More than 2 million visitors make their way to St. Augustine every year, and many are drawn to the city by its long, fascinating history. The city is home to unique historic architecture, the legendary Castillo de San Marcos fort, and outstanding museums, all of which have earned the area a place on the top 10 US cities for history buffs in a recent ranking. Our real estate agents have more details on why St. Augustine is such an amazing destination for history buffs.

In fact, St. Augustine predates the other oldest settlements in the United States by a significant margin. It was settled more than 40 years before Jamestown and more than half a century before the settlement of Plymouth Rock. Since it was settled by the Spanish, St. Augustine features architecture and a city layout inspired by cities in Spain, making the city unique when compared with early British settlements in the US.

Visit the Historic Castillo de San Marcos – 1 S. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084

As you might expect for a city that has persevered for nearly 500 years, the history of St. Augustine includes some turbulent times. The Castillo de San Marcos, a major attraction for visitors to the city today, was constructed during a time when the Spanish settlers had frequent battles with pirates and British forces. The fortification stood through countless sieges, battles, and raids, which is part of the reason why it's such a popular attraction for history buffs today.

Other Historical Sites of Note Around St. Augustine

• Governor's House Cultural Center – 48 King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
  Home to colonial governors for centuries, the Governor's House Cultural Center is located in one of the oldest buildings in St. Augustine. Its historic architecture and scenic courtyard make it a popular wedding venue, while the on-site museum is a must-see for history buffs.
  
  
• St. Augustine Shipwreck Museum – 46 Charlotte St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
  Who can resist the call of treasures waiting at the bottom of the sea? The St. Augustine Shipwreck Museum highlights the historic shipwrecks off the coast of Florida, features artifacts from some of history's most famous shipwrecks, and delves into how those treasures are located today.
  
  
• Lightner Museum – 75 King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
  While the art, artifacts, and historical collections at the Lightner Museum are excellent, history buffs will be especially interested in the historic building where the museum is located. Formerly the Alcaraz Hotel, one of oil magnate Henry Flagler's "Grand Hotels," the building reflects the architecture and opulence of the Gilded Age in St. Augustine.
  
  
• Oldest House Museum – 14 St. Francis St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
  The Oldest House Museum was created to showcase a home that's believed to be the oldest Spanish colonial residence in Florida that is still standing today. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the home, view historic coastal maps from throughout St. Augustine's history, and explore a museum that details nearly 500 years of local history.

When you're ready to find your next home near all of the historic and modern attractions of St. Augustine, our local real estate team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the St. Augustine, FL area.