Founded 55 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, St. Augustine is the "Nation's Oldest City."

While none of St. Augustine's original buildings remains, a few 18th-century dwellings still stand in the Old Spanish Quarter and St. Augustine today is a city of carefully preserved historic sites and neighborhoods.

Many buildings have been restored to their original appearance, and historic St. Augustine features block after block of historic houses listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

But while St. Augustine is known around the world for its history and cultural diversity, an equal or greater attraction for many people moving to the area are some of the state's widest, whitest, and prettiest beaches.

Stretching south from St. Augustine Beach on 18-mile-long Anastasia Island, much of the oceanfront is in the early stages of transition from small beach houses and older condominiums to the magnificient homes now being built along much of the Florida coastline.

Residents and visitors arriving in the St. Augustine area by private plane may land at the St. Augustine Airport, which has a long jet runway. The closest airport for scheduled commercial flights is Jacksonville International Airport -- a hour drive to the north.

St. Augustine:

The city of St. Augustine, with its Old World charm and small-town feel, offers a unique and charming lifestyle with a strong Spanish flavor. Luxury homes in St. Augustine tend to reflect the architectural style of an earlier era.

Many of the finest residences along the St. Augustine waterfront offer spectacular views of Mantazanas Bay, the Bridge of Lions (left) or the Mantazanas River.

St. Augustine Beach:

Five miles from historic St. Augustine, the city of St. Augustine Beach sits at the northern end of Anastasia Island and provides a variety of dining and nightlife options for those on "the island."

Stretching south from the St. Johns County Pier (right), miles of spectacular white sand beach beckon those in search of oceanfront property. Many of the older beach homes are being torn down, and magnificent luxury residences are being constructed in their place.

Crescent Beach:

Located toward the southern end of Anastasia Island, Crescent Beach has a wide shoreline with towering sand dunes. Much of the beach in this small community is lined by condominiums, while on the west side of Highway A1A -- which runs the length of the island -- waterfront homes provide access for boaters to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Vilano Beach:

North of the St. Augustine Inlet, Just 3 miles from the center of the St. Augustine's historic district, is Vilano Beach. Because of its spectacular setting overlooking both the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway, this area increasingly is seeing construction of luxury waterfront homes.