Road Trippin': St. Augustine, Florida

This week I had the opportunity to take a few friends to one of my favorite travel destinations. St. Augustine is a Florida treasure filled with history and culture. The city is only a short drive from Central Florida, so we gathered our cameras and headed east.

If you are planning a trip to Florida, St. Augustine should certainly be on your list. Not only does the city date back to the 1500's, but the atmosphere is the closest thing to island life outside of the Florida Keys. The city streets are lined with locally owned businesses with handmade crafts and restaurants with fresh seafood straight out of the Atlantic. Here are just a few of the must-do's when you are in the city.

- Take an Old Town Trolley Tour. Not only does the tour give you an opportunity to learn the history of this amazing city, it also allows you to hop on and off at different locations without taking a taxi. 

- Go inside the Castillo de San Marcos. This architectural gem was built in 1695 and it's still standing strong. the outside doesn't do it justice. Make sure to take a tour inside and listen to the haunting stories of war.

- Walk St. George Street. This is where you will find some of the most unique shops and restaurants in town. One of my favorites is The Hyppo, a gourmet popsicle shop.

- Visit Flagler College. Flagler College was originally the Flagler Hotel, the first hotel created on Henry Flagler's railroad traveling from New York all the way to Key West. The hotel is now a private college where the students are lucky enough to dine in an elegant ballroom surrounded by Tiffany glass.

- Go on a Ghost Tour. St. Augustine is supposedly one of the most haunted cities in the US. Why not see for yourself? I highly recommend the Ghosts and Gravestones tour. It covers the most ground and allows you entrance into some of the most haunted sites in the area. 

- Chill by the beach. The beach is only a 15 minute drive from Old Town. It boasts quiet shorelines, amazing views, and great waves.