Historic places in St. Augustine

Historic places in St. Augustine

1. See

   Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

   A large coquina limestone fort constructed by the Spanish in the late 1600s to defend their small colony. Inside, certain rooms are open to the public, including the chapel, guard quarters, and the powder magazine. The top deck of the Castillo is also open to visitors and allows great views of the city and the bay, as well as up-close encounters with authentic cannons. There are living history demonstrations on weekends, including the firing of those cannons—an incredibly powerful (and loud!) experience. Lower level is handicapped accessible. Parking $2.50/hr.

   8:45AM-5PM·$15/adult, children under 16 free

2. See

   Colonial Quarter

   Spanish Quarter

   This recreated garrison town allows guests to visit with a blacksmith, learn to fire a musket, and stand watch on a lookout tower. You'll see costumed historical interpreters tell the story of everyday life when the city was a remote outpost of the Spanish Empire. The property also includes a British pub, a Spanish taverna, and a seafood restaurant, all of which do not require admission. A rustic outdoor stage set under an old oak tree hosts free weekend concerts also open to the public.

   Daily 10AM to 5PM·Adults $13, children (5-12) $7

3. See

   Fort Mose Historic State Park

   Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose

   This park preserves the site of the first legal free black settlement in America. It was established in 1738 by the Spanish for escaped black slaves seeking asylum from the British colonies. The former site of the community, long forgotten but rediscovered in 1968, is located about two miles north of St. Augustine. Also spelled Fort Moosa or Fort Mossa.

   Grounds: Daily 9AM to 5PM; Visitor Center: Thu-Mon 9AM to 5PM·Grounds free; Visitor Center: adults $2, children (under 6) free

4. See

   Medieval Torture Museum

   It is the largest interactive torture museum in the United States, displaying a private collection of torture, execution and restraint devices. Visitors can play the role of executioners and their victims. They are able to sit in the spiked chair of inquiries, pose in a “barrel for drunkards” or weigh themselves on special scales to see if they are too heavy to be deemed a witch. Among other things the visitor is able to try on the Spanish boot, stand in the pillory, drown a witch in a barrel of water, lead the guillotine, the pendulum and other deadly torture devices.

   Daily 10AM-10PM

5. See

   Oldest House Museum Complex

   A historic house just south of downtown that is believed to be the oldest house in the city, constructed under Spanish rule in 1723. The property, run by the St. Augustine Historical Society, also includes two museums, an exhibition gallery, an ornamental garden, and a store.

   10AM-5PM, tours every half hour·$13/adult, $10/senior, $4/student, $26/family

6. See

   Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse

   Over 300 years old, this one-room schoolhouse has stood through the rise and fall of two empires and the birth of the United States. Self-guided tours are offered daily, and an animatronic teacher and student provide a history of the building.

   Sun-Thu 10AM-6PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-8PM·$7/adult, $6/child

7. See

   Ripley's Believe It or Not!

   The original Odditorium of the famed American purveyor of the strange and unusual was opened in the historic Castle Warden hotel in 1950. Three stories worth of exhibits include a mummified cat, a two-story scale model Ferris wheel made out of Erector sets, life and death masks of famous celebrities (including Abe Lincoln), shrunken heads, and an iron maiden. Rumored to be haunted, the opening credits and various segments of the most recent Ripley's TV series were filmed here.

   Daily 9AM-8PM·Adults $16, children (5-11) $9

8. Do

   St. Augustine Art Association

   Home to one of the oldest arts organizations in the Sunshine State, this is the premier gallery in the historic district. The 5,000 square foot landmark features a permanent collection of "Lost Colony" art from the 1930s as well as monthly juried exhibits of local art.

   Tue-Sat noon to 4PM, Sun 2PM to 5PM·Free Admission

9. See

   Villa Zorayda

   This historic house includes some old furniture, including from Arabia and the Far East. There is an "audio tour," or speaker system, that you can take with you as you go around the house.

   Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 11AM-4PM·$14/adult, $13/senior, $12/military, $10/student, $7/child

10. See

    World Golf Hall of Fame

    The centerpiece of the master-planned World Golf Village, this hall of fame and museum center celebrates the greats of golf history. The expansive property located about 15 minutes north of the city also includes a hotel, convention center, an IMAX movie theater, two award-winning golf courses, and a restaurant owned by actor Bill Murray and his brothers.

    Mon-Sat 10AM to 6PM, Sun noon to 6PM·Adults $21; children (5-12) $5; seniors, military, and Florida residents $20; students (13+ with ID) $10

11. Do Not mapped

    Blessing of the Fleet

    Commercial and pleasure craft alike receive a blessing from the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. Ceremony begins at noon with a procession from the Cathedral Basilica.

    First Sun in April

12. See Not mapped

    Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

    The current building dates back to 1797 but the congregation is the oldest in United States, dating back to 1565.

13. Do Not mapped

    Nights of Lights

    More than a million little white lights outline the bayfront, Plaza de la Constiución, and buildings of the historic downtown for the entirety of the holiday season and beyond. Both sightseeing trams coordinate seasonal festive nighttime tours of the lights, complete with music and special light-viewing glasses.

    Mid-November to late January

14. See Not mapped

    Old Jail Museum

    Restored jail with sheriff's living quarters. It also contains a display of weaponry and a pictorial history of the hangings carried out at the Old Jail, with emphasis on the time the Sheriff CJ Perry was in residence with his family. The Jail is only accessible by guided tour,

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to St. Augustine (CC BY-SA 4.0).