I’ve spent time in JAX, Daytona, and the Ft. Lauderdale, Miami areas on the east coast. Somehow I missed St. Augustine. I like Florida a lot, but it’s getting crowded. I, too, prefer quiet. The occasional stay for a week visit from the grandchildren more than offsets too much peace. :)
Google St. Augustine and check it out. Add it to your eventual destination list. I always have my itinerary set up when I visit favorite haunts. One place is Hooked On Harry’s Seafood, next to the Amreican Legion post across from the Bridge of Lions and the old Spanish fort, on A1A. Great blackened mahi sammich. I love courtyard seating there, no matter how hot, because it’s all under shade trees.The Spanish Quarter is loaded with shops, pubs, and restaurants. They have a local winery that offers tours and makes surprisingly good vino (try the ruby port). Speaking of haunts, St. Augustine Light is allegedly the most haunted in the U.S. Cassion tower over on Anastasia Island. Iconic paint like Hatteras Light, 217 steps up to the lamp room. I can’t do the walk anymore with my bad legs, but a beautiful view of the ocean and Matanzas Bay from up there. Seriously, check the town out online. There’s a thousand things to do, and it’s not just some college beach town most months.