St. Augustine
You will begin your day traveling to St. Augustine - the oldest continuously-inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States! Upon arrival, you will explore the Castillo de San Marcos - the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. and also a National Monument. You will also see the Mission Nombre de Dios - a mission that traces its origins to the founding of St. Augustine in 1565. After a visit to the Colonial Quarter where you experience three centuries of St. Augustine's history through interactive activities, you will have dinner and free time before checking into your hotel for the night.
Your next day is filled with visits to the Old Jail, the Florida Heritage Museum and Ponce de Leon's "Fountain of Youth." After your final stop at the Old Florida Museum its time to start the return trip back home with dinner along the way.
Program Highlights
Almost all ACTS Education Program tours doing the St. Augustine Program will include:
Castillo de San Marcos
Mission Nombre de Dios
The Colonial Quarter
Free time on St. George Street
The Old Jail
Florida Heritage Museum
Fountain of Youth
Old Florida Museum
Old Town Trolley TourClimate
St. Augustine is a nice choice for those who like a little cooler weather in the winter, and perhaps not as much heat and humidity in the summer.
December through March, the highs are generally in the 60s and lows in the 40s and 50s.March through most of May, and October through November are the most comfortable months.
July through September are the hottest and most humid months, with daytime temps in the upper 80s and 90s, and overnight temps in the mid-70s.
Because St. Augustine is close to the ocean - it means that much of the area gets a nice sea breeze enhanced by the many shade trees around.Geography
St Augustine, Florida is located on a peninsula between two saltwater rivers - the San Sebastion River on the west side and the Matanzas River is on the east side. The rest of the city is on the mainland just inland from the Atlantic Coast on the along the Intercoastal Waterway. The city is in St. Johns county, northeastern Florida, and is about 40 miles southeast of Jacksonville.
Essentials
- Climbing all 219 spiral steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for a beautiful view!
- Walking across the Intercoastal Waterway on the Bridge of Lions. You will see four white marble lions guarding the bridge. On the west side are Fiel and Firme, Faithful and Firm and on the east side of the bridge, are Pax and Peli, Peace and Happiness.
- Taking the open air trolley ride around the ancient city of St. Augustine.
- Walking down historic St. George Street, a pedestrian-only street, with a lot of history and lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Get Prepared
WATCH
A short video of shots over St. Augustine.
READ
This old souvenir book on St. Augustine comes from 1925. In it the Castillo de San Marcos is known at that time as Fort Marion. There are a number of old photos of the fort and also from the town.
Senses
EAT
Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops
DRINK
Water from the Fountain of Youth!In A Word:
Ancient
Surprises:
That the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park which opened on May 20th, 1893, is one of Florida’s oldest continuously running attractions.
City Included
- St. Augustine