

 
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Ancient City Tours
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Contact Us
904.827.0807

St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains
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(904) 829 6545

Destination Planning Corp
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Contact Us
904-249-3729

Active Escapes
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Contact Us
904-230-8787

Tour Saint Augustine, Inc
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Contact Us
800-797-3778

Click here for a complete list of Local Area Specialists.


Reviews
 
Online Traveler

St. Augustine is full of history and fun things to do. The Castillo De San Marcos (the old fort) is a must visit, along with St. George Street area shops, Ripley's Museum, The Fountain of Youth, and all of the wonderful, beautiful beaches. For those who enjoy lighthouses, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is over on Anastasia Island and their cafe serves great breakfast. Also unique is the Alligator Farm. There are numerous places to dine, such as the locals’ favorites O’Steens, Caps or Barnacle Bill's that you would just have to try! All around, it is an excellent place to go.
Travel.Yahoo.com User


Travel Media

Lightner Museum
Now this is a museum. Henry Flagler's opulent Spanish Renaissance-style Alcazar Hotel, built in 1889, closed during the Depression and stayed vacant until Chicago publishing magnate Otto C. Lightner bought the building in 1948 to house his vast collection of Victoriana. The building is an attraction in itself and makes a gorgeous museum, centering on an open palm-planted courtyard with an arched stone bridge spanning a fishpond.
Frommers.com


Online Traveler

St. Augustine, Florida is one of the most Romantic places to visit. We had the opportunity to go again since this review and I am still in love with the place! It's a great place for the honeymooners!
Epinions.com User


Online Traveler

St. Augustine is a truly beautiful city. From the moment I crossed the Bridge of Lions, the city struck me as something very unique. It brings history into the future. There is the Spanish fort just a few blocks from boutiques and night clubs. If you like spooky stuff, there are plenty of tours especially for this. The food is absolutely wonderful. The lodging is also very nice. And if you're in the mood for a beach, then cross the bridge and you'll be there in 5 minutes.
Travel.Yahoo.com User



Overview
 

Welcome to St. Augustine, Florida


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Top 5 Must Do / Must See / Must Experience


St. Augustine - History Comes To Life In America's Oldest City

St. Augustine, the oldest, continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, is a time capsule that showcases nearly 500 years of American history. Much of Florida's and some of the earliest U.S. history began right here! Situated on the northeastern Atlantic Coast of Florida, the colonial city has kept a bygone era suspended in time with 144 blocks of historic houses, many listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The St. Augustine area exudes a playful charm that blends Old and New World influences in a compelling and refreshing mixture of history, romance, youthful vibrance and Southern charm.

www.Getaway4Florida.com


Must See
 

The Spa at Sawgrass

The Spa at SawgrassSurrounded by 15 acres on winding lagoons, moss-draped water oaks, twisted palms and giant magnolias, The Spa at Sawgrass is just minutes from Jacksonville - yet miles from the bustle of everyday life. Step inside, where true serenity awaits. Deep inset windows, warm wood nuances, and cream stone tiles are accented by soothing music and ambient lighting to create a serene environment. The unique, eastern-inspired setting of our Ponte Vedra spa is designed to rejuvenate you and enhance your quality of life. More about The Spa at Sawgrass

Castillo de San Marcos

Castillo de San MarcosThe oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. and originally constructed by the Spanish between 1672 - 1695 with major modifications from 1738 - 1756. Later, the British, Spanish and Americans all made changes to the Castillo before it was finally retired as an active fortification in 1900. Proclaimed a national monument in 1924, the Castillo is now a prominent tourist destination where people of all cultures step back in time and reflect on the forces and events which have shaped world history. More about Castillo de San Marcos

St. Augustine's Romantic Playground

St. Augustine's Romantic PlaygroundLovers need look no further... St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches is dripping with romance. Saunter hand-in-hand down centuries-old streets; ride horses along the ocean's edge, take sunset sails and moonlit strolls. Savor creamy chocolates after a gourmet candlelit meal. Cuisine is as inspired as art and culture, and naturally, history speaks for itself. Come. Create some of your own! More about St. Augustine's Romantic Playground


Must Do
 

Parasail with Watersports of St. Augustine

Parasail with Watersports of St. AugustineWatersports of St. Augustine is North Florida's home for parasail rides, Jet Ski and boat rentals. Located just minutes north of historic St. Augustine, Florida at the Sea Love Marina in Vilano Beach, next to the public fishing pier and The Pointe Restaurant. Corporate outings are a great way to get everyone together and enjoy a day at the beach. What better way for your company to show their appreciation than a day of fun at the beach? More about Parasail with Watersports of St. Augustine

San Sebastian Winery

San Sebastian WinerySan Sebastian Winery was founded in 1996 in St. Augustine Florida, the birthplace of American wine. San Sebastian is among the very best of Florida's premium wineries, and is a pioneer in the development of table, sparkling and dessert wines from hybrid and muscadine grapes. San Sebastian Winery produces still wine varieties from hybrids such as Stover, Suwannee and Blanc Du Bois. San Sebastian also produces several still wines from varieties of muscadines including Carlos, Welder and Noble. More about the San Sebastian Winery

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzwa National MonumentThroughout its history, the story of Fort Matanzas has been closely intertwined with that of the city of St. Augustine and the Castillo de San Marcos. This Spanish outpost fort was built in 1740-1742 to guard the Matanzas Inlet and to warn St. Augustine of British or other enemies approaching from the south. Fort Matanzas now serves as a reminder of the early Spanish empire in the New World. In addition, the park, which is located on barrier islands along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas estuary, provides a natural habitat rich in wildlife with the salt marsh, scrub, and maritime hammock now protecting endangered and threatened species like the historic Fort Matanzas protected St. Augustine long ago. More about the Fort Matanzas National Monument


Must Experience
 
Ghost Tours of St. Augustine

Ghost Tours of St. AugustineGhost Tours of St. Augustine, FL Inc. offers "A Ghostly Experience" walking tour. Your guide in period dress will lead you by lantern light to see the most active sights and share the strange and unusual. Take a nighttime sail aboard the 72-foot schooner Freedom and encounter the legendary “Ghosts of the Matanzas” – beware, there be pirates here! On the "Ghosts and Legends" riding tour you can travel through the antiquated city to the Lighthouse as your host shares scandalous tales, unsolved mysteries, bizarre characters and ghostly sightings. More about the Ghost Tours of St. Augustine

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological ParkSee 23 species of crocodilians from around the world including rare white alligators. The shows that take place every hour, including the "Rainforest Review", feature macaws and cockatoos. Alligator feedings are offered twice daily. The natural rookery is home to hundreds of egret, ibis, heron and other wading birds and part of the Florida Birding Trail. The park is home to many exotic and endangered animals. Don't forget your camera for unique memories! More about the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

12th Annual Greek Festival, St. Augustine

Annual - October 9th - 11th, 2009

12th Annual Greek Festival, St. AugustineJoin in a fun filled weekend to experience St. Augustine’s Greek heritage. Everyone can be Greek for the weekend at the 12th Annual Greek Festival hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which is taking place October 9th - October 11th, 2009. Enjoy a delicious assortment of Greek foods, pastries and beverages along with nonstop entertainment with live Greek music by The Hellenic Band of Jupiter and traditional Greek dances by the Nisiotes dance troupe. Francis Field is the location of this fun event and hours are from 4 to 9 pm on Friday, 11am to 9pm on Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sunday! Make sure you stop by and enjoy St. Augustine's Greek heritage! More about the 12th Annual Greek Festival, St. Augustine


Contact Info
 
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches
Visitors and Convention Bureau

500 San Sebastian View
St. Augustine FL 32084
Tel: (904) 829-1711
Toll Free: (800) 653-2489
Fax: (904) 829-6149
Internet: www.Getaway4Florida.com

Lori Driscoll
VP/Marketing
Tel: (904) 829-1711 Ext. 2010
E-mail: ldriscoll@Getaway4Florida.com

Jay Humphreys
Communications Director
Tel. : (904) 829-1711 Ext. 2005
E-mail: jhumphreys@Getaway4Florida.com

Evelyn Vazquez
Director of Sales
Tel. : (904) 829-1711 ext. 2011
E-mail: evazquez@Getaway4Florida.com


Attractions & Activities

Activities
 
St. Augustine Eco Tours

St. Augustine Eco Tours
The St. Augustine Eco Tours are the best way of seeing dolphins and a large variety of wildlife in St. Augustine. An interpretive Naturalist will explain dolphin behavior, birdlife, and elements of the estuary. Join Captain Zach for a private tour of the waters surrounding the Ancient City. Bring a camera to capture the amazing wildlife and great views. Call for trip times and rates. St. Augustine Eco Tours is located at City Marina next to the Bridge of Lions. More about St. Augustine Eco Tours


IN THE NEWS
 

Visit St. Augustine, Florida, and You'll Go Down in History

Even on a cool day, St. Augustine has a tropical feel.

Located on the coast of northern Florida, America's oldest city is set against the backdrop of a blue-green bay with sailboats bobbing, seagulls calling and a warm ocean breeze constantly blowing.

Add the miles of pristine beaches and natural coastline, the abundant wildlife and quaint colonial homes on cobblestone streets lined with palm trees and lush green ferns, and it's easy to see why St. Augustine is a welcome alternative to the usual South Florida hotspots.

Click here to read the whole article


Resources
 

Group Planners – Add some special touches to your visit!

"TAPESTRIES of Our Nation’s Oldest City" is a program of approximately 50 activities in seven categories that are truly unique! They are not generally available to the public, but work for groups of five to fifty, and range on average from $5.00 - $40.00 per person US (based on activity minimum number of people).

For information or to book one of these activities, please contact Erin Masters at the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB at (904)209-4422. Here are a few activity samples:

- Historic Figures and Colorful Characters with John Stavely
- Florida Cracker Hoedown with entertainers Tommy Bledsoe & Joy D’Elia
- Darling Daughters: St. Augustine's Feisty Females with author Karen Harvey
- Up Close & Personal at St. Augustine's Wild Reserve with founder Deborah Warrick
- Military Life in the 16th & 17th Century St. Augustine with historian and re-enactor Robert Hall
- Underground Saint Augustine with St. Augustine Archaeological Association


- Historic Figures and Colorful Characters with John Stavely
- Florida Cracker Hoedown with entertainers Tommy Bledsoe & Joy D’Elia
- Darling Daughters: St. Augustine's Feisty Females with author Karen Harvey
- Up Close & Personal at St. Augustine's Wild Reserve with founder Deborah Warrick
- Military Life in the 16th & 17th Century St. Augustine with historian and re-enactor Robert Hall
- Underground Saint Augustine with St. Augustine Archaeological Association


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Online Travel Planner Cheap Hotels in St. Augustine

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Attractions Of St. Augustine


Getting here:
Northeast Florida Map
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Map
St. Augustine Historic District Map

These files are in pdf format and require Adobe Acrobat to view. Click on the Adobe Acrobat logo to your left to download a free version of the software that allows you to view and print the map files.

Driving Directions

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