This week, they came on horseback, marched through the streets and prayed as the nation's oldest city turned 450 years old.

"This is a very historic place," said Noemi Alvarez, who was visiting from Michigan.

St. Augustine and the nation's origins date back to 1565 when Spanish explorer don Pedro Menendez came ashore in what's now St. Johns County.

"To know we were here first, it gave me that wonderful feeling that part of my history is here,” said Indira Moran, of her Spanish heritage.

Last weekend, more than 16,000 people flooded St. Augustine, forcing roads and bridges to be closed to vehicle traffic. With the Labor Day weekend 450th celebrations winding down, September is a great time to discover a weekend worth of history that's still alive.

Cannon blasts are heard each weekend at the Castillo de San Marcos.

"They tabled it as a castle," said National Park Service Park Ranger Chris Levertt. "Translation is Castle of St. Mark."

Now almost 344 years old, the Castillo de San Marcos, commonly referred to as "the fort," is now a National Park site that offers cannon firings Friday through Sunday, tours into how soldiers lived and battled behind the coquina rock walls and even a hidden room ready to explore.

Across the street, you'll find the Colonial Quarter attraction.

There, the eras of Spanish rule and British rule from more than 300 years ago are on display. Folks stroll the grounds as if they were transported in time.

"The solders, the families, they were alright in this spot," St. Augustine historian John Stavely said.

Two restaurants on site serve Spanish and British fare, like you would have found here years ago. The Colonial Quarter is also pet friendly. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Eye patches and parrots are welcome at the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum. You'll discover more real pirate treasure and artifacts than at any other place on earth. From treasure chests to the real Jolly Roger flag, the museum hosts the real articles.

Finish the day at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, where ghostly tours take place.

"When you are up in that tower, it's total darkness," said Matt Hladik, a tour leader with the "Dark of the Moon" tour.

After the sun sets, folks climb to the top in the dark. Lights are switched off and only a glow stick is given to light your path.

One weekend with 450 years of history.

Drive Times:
From Orlando: 2 hours
From Tampa: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Tankful on Television
You can catch new Florida on a Tankful stories each Thursday and Saturday on News 13 and Bay News 9. New editions play at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m. Classic Florida on a Tankful stories can be found each Friday and Sunday on Bay News 9 and News 13 at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m.

Tankful on Demand
Many Florida on a Tankful summer stories are waiting for you On Demand! See Bright House Local On Demand, Channel 999. Use your remote to scroll to the right to the TRAVEL category. Then SCROLL DOWN to TANKFUL.