St. Augustine -  The Nation’s Oldest City

For most Americans, the term “nation’s oldest city” conjures up images of Pilgrims struggling for survival in a harsh New England winter or English gentlemen confronted by the unexpected and deadly reality of creating a civilized community at a primitive place called Jamestown, Virginia.   The truth is, however, the nation’s oldest city is located in a place of sunshine, palm trees and beautiful beaches – St. Augustine, Florida.

This city, located on Florida’s northeastern coast midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, has been a place called “home” by people of European descent far longer that any other continuously-occupied place in the continental United States.  When the first English colonists arrived in Virginia in 1607, three generations of Spaniards had been born and grown to maturity in St. Augustine.  When the pilgrims sat down with their Native Americans neighbors for Thanksgiving dinner, St. Augustine planners were working on an ambitious urban renewal program for their thriving city – a city that was already more than 50 years old.

Today, St. Augustine is a place where history is, quite literally, on every street corner.  In fact, it is so historic that it has an entire 144-square-block central district listed on the National Register of Historic Places – plus, there are more than 30 individual city properties on this prestigious list.  The Castillo de San Marcos, the Spanish fortress that has protected the city since 1672, was the first place in the United States to be given National Monument status.

Recently, Travel + Leisure magazine named St. Augustine as their first choice of a place where Americans could feel like they were in Europe without the cost and hassle of traveling across the Atlantic.  In fact, St. Augustine was part of the Spanish Empire far longer than it has been an American city.  Fortunately for most Americans, all of this history, Old World ambiance, sunlit beauty (not to mention great shopping and restaurants) is just a bus ride away.

Although by every standard St. Augustine is “old,” that does not mean new and improved features are not welcomed.  In fact, a new Historic Downtown Parking Facility has solved the problem of finding a parking space on narrow streets that were established in 1572.  The facility provides a thoroughly modern and welcoming environment for arriving motorcoaches.  Adjacent to the facility is the newly-renovated Visitor Information Center where arriving bus tours can take advantage of both restroom facilities and orientation services – the perfect first stop for beginning an exploration of the Old City.

For most bus tour groups, the most popular way to see the historic sites of St. Augustine is aboard a green Old Town Trolley or a red Sightseeing Train. Both offer approximately 90-minute narrated tours that take passengers down the brick-paved, ancient streets and past dozens of sites related to the history of this beautiful city.  Not only does this circular route provide a great introduction to the city, each “driver’s” personal narration proves that history can be both educational and fun.  The trains and trolleys can be boarded at the Visitor Information Center or at specially-designated areas for bus parking at the sightseeing train depot or the Old Jail complex.

Of course, step-on greeters and guides are also readily available for bus tours.  For example, City Gate Productions provides some of the city’s most-talented and entertaining guides who can make a step-on tour a fun experience that will be long and happily remembered. [City Gate Productions, (904) 669-1485, www.citygateproductions.com]

Attractions

Within the city are numerous attractions specially designed to welcome and entertain bus tours.  For example:

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth: It was 497 years ago when Juan Ponce de Leon “discovered” and named Florida.  Legend has it that he was searching for a mysterious Fountain of Youth – well, here it is.  Visitors can tour the site where Ponce may have landed, see the actual location where Spanish Admiral Menendez came ashore to establish St. Augustine on September 8, 1565 and, of course, take a drink from the famous fountain. Driver and two escorts are admitted free and there is free bus parking on site. Phone (904) 829-3168 or visit www.fountainofyouthflorida.com.

Old Florida Museum:  No, it is not some old museum.  This is an outdoor, hands-on museum where visitors take a short walk through St. Augustine’s history.  Stops include a Timucuan Indian village where visitors learn how the area’s original inhabitants lived – including a chance to help hollow out a dugout canoe; a Spanish homestead with the same breeds of livestock found here hundreds of years ago; there is even a Florida Cracker house where visitors can learn to “crack” the whip and grind corn. They offer one free admission for every 15 paid; driver are always free. There is free bus parking onsite.  For more information phone (904) 824-8874 or go to www.oldfloridamuseum.com.

St. Augustine Scenic Cruise: Operated by the Usina family for more than100 years, this leisurely cruise aboard the double-decked Victory III provides a waterborne view of the old city, ancient fortifications and beautiful waterfront homes.  Plus, there is plenty of wildlife to see – it is not unusual to have playful dolphins racing alongside and streaking ahead of the boat. Admission is free for driver and escort; free bus parking with advance notice. Phone (904) 824-1606, Ext. 210 or visit www.scenic-cruise.com for additional details.

Ghost Tours of St. Augustine and The Ghost and Gravestones Tour: As expected, the oldest city is filled with ghosts. Tours that visit some of their favorite “haunts” are popular each night of the year.  Ghost Tours of St. Augustine offers entertaining and spooky walking tours throughout the historic downtown district while The Ghost and Gravestones Tour takes passengers aboard the Trolley of the Doomed for a rollicking ride in search of the infamous Book of the Dead. Ghost Tours of St. Augustine offers a comp to the driver plus one free for 15 paid. Bus parking is available at the Visitor Information Center. [(904) 829-1122; www.ghosttoursofstaugustine.com] The Ghost and Gravestones Tour offers comps for driver and escort and free bus parking at Old Jail. [Phone (904) 826-3663; www.ghostsandgravestones.com ]

Heritage Museum, Old Jail and Old Town Trolley Tours:  Enjoy Old Town Trolley attractions including the museum which provides a look at Florida’s 500 years or history, and a tour of the original Old Jail where guests can feel what life was like for St. Augustinians who failed to behave themselves.  Caution: jail breaks can occur at anytime and some inmates may be a bit “crazy.”  Comps  are offered to driver and escort; free bus parking at the Old Jail. Phone (904) 829-3800 or visit www.trolleytours.com/staugustine to learn more.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum and St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains:  This is the original Ripley’s established by Robert Ripley himself.  This “odditorium” remains one of the city’s favorite attractions. Ripley’s offers free admission for drivers plus two additional comps. Sightseeing Trains offer two comp tickets for groups. The phone number for both attractions is (904) 824-1606, Ext. 30. Free bus parking is available, phone for details. Learn more at their Web sites, www.redtrains.com and www.staugustine-ripleys.com.

San Sebastian Winery:  This attractive winery has gained international recognition for its quality wines – especially the port produced here.  Winery tours are offered daily and the wine tastings are extremely popular. There is fee admission for all. Groups should phone in advance. They offer free bus parking on site. Contact the winery at (904) 826-1594 or visit www.sansebastianwinery.com for more information.

Just across the beautiful Bridge of Lions is Anastasia Island, home to two popular bus tour destinations:

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park:  The oldest tourist attraction in Florida, this highly-rated zoo always looks as though it just opened yesterday for the first time.  It is the only place in the world that features every species of crocodilian in residence and a rookery where thousands of coastal birds make their homes from March through June is not to be missed. Admission is free for driver and escort; free bus parking is on site.  For more information phone (904) 824-3337 or visit www.alligatorfarm.com.

St. Augustine Lighthouse Museum:  There has been a light station on this site since at least 1586.  The current version began operating in 1874.  Climb the 219 steps to the top for a magnificent view of the beaches, bay and the city. The museum offers free admission for the driver and escort as well as free bus parking. Phone (904) 829-0745, Ext. 223 or visit www.staugustinelighthouse.com for more.

Just outside of town on I-95 are several other attractions that are extremely popular with bus tours.

World Golf Hall of Fame (Exit 323):  This where the game’s greatest players are enshrined and the history of golf is presented in a fascinating format that is sure to inspire even non-golfers.  The Locker Room with lockers containing personal memorabilia from each inductee is especially popular as is “Shanks for the Memories” – a special exhibit devoted to Bob Hope’s love of the game. Admission is fee for the driver; free bus parking is on site. Learn more by phoning (904) 940-4059 or log on to www.wgv.com.

Prime Outlets St. Augustine and St. Augustine Premium Outlets (Exit 318):  Truly a shopper’s paradise, together these two outlet offer more than 150 quality name brands – including Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren, Cole Haan, Calvin Kline, Juicy Couture, Ann Taylor and the only Gucci outlet in the Southeast.  For more information on Prime Outlets phone (904) 826-1052 or visit www.primeoutlets.com. For more information on St. Augustine Premium Outlets phone (904) 825-1555; or visit www.premiumoutlets.com.

For more detailed information on the St. Augustine experience, go to the Visitor and Convention Bureau’s Web site www.Getaway4Florida.com or phone (800) 653-2489.

More Information

For bus tours, group reservations are required at each attraction.  In most cases, advance deposits are required with the balance due upon arrival.  Please check with each attraction for their deposit requirements.

The Historic Downtown Parking Facility adjacent to the main Visitor Center (10 Castillo Drive) is the most convenient location for dropping off and picking up passengers.  Buses may also wait here for returning passengers.  Overnight parking for buses is $26.50.  For questions, phone (904) 825-1000.

The designated dump station for buses visiting St. Augustine is the Flying J Truck Stop located at I-95 exit 305.  There is no charge to use the station.