Things to do in  St Augustine

St. Augustine is home to several historic landmarks that offer a unique glimpse into the country’s past, including the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. The oldest masonry fort in the United States, it was constructed by the Spanish in 1672 to protect their New World territories. Learn about the crucial role this landmark played in the Civil and Spanish–American Wars during a visit.

Filled with more than 100,000 items reflecting the times of the early 20th century, the Oldest Store Museum reflects what you might have found in a typical general store at the turn of the century. A tour with in-character guides gives you an engaging look at authentic antique items with a fun explanation of local history.

Though Flagler College was founded in 1968, some of the buildings that host its campus date back to 1888. It was previously a women’s college, then reorganized as a coed higher learning institution in 1971. Today, it’s a private liberal arts college offering primarily bachelor’s degrees, although it also has three master’s level degrees.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A glimpse into early US history can be found at Mission Nombre de Dios, a Franciscan mission in St. Augustine dating back to 1587. It is suspected that this landmark might be the first mission established in America, and today, it is a pilgrimage site for travelers focused on religious and architectural history. Expect a peaceful atmosphere at this small, ivy-covered stone church with wide walkways and manicured gardens.

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.

Centuries of history are on display at the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum in St. Augustine. History buffs come to see archaeological artifacts such as Spanish gold and Native American canoes. For a thorough introduction to several centuries of St. Augustine history, check out the diverse exhibitions at this museum, managed by the University of Florida.

Visitors to St. Augustine looking for an alternative to historical landmarks are often drawn to the fun, family-friendly Potter’s Wax Museum. Kids are especially fascinated by this entertaining museum, featuring dozens of wax sculptures of well-known personalities, from actors to historical figures and beyond. Photographs with life-like figures are a favorite thing to do at this museum.

In a city rich with historic landmarks, the Oldest Wooden School House in St. Augustine remains a striking sight—this small wooden structure is chained to the ground to protect it from hurricanes. Dating back to the 1700s, this schoolhouse offers a glimpse into the layered history of St. Augustine. See the schoolhouse, gardens, and historic kitchen during a visit.

The Spanish Military Hospital Museum in St. Augustine stands out in a destination full of fascinating historic landmarks. This site offers educational tours and a glimpse of the Spanish Colonial period, including an overview of medical practices. Learn about an ancient apothecary and medicinal herbs grown in the garden during a visit to this popular attraction, which includes the Hospital West building, the Apothecary, and the Hospital East.

Situated fittingly beside the allegedly haunted Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! brings oddities, artifacts, and haunted history to St. Augustine. This museum is one of dozens of global Ripley’s-branded attractions, and this one offers haunted tours, a mini-golf course, and a Red Train Tour around the city.

Historic St. Augustine is home to several religious landmarks and the Memorial Presbyterian Church is at the top of that list. You can admire towering spires and smooth white stone on its exterior, but a visit inside will unlock fascinating details about the history and art of the building. This church is open for regular worship and free, docent-led tours.