Oldest St. Augustine: A Guide to Historic Treasures
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine predates Jamestown and Plymouth—yet most visitors only scratch the surface.
Discover the stories behind America’s oldest continuously inhabited city through 86 historic sites that reveal how St. Augustine shaped the nation’s earliest history.
“Some books explain a place. Others invite you to fall in love with it. Oldest St. Augustine does the latter.”
— The Ponte Vedra Register
Rather than offering a linear timeline, Hill guides readers through the city’s oldest places, allowing the past to unfold naturally beneath their feet. (Ponte Vedra Register)
Discover Historic Sites in St. Augustine
St. Augustine is home to some of the oldest continually operating places in the United States. Founded in 1565, the city’s history extends beyond museums and monuments. It lives in the churches, courtyards, restaurants, inns, and streets that continue to serve residents and visitors today. Oldest St. Augustine explores 86 historic sites in St. Augustine, revealing the stories that shaped America’s oldest city and continue to define it today. Rather than presenting history as a simple timeline, the book invites readers to experience the city through the places that have endured for centuries. You can still visit many of these locations while exploring the historic district today.
Explore Historic St. Augustine Before Your Visit
Visitors planning a trip to St. Augustine often begin by exploring the city’s historic sites, neighborhoods, and historic inns. A few of these locations are featured in Oldest St. Augustine, which highlights 86 historic sites in St. Augustine and reveals the stories behind the nation’s oldest city.
Many of the historic places discussed in the book remain open to visitors today and can still be experienced while exploring the historic district.
If you are planning a visit, you may also enjoy these articles from BetsiWorld:
Stay in a Historic St. Augustine Home
Experience the city like a local in a historic vacation rental in St. Augustine’s historic district.
St. Augustine Vacation Home: Live Like a Local in a St. Augustine Historic Home Rental
Historic Inns in St. Augustine
Explore some of the city’s most charming historic inns, including the Sebastian Hotel, the Collector Inn & Gardens, and the St. Francis Inn.
Discover St. Augustine’s Cultural History
Learn about the deeper stories that shaped the nation’s oldest city, including the history of Fort Mose and the legacy of Black history in St. Augustine.
Upcoming Author Events
Betsi Hill will be appearing at book signings and speaking events across Florida following the release of Oldest St. Augustine. Signed copies of the book will be available at all author appearances.
Upcoming events include:
Needful Books & Things: