Castillo de San Marcos

The Castillo de San Marcos is the driving force behind St. Augustine, bringing visitors for over 300 years. Providing safety for early settlers, the Castillo is a unique coquina structure, quarried from local stone. It was besieged twice — by the English in 1702 and by Oglethorpe in 1740 — and never fell in battle.

These days, it’s owned by the National Park Service. They take great care to preserve its history, while allowing endless people through daily. The views from the roof of the bayfront and downtown are spectacular. Crawl into the powder magazine — if you dare!