Located on the gently flowing banks of the Matanzas River, St. Augustine abounds with history. The first settlement in the United States, established in September 1565, it was an important site for the Spanish and highly coveted by the English and French. Walking through the historic district in downtown St. Augustine, visitors can’t help but be caught up in the past. The strong Spanish influence, from the old gates, once located at the city’s entrance, to the sweeping expense of the Castillo of San Marcos, is still alive today. Take a step back in time and discover some of the Must Visit St. Augustine Historical Sites.
I attended a media trip to St. Augustine, but all opinions are my own.
Must Visit St. Augustine Historical Sites
1. The Castillo de San Marcos– An important outpost for the Spanish, construction began on the fort in 1672 and was completed in 1695. The imposing structure, situated on over 20 acres, boasts walls 33 feet high and 12 feet thick. One of two forts in the US made of coquina, sedimentary rocks composed of shellfish, this material helped the Spanish keep their position in an unusual manner. The walls were soft and porous, causing bullets and shells to sink into the stone rather than shatter it. The bewildered British gave up a fight after bombarding the fort for several days and seeing no results from their siege.
Today the fort is operated by the National Park Service. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour, exploring the gundecks or the casements. Rangers offer a variety of tours during the day and kids will love the weapons demonstration. The park is located at 1 South Castillo Drive and requires an admission fee.
Fort Matanzas, the only other coquina fort in the United States and also maintained by the National Park Service, is located a short distance outside the city. Accessible only by ferry, this fort was designed to guard the rear entrance of the original city from attacks by the British. Although construction of the fort was finished in 1742, the site already had a bloody history. In 1565 General Pedro Menéndez de Aviles led a massacre against French settlers who inhabited the lands, effectively destroying the French presence in Florida. Visitors can explore the fort and watchtower or explore the 1/2 mile nature trail. An admission fee is required.
2. Colonial Quarter-Located at 33 St. George Street, almost directly across from the Castillo de San Marcos, is the Colonial Quarter. A promise to “explore 500 years of European history in America” lured us inside the gates. We weren’t disappointed. We began our visit with the hourly Historic Adventure Tour, where our guide, a forensic anthropologist, demonstrated how to fire a cannon and a musket, along with blacksmith techniques. He debunked many common stereotypes concerning the settlers and explained common battlefield techniques employed in the 18th century. Strangely, the Europeons disliked aiming their rifles at the enemy, preferring to close their eyes and shoot, yet had no problem using their bayonet during “mono y mono” (hand to hand) combat. Among some of the other experiences in the Colonial Quarter is the opportunity to climb the 35 Spanish replica watchtower for the best view of the Castillo de San Marcos in the city, and visit a 270-year-old house. An admission fee is charged.
After finishing your visit inside the Quarter, stroll past the Old City Gate along brick-paved St. George Street. Here you’ll find unique shops and museums, like the Old School House, which is the oldest schoolhouse in Florida. Designed to resemble the Spanish period of the 1740’s, you can explore history while still enjoying the modern comforts of electricity, air-conditioning, and modern plumbing!
While visiting St. Augustine keep your eye out for reenactors who make the historical figures who helped shape St. Augustine come to life. We spent time talking with “Mr. Henry Flagler” (James Stavely), who explained his ambitions in developing the railroad across Florida, and “Maria Castel Pacetti” (from whom Michelle Reyna is descended), one of the indentured servants of Dr. Andrew Turnbull who escaped abuse and harsh conditions by seeking asylum in St. Augustine. The strong Menorcan influence is still felt in St. Augustine today.
3. St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum- Avast, me hearties! Located beside the Colonial Quarter, at 12 South Castillo Drive, this world-class museum is a treasure trove of information for everyone from adults to children alike. Children can take one of the Pirate Treasures Maps, given upon admission, and search throughout the museum for 12 “clues” of Pirate sayings. Anyone who finds all twelve will be deemed an honorary pirate and given a piece of “treasure.” (Hint: It’s candy.)
Wander through displays like Shipwreck Island, abounding with information on some of the most famous pirates in history, many who have a history in St. Augustine. Have a look at a real pirate chest belonging to Captain Thomas Kew, a wooden chest that belonged to Captain Kidd, and recovered pirate treasure. The kids will discover interactive displays, learning how to fire a gun deck or steer a ship, interactive drawers, and an interactive world map of piracy.
4. Flagler College–Formerly the Hotel Ponce de Leon, this Spanish Renaissance building was once one of the most exclusive resorts available. Designed by Henry Flagler to lure his friends into spending the cold winter months in Florida, the hotel boasted many amenities such as electricity in every room, running water, and steam heat. The concept of electricity was so new that patrons were afraid of the lights. Mr. Flagler was forced to hire employees exclusively to go into rooms and turn lights on and off.
Today, the historic beauty of the past can still be seen in the magnificent Lady’s Parlor, with its Tiffany chandlers, and in the Dining Room, with its Tiffany Murals. The main hall includes beautiful murals on the ceiling based on a pattern of four women sitting to represent exploration and four women standing to represent the elements. Step outside into the garden to gaze at the tranquil fountain, designed in three different patterns; religious, nautical and Spanish. Mr. Flager believed in Located at 72 Kings Street, Flagler College offers historic tours daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Admission is charged.
5. Corazon Cinema and Cafe Located at 36 Granada Street, the Corazon Cinema embraces a rich heritage. Credited as the first brick building in St. Augustine, it’s on the edge of Lincolnville, an important center for the Civil Rights Movement in the 60’s. The building has been used in many ways over the years, from the first feed store in town that catered to both blacks and whites, to restaurants. Opened in 2014 by Karla Wagner, she envisioned a place where the community could gather. Her vision materialized into three theaters and a cafe.
The Corazon hosts first-run films, classic films, and local talent. We viewed “Journey-450 Years of the African-American Experience,” a poignant testimony to the struggles of African-Americans in St. Augustine from the occupation of the Spanish until the Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s.
6. The Old Jail Museum -You’ve probably never seen a jail like this one before! Dismayed by the original jail located near his fashionable Ponce de Leon hotel, Henry Flagler decided it had to go. He approached the city leaders and asked them to relocate the jail, persuading them with a generous donation. The leaders quickly agreed and accepted the stipulations laid down by Henry. It must not look like a jail and it must be built outside of town. The jail was completed and built to house 72 prisoners, but life inside the jail didn’t match the beautiful facade. In a time known for its harsh prison conditions, Sheriff Joe Perry was known as one of the toughest in the South.
Our tour was led by a “deputy,” who played his role of a crusty officer of the law to perfection. His spill of the horrors of the jail was punctuated by witty comments and he cheerfully answered all our questions. Standing in the women’s jail cell, which had no electricity, very little natural light, and no glass in the windows for many years of its use, I was thankful to be able to “escape from jail.” Tours begin every twenty minutes and admission is charged. The Old Jail is located at 167 San Marco Avenue.
7. The Oldest Store Museum– Step right up to see some of the greatest inventions from 1900 brought to life by inventive clerks dressed in period attire. Originally opened in 1908 by C.F. Hamblen, this store features luxuries the “modern” customer could only dream of owning. The tour begins inside the main room of the store, where visitors are given the opportunity to help themselves to a piece of “penny” candy. The tour guide demonstrates some of the inventions everyone should own, including a corn sheller and the milkshake machine, a 3-feet high monstrosity that guaranteed “ease and quiet while making your own milkshake.”
The tour continues in the storeroom where the salesclerk and his assistant explain the history of everything from bicycles to vacuum cleaners. You’ll come away thankful you live in the “new modern” times. The tour is inventive and fun, keeping the attention of young and old alike. New tours begin every twenty minutes and admission is charged. The Oldest Store is located in front of the Old Jail Museum at 167 San Marco Avenue.
8. The Old Town Trolley– Because downtown St. Augustine is over 400 years old, the downtown was not designed for a huge influx of vehicles. Parking is scarce and driving over the brick-lined streets provides a bumpy ride. We found the easiest way to see the city was to board The Old Town Trolley. Purchase a pass and jump on and off at 23 various attractions around the city all day long. Two-day passes may also be purchased. The trolley drivers provide snippets of history for sites around the area, making the drive both informative and relaxing. Trolleys arrive at each stop in fifteen to twenty-minute intervals, plus all patrons receive a free ticket to the St. Augustine History Museum. The main headquarters for the Old Town Trolley is located at 167 San Marco Avenue and free parking is available.
St. George Street
The Old Town Trolley also runs the nightly Ghosts and Graveyards tour. If you are visiting, use promo code GG2018 to receive $10 off both online and at the ticket booth during the month of September. Starting in October, use the promo code GGFALL18 to receive $5 off from October 1st – October 26th.
Once you’ve visited St. Augustine you’ll want to return again and again. Have you visited any of the St. Augustine historical sites? If so, which is your favorite?
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We haven’t been to St. Augustine but based from your article and pictures, looks like a beautiful place to visit. I would love to go there someday.
It would be nice to go here for a break! I think it’s awesome that you’re sharing all the wonderful historical sites, that’s one of the things that my husband and I love exploring when we’re traveling!
I love visiting historical reinactments and restored communities. I am a very hands on learner and I retain details so much better that way.
Fort Matanzas looks really cool. I love visiting places where incredible historic events took place. Looks like a great town.
This looks like such a fun trip. I’ve always wanted to visit ST. Augustine. It looks like a place that my family would love.
My son really takes to the historical sites. He is really into this stuff.
Oh man I would love to visit St. Augustine one day! It looks very interesting and historical!
Thank you for visiting our wonderful, historic little town. We love sharing our history with everyone. I think it is a perfect spot to bring children. We make history fun for all ages. And to top it all off, we have beautiful beaches that aren’t crowded. Thanks again and we hope to see you all soon!
So cool! My family loves history, so I think we’d really enjoy it here. We’ll have to make a trip one day for sure. I’d want to hit all of these places!
Mr. Henry Flaglerdoes look like a character from the history books! It is amazing that people like him are there to make the historical events come to life, truly marvellous. I would sit with him all day and suck in all he has to share if I ever visited St Augustine.
This seems like a wonderful place to visit and one of which I was completely unaware. I do love getting a glimpse of important relics of history, particularly those connected to European colonialism and its impact on this hemisphere. I hope to go to St. Augustine one day!
This looks like a great excursion for home educators if they are completing a unit study on this area. I would love to visit St Augustine with my kiddos
Hands up I absolutely love history and would love to spend some time exploring all of these as they all sound like they offer something a little different. And just share what life was once like.
I haven’t visited St. Augustine but I love visiting historical sites when we travel. Preserving the Colonial Quarter and places like it are important and visiting them is a great way to learn about life of a time not so long ago.
My husband and I spent a day here years ago. I loved it. It was so fun and informative. I have tons of photos of us at the fort.
We were in St. Augustine in the late 70s and haven’t been back. A friend of mine moved there after college and we visited her there. We saw some of the sites, but we should go back and share this with our kids.
I love St. Augustine and have visited often. I haven’t been in the last couple of years and I need a return visit to see some of these historical sites.
What a wonderful place to visit and I love the old buildings in the pictures. As well as the way the people was dressed. A perfect Field Trip for Homeschooling Families.
I have been wanting to go to St. Augustine for ages now. I know they do a bunch of ghost tours down there and those are what I want to do most.