S
t. Augustine, which celebrated its 450
th
anniversary in September, is the oldest
continuously occupied European-settled
city in the U.S. Established by Spanish conquis-
tadores, today it also reflects the influence of
those who followed, among them Greek,
Minorcan and British.
But this area isn't just "historic." It's a place
that combines a colourful history with a beau-
tiful seashore, excellent resorts and plenty of
attractions.
IF THESE STREETS COULD TALK
They'd tell you stories of intrigue, plots, patriots,
scoundrels, princes and conquerors who floated
here on the tides of history in search of fortune,
the Fountain of Youth or conquest.
St. Augustine is anchored by its landmark,
the coquina-stone Castillo de San Marcos, con-
structed by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695.
In the Historic District, the Casa Monica, a
Moroccan palace built in 1888, is today an
upscale resort surrounded by charming bed
and breakfasts. And out on the beach, the
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is an AAA Five-Dia-
mond resort with a world-class spa, two
championship golf courses, distinctive dining
and ocean views from every room.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF FLORIDA
"You're in America's oldest city and, because of
who we are and the legacy we treasure, vaca-
tions here are different," says Richard
Goldman, president and chief executive officer
of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The
Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. "And
it doesn't hurt, either, that St. Augustine and
Ponte Vedra offer world-class accommodation,
bucket-list golf, eclectic dining venues and 68
kilometres of beautiful beaches."
DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
Plan your visit to historic St. Augustine,
Ponte Vedra and The Beaches at
FloridasHistoricCoast.com
IN THE FOOTSTEPS
OF HISTORY
IN ST. AUGUSTINE, YOU CAN HEAR THE ECHOES OF
THE 20 GENERATIONS WHO'VE WALKED HERE BEFORE YOU.
Enjoy 68 kilometres of beautiful beaches in the
St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra area.
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB
BY STEVE WINSTON