Summary:
Whether you're looking for a fun place to go, a quiet place to rest, or an educational and interesting field trip, St. Augustine has something to offer everyone.

Even those on a budget can stay at nearby Anastasia State Park and enjoy the miles of beachfront.

History:
St. Augustine was founded forty-two years before the English colony at Jamestown, Virginia, and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. It's the oldest permanent European settlement on the North American continent.

In 1564 King Phillip II tasked Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles to be the new governor of Florida, instructing him to secure, explore, and colonize the new territory.

Menendez arrived off the coast of Florida on August 28, 1565, the Feast Day of St. Augustine. Eleven days later, he and his 600 soldiers and settlers came ashore at the site of the Timucuan Indian village of Seloy. He fortified the fledgling village and named it St. Augustine.

In 1763 Spain ceded Florida to England. But this was during the war of American Independence, and England would not claim Florida for long. Under the Treaty of Paris Florida was returned to Spain in 1783. This lasted for thirty-seven years until July 10, 1821, when US troops took possession of the territory.

Florida became the twenty-seventh state admitted to the Union in 1845. It's history had its ups and downs until Henry Flagler started to invest in St Augustine as a resort for rich northerners escaping the dreaded New England winters. His investment worked, and St. Augustine has continued to grow and flourish as a year round recreation area.

Activities:

Neighboring Towns:
East Palatka ,  Elkton ,  Orange Park ,  Palm Coast ,  Ponte Vedra Beach ,  Saint Augustine ,  Saint Augustine Beach

Directions:
From I-95: take exit 311 (old 94). Go east on State Road 207. Or take exit 318 and follow Hwy 16. Go south on Hwy 1 (North Ponce de Leon).

Camping & RV:
If you're planning ahead, up to 11 months, make reservations at nearby Anastasia State Park. Anastasia State Park has 139 camping sites for RVs and tents and at a 2005 price of a little over $25 a night, is a great bargain. The rangers also offer several programs to keep everyone busy. Each site has water and electricity with a central dump station.

There are several commercial parks in the area, but they're expensive and usually only offer short term camping unless you're a regular winter visitor.

Notes: