If you are a history aficionado, St. Augustine is one city you absolutely must add to your Sunshine State bucket list. And you do not need to spend a fortune to spend the night at the very best waterfront hotel in St. Augustine! Founded by the Spanish in 1565, this town, about an hour south of Jacksonville driving, is the nation’s first permanent settlement.
It is more than four decades older than Jamestown in Virginia. Flash forward to the twenty-first century, with some two million people from all over the world visiting this place every year. They come to St. Augustine for the history, the eclectic shopping, the good restaurants, and the natural beauty of the bay and beaches.
How to Arrive in St. Augustine and Move Through Its Narrow Streets
There are walking paths along the waterfront and straight through to the winery, making St. Augustine arguably the most walkable city in America. Make a point to plan your stay at the very best waterfront hotel in St. Augustine when planning to explore the entire city on foot. However, if you are prone to ankle problems, you will surely want to watch out for a few of the older brick roads of St. Augustine, but the sidewalks are just awesome otherwise.
If you plan to explore the lovely beaches and other scattered scenic sites, such as the lighthouse or national parks, you will need a car. Well, a trolley does run from the beaches to the town, so if you are a savvy planner, this is no doubt an excellent option. For out-of-state travelers, the nearest airport to fly into is Jacksonville. It is an hour’s drive along the road toward the famous city. St. Augustine is less than a two-hour drive from Orlando or central Florida via I-95.
Nights of Lights Light-Up! Night
The historic city of St. Augustine dons the lights every year for the holidays as part of the Nights of Lights. This magical festivity draws visitors from near and far, and they come to witness the sparkle of over three million white lights that twinkle from every nook and cranny of the city. From the cobblestone streets to the centuries-old architecture, every piece of the town glitters in festive glory.
National Geographic called the Nights of Lights one of the very best holiday displays in the world. But it is not just something beautiful to look at; it is a tradition, a community, a celebration of what makes America’s oldest city so unique. The Nights of Lights festival is packed with special events that mark the holiday season in St. Augustine.
From breathtaking light displays to historical tours, markets, and parades, there is simply no shortage of festive activities. Embrace the holiday season with the Light-Up! Night celebration, a beloved ritual that kicks off St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. Gather with thousands of visitors at the Lightner Museum and Plaza de la Constitución when the city’s millions of lights are lit at dusk.
Enjoy live music, special holiday performances, and the countdown to the lighting ceremony that truly make it a great night for people of all ages. As the Nights of Lights festival comes loaded with special events that commemorate the holiday season in St. Augustine, such as gorgeous light displays, historic tours, markets, and parades, there is plenty of festive fun for everyone.
Lodging
The Westcott House can be a wonderful option if you have your heart set on the very best waterfront hotel in St. Augustine —do not hesitate to give them a call!
