Saint Johns County, Florida, is located near the northern tip of the state on the eastern coast. The county’s borders are within miles of Jacksonville on one side and Daytona Beach on the other. The county seat is St. Augustine, and the population of the county is around 195,000.
St. Johns County was one of the two original counties along with Escambia County. During the creation of the two counties, Escambia County encompassed the entirety of the panhandle and portions of northern Florida, while St. Johns County encompassed the remainder of the lower portion of the peninsula.
The county as it exists today is very uniquely situated. It has the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and St. Johns River on the other, making it a perfect place to enjoy water activities. Many people move to the county to enjoy the proximity of these two bodies of water.
St. Johns County is a popular tourist destination, not only because of the water surrounding it, but also because of the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine which is the oldest masonry fort on mainland United States. The fort was constructed in 1672 by a Spanish Admiral, and later used by the United States in the Seminole wars. Today the site serves as a museum and guided tour. The area surrounding the Castle de San Marcos is also full of museums including Ripley’s Believe It or Not which attracts visitors and locals alike.
The unique history of St Johns County as well as its perfect location make this county one of a kind.