Off The Beaten Path: Hidden Secrets of St. Augustine, FL

The oldest city in the United States- St. Augustine. Founded in 1595 by a man named Pedro Avilez, this ancient town is filled with historic sights, rich culture, delicious food, and hidden gems around every corner. In 2019, I took a spontaneous trip with some close friends and found myself in awe of this gorgeous city, surrounded with vibrant history and a certain special authenticity hard to match. The Spanish themed architecture lining the streets and vintage shops holding secrets are just a few of the beautiful pieces forming this unique town. In recent years, St. Augustine has been a popular vacation spot for tourists to visit because of the close proximity to several beaches off Florida's East coast, but if you explore just a little further, you'll see some great things just off the beaten path. Put your map away and adventure to some special spots far from the tourist crowds. If quiet is what you need, I have just the list for you. Read on about my favorite hidden sites in the nation's oldest town.

1. The Fountain of Youth

This might sound like a typical tourist spot, but it's fairly quiet and peaceful due to it being nestled away from visitors common view. Take a look at Ponce de Leon's quest for eternal youth and dive into one of the richest pieces in American history at this ancient preserved fountain.

2. Fort Matanzas National Monument

Made entirely of concrete and seashell, this fort contains over 100 acres of salt marsh and smaller islands along the river coast, making it a true national landscape piece. It is considered one of the oldest in the United States and earned the title of national treasure in 1924.

3. Pirate and Treasure Museum

Ahoy Matey! Visit the most authentic collection of pirate artifacts and treasure in the nation. Here you'll find true pirate stories amidst a rare mix of traditional and ancient displays. Learn about the incredible history of these swashbuckling men and their crate oceanic quests!

4. The Love Tree St. Augustine

Known for inciting love and desire, this special tree was founded by Margaret and Frank Espinal, who discovered the rare magic it holds for the true romantic at heart. Legend says if you kiss under the tree, you'll capture the gift of true love forever. Many couples have gotten engaged or married at the spot, so be sure to check it out with your sweetheart on your next visit.

5. Dungeon Under the Stairs

Located at the old wooden school house, this quiet yet spooky spot is home to one of the most haunted locations in St. Augustine. If you're an avid Halloween or horror fan, this is right up your alley. Discover what really happened to the children who misbehaved in school, and unlock the terrifying secrets trapped inside these ancient wooden walls.

6. Castle Ottis

Built by Ottis Sadler and Rusty Ickes in the 1980's, this monument was designed to be a cultural masterpiece and landscape sculpture based on 1,000 year old Irish castles. Rising more than 50 feet in the air, this giant sculpture soars high into the sky bringing the magical beauty of Ireland right into the heart of the sunshine state.

7. Sacred Cat Rug

Woven entirely from cat hair designed by Egyptians centuries ago, this rug contains a history so rich and powerful it is considered to be the oldest rug in the world. One fun fact: the sacred cat rug captured the dead and carried a mummified human foot across land!

8. St. Augustine Airplane Graveyard

If you're like me and fascinated by flight and aviation, and the spot is perfect for you. The tattered graveyard contains old airplanes once traveled that are now emptied and gutted, and brought home to sit in the middle of the Florida forest. What first may seem like an old, rundown junkyard is actually a special piece in ancient American history, so be sure to check it out on your next visit.