( CNN ) -- Sure you can wear T-shirts and shorts almost anywhere you go in St. Augustine , Florida . You would n't be in the Sunshine State if you could n't . But it would be a serious mistake to write this small Atlantic Coast city off as just another sandy tourist trap . Yes , the beaches are beautiful . Yes , there are kitschy bars and a requisite gator farm in the area . But this remarkable city -- the oldest , continuously populated European-settled city in the continental United States -- boasts a fascinating military history , an abundance of ornate Spanish architecture and a European-style historical district that is best accessed by foot or bicycle . Start with a stroll down Aviles Street , a picturesque brick lane deemed the oldest street in the oldest city . 50 United States , 50 amazing spots . It 's so narrow that locals often refer to the RVs that tourists sometimes try to squeeze through as `` balcony killers . '' Palm trees peek their top-heavy heads out from behind European-style buildings housing art galleries , curio shops and cafes with cheerful outdoor seating . `` Best ambiance in the city is anywhere on that street , '' says local historian and unofficial St. Augustine guide Roger Smith . Make sure to duck into the many small gardens tucked into courtyards and alcoves along the downtown streets . These beautiful shady respites -- often featuring moss-covered statuary and a bench or two -- are every bit as lovely as something you 'd discover in New Orleans or Charleston , and they offer a moment of shelter from the Florida heat . Next , check out the Gonzalez-Alvarez House on St. Francis Street . It is a well-restored double-level home with two coquina fireplaces and a second-level porch . The oldest surviving Spanish Colonial home in the state , this residence has been occupied since the 1600s , and offers tourists a glimpse at how people survived in the sweltering tropical heat and of what possessions families valued most , including a crude water purification system that stands outside one of the exterior doors . Witness the rich legacy . Not only is St. Augustine steeped in history , it 's a city that is actively discovering itself every day . Nowhere is this more evident than in the ongoing excavations at Ponce de Leon 's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park . As you walk paths lined with Spanish moss-laden oaks and tall , proud palm trees , you can imagine what famed explorer Ponce de Leon felt as he came ashore here in 1513 in search of his legendary Fountain of Youth . Spanish General Pedro MenÃ©ndez de AvilÃ©s followed Ponce de Leon 's path and founded the colony of St. Augustine in 1565 on this site where an ancient Native American ( Timucua ) village stood . Today , visitors can watch archaeologists unearth artifacts , tour a detailed replica of the first Franciscan friars ' Mission de Nombre de Dios and see a live 16th-century weapons display , including a daily cannon firing . St. Augustine spent nearly 200 years under Spanish rule and served as an important defender of Spain 's trade routes along the Atlantic . One of the most impressive historical legacies of this military history is the grand Castillo de San Marcos , a masonry fort built starting in 1672 following a vicious attack by the pirate Robert Searle which left dozens dead and many St. Augustine homes , buildings and churches ransacked . The highly fortified military installation also once housed the mighty Native American leader Osceola . Today , visitors can wander the fortress or catch a historical re-enactment of a colony battle . The fort itself is built out of coquina , a type of rock found on nearby Anastasia Island that is formed from seashells and tiny mollusks , whose secretions form limestone . The material absorbs shock so well that cannonballs lobbed at the fort tended to bounce off the thick walls or stick in them , according to historian Smith . Look in on an opulent era . St. Augustine 's glitzy phase was ushered in in the 1880s when oil tycoon Henry Flagler , seeking a warmer climate for his ailing wife , was charmed by this curious beach town . Flagler decided to turn St. Augustine into a destination for the wealthy and famous . Among other things , he built the opulent Ponce de Leon Hotel , a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture and one of the first buildings in the nation to have electricity . The hotel 's luxurious ballroom is ringed by Tiffany stained glass windows , carved wooden columns and murals painted by artist George W. Maynard . `` [ Flagler ] really spearheaded the idea of hotels for wealthy people from the north to spend the winter down here , '' says Susan Richbourg Parker , director of St. Augustine 's Historical Society . `` It was the Gilded Age and there was a lot of wealth . It was important for the wealthy to see and be seen and they could do that at Flagler 's hotel . '' Today , the Ponce de Leon is restored to its authentic origins , but it no longer operates as a hotel . Instead , the grand building serves as the centerpiece of Flagler College , and houses a women 's residence hall , dining facility and security office . Public tours of the college are available from May to December and cost $ 10 per adult . Explore the outdoors . Spending some time on the picturesque beaches ought to be a high priority on any trip to St. Augustine , and the best place to start is with a visit to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum . This magnificent maritime marvel is a daunting 219 steps to the top , but the payoff is a breathtaking panorama of St. Augustine and the Florida coastline . General Admission for adults is $ 9.75 ; kids taller than 44 inches are admitted for $ 7.75 . Be sure to browse the many specialty tours ( at additional cost ) this facility offers , including a romantic sunset/moonrise tour . For some good toes-in-the-ocean fun , head to the pristine Anastasia State Park where you can find miles of unspoiled beaches , biking paths , tidal pools and campground facilities . Wade in the warm waters and watch local bird species like laughing gulls and least terns skim the sands . And there 's plenty of fun for the kids , too . Do n't miss the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park , where you can ride a zip line high in the air over the gators . ( Adult tickets $ 22.95 ; $ 11.95 for kids ages 3 to 11 ) . Or head to the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum , which houses a well-maintained collection of authentic pirate artifacts . ( Adult tickets are $ 13.99 , youths , $ 6.99 ) . Stay and eat . If you thought all St. Augustine served up were beautiful beaches and some cool history , you have n't tasted the homemade biscuits and peach butter at the Yard Bird Cafe on King Street in the downtown historic district . `` Most tourists do n't find [ Yard Bird ] , but they should , '' says Allie Olsen , founder of the blog Simply St. Augustine . Sit in the restaurant 's charming outdoor area and load up on the blue crab quiche or the chicken biscuits . For a great cup of joe , hit up The Kookaburra , a self-described Aussie-American espresso bar featuring coffee drinks , hot chocolates , juices and a strong selection of Aussie pies ( meat , veggie or brekkie ) . For such a diminutive city -- there are only around 13,000 year-round residents -- this sandy enclave has an impressive array of good eats and swanky nightclubs to keep you well fed and hydrated . `` It 's a small town with big-city perks , '' says blogger Olsen . `` And I get to wear my flip-flops year round . '' Stave off afternoon hunger pangs with a trip to Crave , a food truck situated right on the water in downtown St. Augustine . This food truck serving healthy sandwiches , salads and wraps is only open for lunch , and , with any luck you 'll get there just in time to snag a picnic bench with an ocean view . For great seafood , try Catch 27 , a Southern-style restaurant where the traditional shrimp and grits wo n't disappoint . For unusual libations in a vintage 1920s loft space , sidle up to the bar at Ice Plant . And locals swear the best place to listen to terrific tunes and get busy on the dance floor is the Tradewinds Lounge . `` It looks divey from the front , but the house band is amazing , '' says local historian Smith . `` The former lead guitarist with Santana plays here from time-to-time . Jimmy Buffett will come in occasionally ... rumor has it , when Buffett was coming up in the ranks , he got booed here . So he 'll come in , but he never plays , '' says Smith . At the end of a long evening , check into the Bayfront Marin House bed and breakfast in the downtown area . This charming waterfront inn is brimming with elegance and stunning views , and , in the balmiest months , serves complimentary homemade ice cream and margaritas . This B & B also offers free parking and complimentary bicycles to those guests who 'd prefer to ditch the car for an easier way to get around the city . Rates start at $ 229 for ocean view suites and $ 179 for smaller rooms .
The town of St. Augustine , Florida , dates back to 1565 . There 's a wealth of Spanish architecture , a lighthouse and lovely Atlantic beaches . Henry Flagler added some Gilded Age opulence to the city .