There are many gorgeous destinations American travelers can visit without needing to use their passports.
Some are tropical islands, some are charming small towns, and others are hidden gems right here in our own backyard.
One of the oldest cities in America is often overshadowed by much larger cities in the state and more popular beach resort destinations.
Florida may not come to mind for European vibes, with cities like Miami exuding Caribbean culture, but the vibes are immaculate in one of the state’s most treasured beach towns.
St. Augustine is nestled along the coast, with the closest major city being Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville is breaking tourism records, the quaint historic town of St. Augustine is the place to be this spring.
Florida’s Time Capsule
There are plenty of sites to see across the U.S. for history buffs, but St. Augustine grabs all types of travelers who wander the European-esque streets.
Dating back to an almost incomprehensible year of 1565, this historic coastal town founded by Spanish explorers is one of few places in the States to peruse truly timeless streets.
Typically, travelers will need to have a passport to feel they are in Europe, but St. Augustine is a rare exception.
The captivating architecture of the town’s centerpiece, Flagler College, along with the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, only add to the allure of the already charming Historic District.
Adding in the 1800’s St. Augustine Lighthouse and dozens of insightful museums, such as the Oldest House Museum, which is the the state’s longest standing structure, visitors will truly feel they are going back in time.
Just ignore the Starbucks.
A Cheap Springtime Getaway
St. Augustine definitely qualifies for “hidden gem” status, but one of the most enticing reasons to visit this spring is the handful of cheap flight options from all across the U.S.
According to Travel Pirates, flights are under the low $400s roundtrip from many major U.S. cities. Many are even substantially cheaper.
While travelers won’t have to go too far out of their way, some flights do require a layover. These are the best round-trip flight deals in order of best airfare:
- Charlotte – $235
- Atlanta – $236
- New York City – $249
- Philadelphia – $250
- Baltimore – $253
- Nashville – $257
- Salt Lake City – $320
- Los Angeles – $412
Here’s the kicker – these flights are great and all but they also include your stay at an award winning hotel!
Not only can travelers score cheap airfare, but they don’t have to worry about booking accommodations in addition to flights.
Some flight deals are through Orlando (MCO), while others are through the more convenient Jacksonville airport (JAX).
The Award-Winning Ponce At St. Augustine Hotel
Vacationers seeking a wonderful place to stay in St. Augustine should look no further than the award-winning Ponce at St. Augustine Hotel.
Flight packages include a 3-day stay at this delightful hotel, which is a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice winner.
Tourists can enjoy a trip back in time while simultaneously cozying up in one of the top hotels in Florida with a modern flare.
With a convenient location near all the main attractions, there may be no better stay in St. Augustine for spacious rooms and cushy amenities to encapsulate a cultural trip in the States.
Vacation packages are in the low $200s for many cities this spring making this hotel a no-brainer for your next getaway.
While the Ponce is not an all-inclusive stay, this delightful hotel has many amenities for guests to enjoy including a nice pool and jacuzzi, free parking and next to the Florida East Coast Railway for those who want a true Florida adventure.
Wonderful Beaches
Unless travelers are dead set on Disney World, a majority of Florida trips will include a beach day at the very least.
St. Augustine is no different. This historical city may most be known for its vast history and significance in America’s timeline, but it’s still a beach town at the end of the day.
While the best deal may be to stay at the Ponce, there are beachfront resorts worth the splurge, such as the Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach.
Travelers have left rave reviews for the local beaches, but no more so than Crescent Beach, where recent beachgoers have said it’s a “beautiful white sand beach” with no rocks or seaweed to worry about.
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