Juan Ponce de Leon set out to discover the
Fountain of Youth
in 1513. Of course he never did find it (at least not that
we know of) but he did stumble upon Florida. Ponce de Leon
named the land La Florida, which means land of flowers and
claimed the land for Spain. However, 52 years passed before
a lasting settlement was established. That settlement was
called St. Augustine. St. Augustine was founded 42 years before
Jamestown and 55 years before the pilgrims landed on Plymouth
Rock. Therefore, St. Augustine is the oldest city founded
by Europeans in North America.
Today tourism is St. Augustine’s primary
industry. Though the city hasn’t been overrun with commercialization.
St. Augustine remains a quaint town with charming restaurants,
mom & pop shops and a history unlike any place else.
Quick References
St Augustine Hotels Online hotel reservations and reviews
Shopping Find out where to go shopping
Restaurants Where to go for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks
Attractions Info about the top tourist attractions
St Augustine Tours Tours for individuals and groups