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Museums and Historic Attractions
The nation’s oldest city is also one
of the most culturally diverse.
There are a wide variety of Art
Galleries and Museums in St.
Augustine that celebrate the rich
history and heritage of our area,
the most famous of which is the
Lightner Museum. The eclectic
collection of items including
shrunken heads, mummies, and large
collections of stained glass and
crystal makes the Lightner Museum
one of the most unique attractions
in St. Augustine and has been
referred to as the “Smithsonian of
the South”. The museum started out
as the Alcazar Hotel built by Henry
Flagler in 1888. The building itself
is enough to entice many visitors,
but while you’re enjoying the
gorgeous architecture and
landscaping you can also see one of
the most uncommon art and antique
collections anywhere. This is
certainly a must see for any visitor
to St. Augustine.
 The coast of Florida was a major
point of conflict as European
Nations were fighting over control
of the New World, and St. Augustine
abounds with historical sites left
behind by these struggles. Fort
Matanzas was built between 1740 and
1742 to guard the southern river
approach to St. Augustine. Today
visitors are allowed to wander
around the fort to learn about it’s
history with brochures to help
explain what you are seeing. There
are also guided tours, re-enactors,
and nature trails to enjoy during
your visit.
The Castillo de San Marcos is
perhaps the most popular historical
attraction in St. Augustine. The
Monument site itself is 20.5 acres,
and includes a reconstructed section
of the walled defense line
incorporating the original city
gates. It is the only remaining,
intact 17th
century fort in all of North
America. The Castillo de San Marcos
embodies nearly 450 years of St.
Augustine history and culture, so
it’s important to plan ahead to make
the most out of your visit. There is
a lot to explore at the fort, but
maps and brochures will guide you
through the site and help you
understand the history of the site.
Park Rangers give a variety of
interpretive talks throughout the
day that anyone can take part in. A
25 minute video is shown every hour
that outlines the history of the
Castillo, and there are always
re-enactors on site in period dress
giving weapons demonstrations as
well as presentations detailing the
lives of colonists who lived at the
Castillo.
St. Augustine is truly one of the
most unique and historically
significant cities in the country,
and a fantastic place to visit with
your friends and family. For more
information on St. Augustine
accommodations and attractions, take
a look around our website. Thanks
for visiting!
Lightner Museum
75 King Street
City Hall Complex on King
Street
Saint Augustine, FL 32084
904-824-2874 |
Fort Matanzas
8635 A1A South
St Augustine, FL 32080
904-829-6506 |
Castillo de San Marcos
1 South Castillo Drive
St Augustine, FL 32084
904-829-6506 |
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at 904.826.0650 or 800.521.0722,
email us, or use our
online request form.
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