I went on a field trip to St. Augustine with my students earlier this month. The first time I visited this city, I was just passing through, so sadly the sight-seeing was a bit rushed. It was a wonderful trip, enriching for the kids, parents, and teachers who went. Two quick facts about St. Augustine: it's the country's oldest city and its 500th year anniversary is this April 3rd. Here are some of my favorite places:
Aviles Street is the oldest public street in the country.
Pretty tiled mural off Aviles Street.
Spanish Military Hospital is now a museum. The tours are highly educational and give unique insight on how soldiers were medically treated during the colonial days.
The Cathedral Basilica right off St. George Street is absolutely breath-taking. It's the first established parish in the New World.
Words can not describe the beauty of this cathedral. I didn't take an outside shot of the church but if you'd like to learn more about the cathedral, visit their official site.
Want to be greeted by screaming peacocks perched from the tree tops? The Fountain of Youth was my favorite tour of the trip. Beautiful Indian and white peacocks strut around this archaeological park. The exhibits include Ponce de Leon's much sought after spring (they offer a taste of the mineral water!), a Timucua Indian Village, a planetarium, spanish cannon firing demonstrations and more.
It was such a peaceful place. I could've stayed there all day!
The Castillo de San Marcos was our last stop and it was a fascinating tour. From the fragile "coquina" (tiny shell) wall the fort is constructed from to the maze of rooms to the sprawling courtyard to the live firing of the cannon, the students were hooked (and so was I). Well, I hoped you liked this mini tour of this historical city. If you're ever in Florida, you should definitely make some time and visit St. Augustine!