This Historic Florida Inn Has A Dreamy Verandah Overlooking Matanzas Bay

What if one of the loveliest views in St. Augustine was waiting from the verandah of a century-old Florida inn?

Overlooking Matanzas Bay, the Casablanca Inn has welcomed guests to the city’s historic waterfront since 1914. Its Mediterranean Revival architecture, cozy interior, colorful artwork, and breezy front porch create the kind of setting that makes visitors slow down almost immediately.

Outside, boats glide across the bay while horse-drawn carriages pass beneath swaying palms. Castillo de San Marcos and the narrow streets of the historic district are only a short walk away, yet the verandah feels pleasantly removed from the busiest crowds.

That contrast is what makes this corner of the Sunshine State so memorable. You can spend the day exploring America’s oldest continuously occupied European-founded settlement, then settle into a comfortable seat and watch St. Augustine move around you.

Come for the waterfront scenery, stay for the Old Florida character, and discover why this charming inn has remained part of the bayfront for more than a century.

A Century Of History Along The Florida Coast

Although St. Augustine traces its founding to 1565, the Casablanca Inn belongs to a more recent chapter of the city’s long story. The building first opened in 1914 under the name Matanzas Hotel.

Its location could hardly have been better. Standing directly across from Matanzas Bay, the inn offered visitors a peaceful waterfront setting within easy reach of the old city’s streets, landmarks, and public squares.

Over the following decades, the property changed names and owners before becoming the Casablanca Inn known today. The building continued welcoming travelers while much of the surrounding bayfront evolved around it.

More than a century later, its character remains closely tied to the architecture and atmosphere of Old Florida. Arched details, shaded outdoor spaces, palms, and waterfront views help it feel connected to another era without turning the experience into a formal history lesson.

It is not the oldest building in St. Augustine, but that hardly makes it ordinary. A property that has watched the bayfront change for more than 100 years has plenty of stories held within its walls.

A Cozy Interior Filled With Personality

Step inside and the atmosphere changes from bright waterfront scenery to something smaller, warmer, and more intimate.

Artwork fills the walls, creating a collected look rather than the polished sameness of a modern chain property. Comfortable leather seating, private tables, and soft lighting make the room feel lived-in and welcoming.

The limited size is part of its charm. Instead of one large and impersonal space, visitors find a cozy gathering place where the details are easy to notice and conversations do not disappear into a cavernous room.

No single decorative element carries the entire design. The appeal comes from the way the artwork, furniture, lighting, and historic surroundings work together.

It feels elegant without being stiff and distinctive without trying too hard. After walking through the busy historic district, stepping inside can feel like finding a small retreat hidden in plain sight.

The Verandah Everyone Hopes To Find

The front verandah is where the Casablanca Inn truly shows off its location.

Covered seating faces Matanzas Bay, placing visitors across from open water, passing boats, and the palms lining Avenida Menendez. The view is always moving, but never so quickly that it becomes distracting.

A horse-drawn carriage may roll past one moment, followed by families returning from Castillo de San Marcos or couples wandering along the waterfront. People-watching becomes almost as entertaining as the scenery.

The covered porch also provides some protection when Florida weather changes its mind. A brief afternoon shower can sweep across the bay before giving way to sunshine again, all while visitors remain beneath the verandah.

On cooler evenings, outdoor heaters help keep the space comfortable. When the air is warm, a breeze from the water may provide just enough relief to make staying a little longer feel like the obvious choice.

Seats facing the bay are understandably popular, so arriving before the busiest evening hours can make finding one easier.

Matanzas Bay Provides The Main Attraction

St. Augustine contains enough landmarks to fill an entire itinerary, but sometimes the best part of visiting is simply watching the bay.

During the day, sunlight moves across the water as boats travel through the inlet. Seabirds pass overhead, palms shift in the breeze, and pedestrians follow the promenade along the shore.

Late afternoon brings softer light and longer shadows. As evening settles over the city, reflections begin appearing across the water and the historic bayfront takes on a completely different mood.

The scenery is especially lovely when viewed from a shaded seat rather than during a hurried walk between attractions. Without needing to rush anywhere, small details become easier to appreciate.

Clouds building over the water, carriage lights appearing along the street, and the outline of boats moving across the bay can turn an ordinary hour into one of the most memorable parts of the day.

Florida has no shortage of waterfront views, but this one comes with the architecture and energy of St. Augustine unfolding just outside the verandah.

Horse-Drawn Carriages Add Storybook Charm

Part of the fun comes from having a front-row seat to the activity along Avenida Menendez.

Horse-drawn carriages regularly pass through the historic district, and some appear with decorative lights after sunset. Seen against the palms and older architecture, they add an almost storybook quality to the evening.

Pedestrians provide a steady flow of activity too. Visitors carrying shopping bags, sightseeing groups consulting maps, and couples walking beside the bay all become part of the scene.

The location feels lively without losing its relaxed rhythm. There is always something happening beyond the porch, but visitors can observe it from a comfortable distance.

That balance makes the verandah work equally well for a quiet afternoon pause or a livelier evening surrounded by the movement of downtown St. Augustine.

You may arrive expecting to stay only a few minutes. Then another carriage passes, the waterfront lights begin to glow, and leaving suddenly seems much less urgent.

Holiday Nights Bring Even More Magic

The inn takes on a particularly enchanting personality during the holiday season.

Seasonal decorations bring extra color and warmth to the interior, while lights across St. Augustine transform the surrounding streets and waterfront after dark. The smaller rooms feel even cozier when filled with festive details.

Outside, illuminated carriages pass along the avenue and reflections shimmer across Matanzas Bay. The combination of historic architecture, palm trees, and thousands of nearby lights creates a holiday scene that feels distinctly Floridian.

This is also one of the busiest and most popular times to visit St. Augustine. Anyone hoping to enjoy the verandah should expect more foot traffic and allow extra time to find seating.

The crowds may be larger, but the atmosphere makes the wait easier to understand. Few settings capture the season quite like a century-old inn glowing beside the bay.

For a calmer experience, arrive earlier in the day and stay as the lights begin to appear around the historic district.

Historic Landmarks Are Only Steps Away

The Casablanca Inn sits at 24 Avenida Menendez, directly along St. Augustine’s bayfront and within walking distance of several major attractions.

Castillo de San Marcos is just up the road, giving visitors an easy way to combine waterfront scenery with one of Florida’s most recognizable historic landmarks.

St. George Street, the Plaza de la Constitución, local galleries, old churches, and narrow pedestrian lanes are also nearby. Once a vehicle is parked, much of the historic district can be explored on foot.

That convenience makes the inn a natural place to pause between activities. Visitors can step away from the busiest shopping streets, enjoy the view, and then continue exploring without making a separate drive across town.

Its location is especially useful during an itinerary packed with sightseeing. Rather than becoming another destination that requires careful planning, it fits naturally into a walk through the heart of St. Augustine.

What To Know Before You Visit

The Casablanca Inn is located at 24 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, Florida 32084. Its central bayfront position makes it convenient for anyone already exploring the historic district.

Seating in the intimate indoor area and on the verandah is limited. Short waits are possible during popular evening hours, weekends, and major seasonal events.

Arriving earlier usually provides a quieter atmosphere and a better chance of finding a waterfront seat. Larger groups should contact the property ahead of time rather than assuming everyone can be accommodated together.

Because schedules and public access can change, check the Casablanca Inn’s official website or call 904-829-0928 before making a special trip.

St. Augustine may be filled with grand monuments and centuries-old streets, but memorable places do not always need to be enormous. Sometimes all it takes is a shaded verandah, a century-old Florida inn, and Matanzas Bay unfolding just beyond the palms.