A day in St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is an old Spanish town located in the East Coast of Florida. It is only 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Orlando, perfect to visit for a day or maybe stay for the night.

When you arrive, try to park close to Flagler College. This is small, private residential college, which transitioned from been Ponce De Leon Hotel to the school it is today. This lovely building illustrates the Spanish architecture all over the place.

Then, continue your journey to see The Alcazar Hotel, which was inspired by the royal palace in Seville, Spain. Today, this is St. Augustine’s City Hall and the Lightner Museum.

After seen these two edifications, take a carriage pulled by beautiful horses or walk towards Hypolita St. This is a small street with a lot of delicious restaurants (you can’t miss it). At the end of this street (if you walk in direction to the coast) you will be marvelled with the view…

Imagine visiting a castle from 1672 in front of the beach and seeing how all-dressed soldiers perform cannon firings and weaponry demonstrations at Castillo de San Marcos.  You will be able to learn and presenciate history  about this National Monument that was once a Spanish stone fortress built to protect and defend Spain’s claims in the New World.

And if you want to really experience the Spaniard feel, make a reservation at Columbia Restaurant or, if you get lucky, maybe you will find a table. This award-winning restaurant serves traditional spanish and cuban food. My recommendation: the paella with a sangría.

Columbia Restaurant, St. Augustine

Finally, after a great good dinner, walk Hypolita St. to burn those calories or take the trolley for a tour around.

More beautiful places awaits in St. Augustine. Keep reading my stories to find out more about great places to discover in Florida!