Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

15 Best Places to Retire in Florida

"I view St. Augustine as a historic, beach‑adjacent city settled in 1565 — the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the U.S. — where a 320‑year‑old fort (Castillo de San Marcos), a 19th‑century lighthouse, Colonial Quarter living history museum, galleries, and museums make it especially attractive to history buffs. Retirees can find 55+ communities and relatively modest cost increases compared with places like Orlando, the closest international airport is about an hour away in Jacksonville, I‑95 provides regional access, and nearby hospitals include Flagler Hospital and a Mayo Clinic primary care facility." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines