Holiday Inn Express St. Augustine - Vilano Beach I dintorni

Just a short walk from the hotel, Vilano Beach offers the kind of quiet coastal stretch where you can actually hear the waves. Sink your toes in the sand, take a morning swim, or lounge with a good book and let the salt air do its work. The beach is rarely crowded, which means more room to spread out, build sandcastles, or watch for dolphins near the shore. Beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas are available from the hotel. This is the Florida coast the way it used to be.

Cast a line or stroll the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier for some of the best sunset views near St. Augustine. The pier sits on the Intracoastal Waterway side, giving you a different perspective on the coastline and a front-row seat to watch the sun dip behind downtown. Fishermen pull in everything from flounder to redfish, and the pier is marked by the Bluebird of Happiness, a restored vintage statue that has become a local landmark. Grab a bite at one of the nearby casual beach grills.

This 17th-century Spanish fort is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States and a must-see for any St. Augustine visitor. Walk the coquina walls, explore the gun decks, and take in views of the Matanzas River from the same vantage points Spanish soldiers used centuries ago. Park rangers share stories of the fort's history, from its construction in 1672 through its roles under Spanish, British, and American control. The fort is less than 5 miles from the hotel.

Wander pedestrian-friendly St. George Street through the heart of the historic district and you will find a mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, and living history exhibits packed into a few walkable blocks. The street is lined with buildings dating back to the 1700s and 1800s, many now housing independent boutiques and eateries. Stop for a cone of homemade fudge, browse the art galleries, or watch a colonial-era reenactment. The historic district is a 12-minute drive from the hotel.

Step inside a Gilded Age masterpiece. Flagler College is housed in the former Ponce de Leon Hotel, a building so lavish that it was once one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. Take a guided tour to see the Tiffany stained glass windows, the grand dining hall with its hand-painted murals, and the courtyard fountain. The architecture alone is worth the visit, and the stories about Henry Flagler add depth to the experience. The college is 12 minutes from our front door.