St Augustine America's Oldest City

It was here that the French established the settlement of La Caroline in 1563, and a year latter Pedro Menendez established St. Augustine (after destroying La Caroline and killing most of the French inhabitants).

The historical sense can be experienced through the narrow cobblestone streets, and restored coquina and stone buildings. Picturesque streets with stone buildings from 1700 and 1800s are accented with moss draped oak trees.

The Castillo de San Marcos with its 12 foot thick, 33 foot high walls still stands as a monument to Spain's determination to control this area. This oldest masonry fort in the US overlooks Matanzas Bay.

The fort successfully withstood every enemy attack. It is a well preserved example of Spanish colonial fortifications used in the New World.

This is home to Florida's longest river, the St. John's, which is a favorite destination for anglers, who come to test their skill against the bass and panfish.

South lies State Road A1A, otherwise known as Coastal Road A1A, passes the sparkling beaches of Anastasia Island and the historic Alligator Farm on its way to Fort Matanzas, which is a short boat ride across the Matanzas River.

Farther south, the Ormond Beach Loop Drive links together oak-canopied plantation-era roads. Not far away, the Old Brick Road-one of the few remaining stretches of "tourist" roads from Florida's 1920s era-leads for eleven miles through a remote corner of this region.

Search for a budget flights to Florida and get set to explore St Augustine. This rustic city still retains its old world charm in its narrow cobblestone streets, and majestic stone building.