Things to do in St Augustine
Welcome to St Augustine
Spanish colonial architecture and sandy beaches combine in St. Augustine, a historic city on the northeast coast of Florida. Often called the “Nation’s Oldest City,” St. Augustine charms with its cobblestone streets and historic landmarks such as a 17th-century stone fortress and scenic lighthouse. Beyond history, there are plenty of things to do in St. Augustine including bike rides, boat cruises, fishing excursions, ghost-themed tours, or lazy days of swimming and sunbathing on over 40 miles of beaches.
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Top 15 attractions in St Augustine
#1
Flagler College
With its red-tiled roofs and wide landscaped lawns, the campus of Flager College features some of the most beautiful Spanish Renaissance architecture in the country. It is routinely named one of the most beautiful universities in the United States, which makes sense given that it was converted into a school from a former resort.The Ponce de Leon luxury hotel (now the college) was first built in 1888. Today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and was one of the first buildings to granted electricity by General Electric. Often sunny, Flagler College is also a remarkably pleasant place to stroll through. Its brick archways, gleaming fountains, and tall palm trees are reminiscent of southern Spain.Luxurious details such as Tiffany stained glass windows and painted murals now adorn campus facilities such as dining halls, but that doesn’t make them any less beautiful to behold. Don’t miss the original lobby complete with an elegant 68-foot domed ceiling.More
#2
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
Located at the nation’s oldest port, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum offers visitors a chance to step back in time by exploring the active lighthouse and various educational exhibits. The black-and-white striped, red-topped lighthouse, built in 1874, welcomes guests to climb up for sweeping views of the Florida coast.More
#3
Fountain of Youth
Your quest for the Fountain of Youth is over once you’ve visited this park in St. Augustine, Florida. This site where Spanish explorer Ponce de León came in search of the elusive fountain in the 16th century, founding the oldest European settlement in the US. Sip the legendary waters while you learn about the area’s indigenous history.More
#4
Oldest Store Museum
The Oldest Store Museum in St Augustine, Florida, is an interactive way to learn more about the history of the area. The Oldest Store Museum is set up to reflect a store during the year 1900.Tour guides and other staff workers for the Oldest Store Museum will be dressed in colonial attire and they stay in character as someone who lived over a century ago in order to teach visitors about life in St Augustine during colonial times in an entertaining and engaging way.Inside the store are over 100,000 items you may have found during the start of the 1900s. These items are marked with what they would have sold for in 1900 and you may find yourself shocked at how much prices have inflated over the centuries. You’ll also have fun perusing the items, which include worm syrup, old farm equipment, corsets and much more.More
#5
St. Augustine Old Jail
Don’t let the friendly pink stucco exterior fool you. Although this building might look like an old-fashioned luxury resort, it was actually one of the most feared places in all of St. Augustine—the St. Johns County Jail. Built in 1891, the jail housed prisoners until 1953, when it opened to the public for tours.More
#6
Lightner Museum
Located in the former Alcazar Hotel in St. Augustine’s historic downtown, the Lightner Museum houses an eclectic collection of fine and decorative art, natural history and geological specimens, Victorian collectibles, and Americana. There’s also a robust schedule of special events, exhibitions, and educational programs.More
#7
Potter's Wax Museum
This iconic St. Augustine attraction is perfect for the whole family. With some 160 wax sculptures that run the gamut from actors and actresses to historical personalities, famous politicians and more, Potter’s is widely recognized as the first wax museum in America.Travelers who enter this wildly entertaining museum will learn the story of the wealthy George Potter, who ventured to Europe with his family, where he paid a visit to the original Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. Fast-forward to 1948, when this quirky institution was opened, and you have the short version of how Potter’s Wax Museum came to be. Visitors can wander the halls, check out top exhibits and marvel at how lifelike these figures truly are!More
#8
Mission Nombre de Dios
It is believed that the Mission Nombre de Dios of St Augustine, Florida - the oldest city in the continental United States - may be the first mission established in America. The Franciscan mission dates back to 1587 when it served nearby villages and was a center of chiefdom in the area. Today it is a well-recognized spiritual site and a large part of the history of St. Augustine (its church is also recognized as the oldest in the United States.)A visit to the small, ivy-covered stone church is often a peaceful, spiritual refuge. A massive steel cross stands 208 feet tall beside wide walkways and manicured gardens. The shrine dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Le Leche’ dates back to the 1600s when it was built by Spanish settlers. There’s also a historic graveyard and Mission museum containing artifacts and documents found during the original excavation of the grounds. The entire site remains a pilgrimage site for many, and an important part of early U.S. history.More
#9
Oldest Wooden School House
St. Augustine is a city rich in American history and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is the ideal place for travelers and families to take a step back in time. According to locals, this small structure made of wooden slats with an American flag waving high nearby is the oldest of its kind in the U.S. The building is made of aging bald cypress and red cedar and is chained to the ground to protect it from hurricanes.Visitors can take a self-guided tour of this unique attraction every day, and listen in as a robotic professor and student share historical information, stories and little known facts. In addition to the school house, travelers will see well-kept gardens, a traditional outhouse and an historic kitchen.More
#10
Medieval Torture Museum
Test your mettle at St. Augustine's Medieval Torture Museum, the first museum of its kind in the United States. This trove of recreated torture instruments, enriched by academic research, demonstrates just how much suffering humanity infllicted during the Middle Ages. Uncover how these deadly objects were employed and why they were used.More
#11
Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum
The historic Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum has played many roles in the state of Florida since being built more than 400 years ago. During the colonial period of the 16th century, it served as the official residence and offices of the Spanish governors of Florida. The mansion was then rebuilt in 1710 after being destroyed by British forces. British governors of East Florida ruled from the structure during the American Revolutionary War, often throwing lavish parties. In 1821, history was made here when the Spanish governor turned over the control of Florida to the United States.Once a part of the new nation, it served as a U.S. post office, courthouse, and customs building before opening as a museum in 1991. The structure itself holds centuries of history, though its exhibits go into further detail the significance of the house and the area. Many archaeological artifacts, including Spanish gold and Native American canoes, tell the stories of the multiculturalism that influenced Florida and St. Augustine as it is today.More
#12
Spanish Military Hospital Museum
The idyllic town of St. Augustine is an ideal destination for travelers who want to see history come to life. Few places showcase the past quite like the Spanish Military Hospital. Visitors can wander the halls and outdoor areas of this popular attraction, which includes the Hospital West building, the Apothecary and the Hospital East. Travelers will learn about medical practices from the Second Spanish Period. Visitors can follow an expert guide and learn about medicinal herbs in the well-kept garden, see a surgical demonstration and learn about ancient apothecary. This one-of-a-kind destination offers up the perfect way to experience the life of a local during the 1700s.More
#13
St. Augustine History Museum
An ideal stop for history fans, the St. Augustine History Museum features everything from replica ships and vintage toys to treasures discovered off the Florida coast. Find artifacts, photographs, and ephemera showcasing an ever-evolving St. Augustine, dating to the days of Spanish and British rule—all displayed in the museum's galleries.More
#14
Memorial Presbyterian Church
This stunning contemporary church is widely considered one of the eight religious wonders of the world. Perhaps that’s because its stunning façade with towering spires, royal arch and smooth white stone are truly a sight to behold.Visitors who appreciate breathtaking architecture and attention to stonework detail with find a stop at Memorial Presbyterian Church worth the trip. Trained docents can unlock the art and history of the interior during a free tour, and religious travelers can participate in a Sunday morning worship where all are welcome.More
#15
Ripley's Believe It or Not! St. Augustine
This quirky museum offers up plenty of fun for travelers who want to take a look at strange oddities and rare specimens. Its colorful galleries filled with wild and bizarre exhibits are perfect for the entire family. And while Ripley’s is a well-known establishment across the globe, the St. Augustine location is the first permanent Ripley’s in the U.S.Visitors can explore more than 800 interactive exhibits that are stationed inside this historic castle. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a too-hot day, this iconic museum is an ideal place to unwind, relax and discover!More
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Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English