Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is proud of its advanced age, as well it should be. It has the nation's oldest fort and oldest wooden schoolhouse, plus oodles of other age-related claims to fame. People flock here for the town's history, but are often surprised to find that St. Augustine has a fun side.

Ponce de Leon landed here in 1513, supposedly in search of the Fountain of Youth. The legend is questionable, but the neon-emblazoned tourist attraction remains nonetheless. Centuries later, Henry Flagler made his mark with the opulent Hotel Alcazar, which now houses the awesomely quirky Lightner Museum, a definite must-see.

For the way things used to be, visit the Colonial Quarter, a re-creation of 17th-century life. And check out the photogenic Castillo de San Marcos National Monument – they're the ones shooting off the cannons on the weekends. The Pirate & Treasure Museum offers a fun take on history, and St. Augustine City Walks can introduce you to a few of the town's resident ghosts.

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Augustine