The city of St. Augustine is best known for being the oldest continuously occupied town in North America and, since its founding by the Spanish Pedro Menendez in 1568,  has developed into the gem of Florida's north east coast.  In this picturesque city history seems to have settled, layer upon layer.  The town, with its striking hispanic architecture, was Spanish owned until it passed to the U.S. in 1821.

By the late 1880's it was being colonized by the country's wealthy elite - men like oil tycoon Henry M Flagler who were attracted to the city's unique ambience and transformed it yet further with the building of magnificent resort hotels for America's society set.

 

Today, St. Augustine retains the breathtaking architecture of that elegant age, contrasted by quaint little streets of speciality shops and restaurants. The waterfront and beaches are superb and the atmosphere relaxed and sophisticated.