From the time your feet touch down in St. Augustine, you are immersed in five centuries of history and unsurpassed beauty of Florida's historic coast. This picturesque town is one of the oldest occupied settlements in the United States, and has a European/French Quarter "vibe" with live music and al fresco dining at every turn. Your hardest decision will be what to do or see next.

Our girl group stayed at the quaint St. George Inn, which is at the beginning of the bustling corridor and makes your stay easily a walkable vacation, or you can jump on the convenient covered trollies. We had afternoon meet-ups at the wine bar located right adjacent to the courtyard, which boasts several tables for relaxing and listening to live music (and of course dog watching). The visitor center is within a one minute walk to the inn. You can stop in and grab brochures and get insider information on all the current events.

We spent our time exploring the charming town and strolling in and out of artesian shops, boutiques and markets along the pedestrian-only cobblestone streets. In a town that's rich in Spanish history, you can imagine the smells that wafted along our path. We enjoyed homemade soup and empanadas under the colorful umbrellas at the secluded Spanish Bakery.

Right outside our balcony was the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. A quick walk over and we were transformed to earlier days when the Spanish had to defend their city behind the walls of this massive waterfront fort.

The Spanish Renaissance architectural influence was on full display at the impressive Flagler University. The university offers historic tours which highlight the architectural heritage of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon. The tour starts in the courtyard, through the grand lobby, on to the dining room where 79 Louis Comfort Tiffany Stained Glass light up the beautiful hand-painted murals on the walls and ceiling. Finally, you can visit the Flagler Room, formerly the Women's Grand Parlor, still displaying period decor -- handcrafted Austrian crystal chandeliers and a grand clock containing the largest piece of intact white onyx in the western hemisphere.

After you take in the grandiosity of Flagler University, you won't want to miss the Lightner Museum, which houses an extraordinary collection of art and crystal. As it were, Henry Flagler commissioned this Gilded Age resort hotel, which occupies the former Hotel Alcazar.

A short car ride over The Bridge of Lions you have arrived at Anastashia Island and you are free to explore the beauty of the coast. Be sure to check out the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. This is so much more than a lighthouse. If you have children in tow, there are hands-on activities, exhibits, summer camps, nature trails and so much more. There is a small entry fee, which goes to this non-profit organization which keeps the light shining.

For a little R&R, we visited the local Salt spa. We were greeted by the owner, Beata. She educated us on the European philosophies of natural wellness, relaxation, and the therapeutic power of salt. The Salt chamber is rich in healthy micro-elements necessary for a healthy life. Such an environment is beneficial for anyone suffering from asthma, lung inflammation, allergies or recurrent nose, sinus or throat conditions, as well as the preventative measure of maintaining good health. With a nice menu of services, I would love to visit again when I return.

Now, when it comes to dining in this charming coastal town, you can't go wrong. As you can imagine, there are plenty of seafood options and several with a Spanish flare. We each had a favorite. Michael's Tasting Room, located in Historic St. Augustine, offers a casually elegant dining experience with a celebrated chef and dedicated staff. Whether dining inside or on the patio, you can enjoy world-class wines and flavorful cuisine. A crowd favorite was the Criollo Shrimp Mofongo, a Puerto Rican inspired dish made with crispy yuca, garlic and olive oil, stuffed with criollo shrimp, basque piperade, smoked tomato. I'll have another, please :)

Another highly recommended dinner spot is Columbia Restaurant. Your eyes will feast as much as your bellies. Enjoy the hand-painted tiles in the lavishly decorated dining rooms while being served award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine. A fresh catch is always a great option, but a "must" is the Columbia's Original "1905" Salad, tossed tableside. You can even purchase the iconic dressing in the gift shop.

If you find your stomach growling when you leave Flagler or the Lightner Museum, head over to Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar, the Moroccan styled restaurant and be sure to order a craft cocktail, the ahi tuna, fried oysters and yummy key lime pie.

Already planning a return to this unique little town where I plan to visit the local winery, the alligator farm, a round or two of golf and, of course, the famed fountain of youth.

Friends, if you are looking for a quiet getaway, grab your girlfriends and make sure St. Augustine is pinned to your "must see destinations."