It’s no surprise that when a list of some of the best small towns to visit in the United States comes out, Florida is in there somewhere. In Florida, we have so many wonderful small towns to check out from the panhandle to the coast, all the way down to The Keys. Thanks to the U.S. News & World Report, out of the 25 Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA, St. Augustine, Florida came in at number six. With a population of 14,515, take a look at why St. Augustine is a real gem to vacation through.

St. Augustine, Florida is known as the “Nation’s Oldest City” bringing history, adventure, and architectural beauty to one place.

Flickr Matthew Paulson

Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, it is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States.

Flickr Jeff Krause

While history is such a huge part of what makes this city special, it’s the various things to do that really make it a worthwhile vacation spot.

Flickr Evangelio Gonzalez

Start your vacation exploration at Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. This waterfront fort became part of the National Park Service in 1933, and quickly became a popular historical place to visit in Florida.

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Another gem that is worth checking out is the St. Augustine Light Station. Standing at the north end of Anastasia Island, this lighthouse was built in the 1800s and is still an active, working lighthouse!

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If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Hotel Ponce de Léon in St. Augustine is a truly remarkable architectural feat. The grounds of this opulent Spanish-style hotel will make you feel like you stepped into a Renaissance painting.

Flickr Gary Bembridge

But hey, did you also know that St. Augustine is right on the Atlantic? That means that you’ll also have a beach vacation and history lesson all rolled into one.

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A few other points of interest that make St. Augustine such a highly-ranked town to visit include a walk down the historic St. George Street, stopping in the various shops and stores…

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…or stopping by the St. Augustine Distillery, once the oldest ice house in Florida, and now a delightful place to tour and sip on some whiskey.

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There are tons of small restaurants worth checking out too, many mom-and-pop hideaways offering up a charming experience.

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Enjoy colonial landmarks, photo-worthy attractions, and calm, unspoiled beaches when you visit St. Augustine, Florida for your next vacation getaway.

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To find out where St. Augustine is in Florida, click here.

Google Maps

Have you ever visited St. Augustine, Florida before? Share with us your favorite attractions throughout the town! Or if you’re looking for more information about this city and how to visit, then check out the Visit St. Augustine visitor’s page.

Flickr Matthew Paulson

Flickr Jeff Krause

Flickr Evangelio Gonzalez

Flickr lagogogy

Flickr Valerie

Flickr Gary Bembridge

Flickr John Tuggle

TripAdvisor tedlong29

TripAdvisor Scubagal

Flickr iamRainia

Flickr lagology

Google Maps

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Address: St. Augustine, FL, USA