Boasting it’s America’s oldest city, it was first settled by Spanish explorers in 1565. America's oldest vacation city offers visitors a fun mix of history, action and nature.

First-time senior tourists should visit the kitchy-yet-fun attractions like the Fountain of Youth and one of several alligator farms. The city has much to offer. Here's a basic guide to visiting St. Augustine: The restored historic downtown is filled with shops, restaurants and sights. An open carriage ride is a fun way to see the area.There’s also great golf, with TPC Sawgrass, home of The Players Championship, and the many courses of Ponte Vedra Beach nearby.

The Lightner Museum (75 King Street), housed in one of the city's former grand hotels, is filled with unique items. Vintage jewelry, furniture and home furnishings, with most of the collection earlier centuries.

The Columbia Restaurant (98 St. George Street), a Florida landmark in the heart of the historic district since 1905, presents classic Spanish cuisine. A highlight intro to dining are the famous sangria cocktails mixed tableside.

The Ice Plant Bar (110 Riberia Street) is housed in a former industrial ice factory. They make their own special ice, by freezing purified water into large ice cubes in sculptured forms. The Ice Plant food, both hot and cold specialties, is excellent, with most of the ingrediants locally sourced.

To really understand the rich history of St. Augustine, stay at the Casa Monica Hotel (95 Cordova Street). It was built in 1888 to cater to wealthy families from the North who wintered in the sunny climate. The hotel is centrally located on St. Augustine's main square.

The building design is classic Spanish and Moorish style popular in Florida a century ago. Be sure to check out the historic photos of the hotel, famous visitors and city in the expansive lobby.

St. Augustine is 40 miles from Jacksonville’s large airport (JAX). Many connecting flights go through Atlanta, an hour away by air.