St. Augustine, FL

We checked out of Faver-Dykes SP this morning. I had a reservation for 3 nights at Anastasia State Park 30 minutes away, next to the historic town of St. Augustine. It was very difficult to find a campsite at this popular park, as people make their reservations months in advance. Since check-in was at 3 pm, I had time to drive to St. Augustine for a visit. I have not been there for over 30 years, and could not remember a thing about the town other than it was the oldest city in the US. Since it was a weekday, traffic was relatively light. I was able to find metered parking on the street.

I walked around the historic district, checking out stores and historic buildings along the pedestrian only street of St. George. It was nice that there were information placards to describe historical landmarks. For example below is the oldest wooden school house in the US in the midst of modern and colorful shops.

I got hungry and bought a slice of rather expensive pizza, eating it on the go. On the outside of St. George St. was the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. I was glad I had my Senior America the Beautiful pass with me, since that allowed free access into the Castillo. It was worth a visit, lots of history there with interpretive programs conducted by park rangers. The views from the fort were also fantastic.