Tales of glory and defeat stretching back to America’s earliest days can be found in St. Augustine, Florida. Check out the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument for insight into often-overlooked chapters of history. Stories of those who have passed through this fort-turned-national park trace back more than three centuries, spanning tragedies and triumphs that predate our country’s birth.
The fortress remains about 95 percent original, a testament to its rare construction and preservation efforts by the area historical society and the National Park Service. Dotting the Sunshine State’s Atlantic shoreline, St. Augustine and neighboring Ponte Vedra comprise the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S., preceding the settlements of Plymouth and Jamestown. From Gilded-Age hotels to engaging water and air adventures as well as a bustling historic district with plenty of restaurants, St. Augustine has something for everyone.
