Monday, November 23, 2015

Oz's Big Adventure: Dog Friendly St. Augustine

The last leg of my Big Adventure was a visit to dog-friendly St. Augustine, Florida.  We once again camped at Anastasia State Park which is just a 10 minute drive across the intracoastal from downtown St. Augustine.  It was during my first trip to Anastasia that we saw the running tortoise and canoed alongside a couple dolphins.

Oz the Terrier at a campsite in Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by the Spanish, specifically Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, and is the nation’s oldest permanently occupied European settlement.  St. Augustine predates the English colony of Jamestown as well as the landing of the pilgrims at Plymouth Rock.

Oz the Terrier walks the grounds of Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida

One of the main historic attractions in St. Augustine is the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th century masonry fortress which can be seen as you drive along the main road.  Castillo de San Marcos is a National Monument because it is only one of two fortifications in the world built out of a semi-rare form of limestone called coquina which was able to absorb or deflect projectiles during bombardment. 

Oz the Terrier enjoys walking at Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida

As a National Monument, only service dogs are allowed inside the fortress of Castillo de San Marcos however the grounds around it welcome all dogs.  We went there each morning and took a nice, long walk around the fortress.  There are many pretty views of the water and marinas that make up St. Augustine from the fortress walls.

Oz the Terrier with entrance to Castillo de San Marcos in background

Dogs are also welcome along St. George Street in downtown St. Augustine.  St. George Street is the city’s historic downtown and features historic Spanish Colonial architecture including narrow cobbled streets and balconied houses many of which have been turned into shops and restaurants.  Most of the restaurants have outdoor patio seating and are dog friendly – I ate at the Bull & Crown Publick House and got a taste of daddy-dog’s fish. 

Oz the Terrier on patio of Bull & Crown Publick House, St. Augustine, Florida

At the City Gates you will find the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the United States.  It was built over 200 years ago while Florida was still under the rule of Imperial Spain.  It is constructed of red cedar and cypress and was put together using wooden pegs and handmade nails.

Oz the Terrier outside the oldest wooden schoolhouse in USA, St. Augustine, Florida

We enjoyed our short stay at Anastasia State Park and our daily visits to dog-friendly historic St. Augustine.  If you ever get a chance to visit, remember that St. Augustine has many dog-friendly accommodations, restaurants, tours and beaches as well so you do not have to leave your dog behind.


Have you ever been to St. Augustine, Florida?  
Do you want to visit someday?


28 comments:

  1. What an amazing place to visit, really beautiful and such interesting history but, bestest of all....its DOG FRIENDLY!!!!
    We luffs places like that (and a bit of fishy in our dishy!)
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  2. Looks like such a fun place to go!

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  3. What a fun place. I have never been there but I sure would like to visit.

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  4. Mommy remembers a trip to St. Augustine about 35-40 years ago...long before she and Dad moved to Florida. One odd thing she remembers seeing in downtown St. Augustine that was pointed out by the tour bus driver was a big Oak tree that had a big Palm tree growing right out of its trunk. Now that Mom lives in Florida she hopes to make another trip to St. Augustine some day soon. Maybe that funny tree is still there?????

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  5. Now you know what to get Daddy for Christmas. A pair of sunglasses, a white cane and coat that fits you and says "Service Dog".

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  6. what a fabulous place...is a ghoist in that castillo too? I bet there is one... or more :o) after all it is great that dogs are welcome there :o)

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  7. That is so cool! Can you imagine building something with wooden pegs and handmade nails?? At least we know that they are long-lasting. ☺

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  8. Such a pretty place. Our cousin lives there
    Lily & Edward

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  9. 'So you do not have to leave your dog behind.' What sweet words. That looks like a great place to explore. Bet there were some wonderful scents.

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  10. Hey Oz!
    Wow, what a great place! In my house, we love all of that cool history stuff and your pix are great. What a fun place for a nice walkie. Never been there, but I'd love to.
    Grr and Woof,
    Sarge, Police Commish

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  11. We love sharing in your adventures Oz. It is virtual travel at its best.

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  12. Oh Oz I know that was a fun place. Mom told me St. Augustine is quite beauitfulll.....well the city she hasn't been to a camping spot. It surely looks shaded and pretty though
    Hugs madi your bfff

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  13. That looks like fun! We have never been. Mom was wondering, how do you all deal with the heat camping in a tent? Mom HATES the heat and would hate sleeping outside in it. Barks and licks and love, Dakota DakotasDen

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  14. That looks like a great place to visit. We have never been to Florida but maybe someday!
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  15. Looks like a fun place to visit Oz! Our mommy and daddy went to St. Augustine on their honeymoon a squizillion years ago so we're sure most of it has changed a lot since then.

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  16. We've been following your adventure and I wish I had a dog to go camping with. My sister goes camping with her cat but none of mine are good candidates.

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  18. Gotta love the dog friendliness.

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  19. What a great place St. Augustine looks to be! We love that they have a dog friendly restaurant!!
    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo

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  20. Wow, that is so cool! We love the dog friendly places!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  21. OMD, what a fABulous place Oz!!! I didn't knows that the oldest schoolhouse was in Florida! That is pawsome! Looks like you and the peeps had one amazin' time!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  22. I love how you've got a giant smile on in every picture! It would be a longgg road trip for us to get there. Maybe someday!

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  23. what a beautiful and fun adventure, I love that castle.

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  24. Oh my goodness, it looks amazing!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  25. My sister lived in St. Augustine and we visited her there. I loved it.

    We're sailing down the Chesapeake today (leaving for VA in a few minutes) and I'm wondering where we'll spend some time once we get to Florida. St. Augustine is high on my list.

    But I have plans to read all your travel posts once I have regular internet again at ICW Mile Marker 0. :)

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  26. We love it there and have been many times over the years. Such a cool place! We should have a blogging friend meet up sometime!

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Thank you for stopping by and leaving a pawprint. I enjoy reading each and every one!
Cairn cuddles,
Oz the Terrier