Beautiful and historic St. Augustine is the oldest city on the Atlantic, also known as the “First Coast” of Florida. It’s an endlessly walkable town with a charming downtown core and gorgeous seaside views. It’s also home to one of the state’s most iconic treasures; the Fountain of Youth where Juan Ponce de Leon thought that he’d discovered the key to eternal life. It’s also full of fantastic museums, like the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, that speak to the city’s colorful history. In a state full of fantastic small towns and historic cities, St. Augustine certainly stands out as one of the best.
1. Casa Monica Hotel
The historic Casa Monica Hotel is undoubtedly one of the most impressive structures in St. Augustine. It’s been a fixture of the city since 1888, when it was designed to reflect Spanish and Moorish architecture, and remains one of the most opulent places in the city to this day. It’s an excellent place to visit to learn about historical architecture and enjoy a craft cocktail in a posh setting.
The hotel changed hands several times. Initially, it was Franklin W. Smith’s brainchild, but was eventually purchased by Henry Flagler, who made his money in the railroad business and was one of St. Augustine’s most decorated and prominent residents.
2. Old Jail
Walk through St. Augustine and you’ll come across an unassuming, brownish-red building with an infamous history. The Old Jail, another structure built by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, was built in 1891 and housed some of the region’s most prominent criminals.
What’s interesting about the Old Jail is that it’s as architecturally beautiful as it was functional. The building is a masterclass in Revival-style design, and is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Today, you can tour the Old Jail, including the holding cells and the maximum security area. The Old Jail also hosts plenty of ghost tours, as the building is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of those imprisoned there.
3. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Throughout the ages, famous lighthouses have been firmly etched in history and lore, and St. Augustine’s lighthouse is undoubtedly no exception. Visit this lighthouse, which also features a maritime museum, and you can find relics from shipwrecks and tour the 165-foot lighthouse itself.
The sheer age of the lighthouse, and its position as a beacon guiding ships safely to shore, mean that it’s full of ghostly lore. Visitors can take historical tours or test their grit with late-night ghost tours through the centuries-old lighthouse. It’s also an excellent place to get great pictures of the city and the sea beyond.
4. Fort Mose Historic State Park
Fort Mose Historic State Park is both an essential historical area and a beautiful natural oasis where you can wander with a cup of coffee and step back several centuries in time. This spot used to be a Spanish colony, and it also had an important role in Black history as one of the earliest free settlements.
Today, the site is a lovely natural park with several raised walkways where visitors can admire the local flora and fauna. It also overlooks Robinson Creek and is an excellent place to catch the sunset.
5. Memorial Presbyterian Church
This handsome building dates back nearly 150 years, and is notable for its intricate gold and white designs and stately facade, and holds a significant historical place in St. Augustine. Like many structures in St. Augustine, the church was constructed by Henry Flagler and is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the United States.
The church is very close to the historic downtown core of St. Augustine, so it’s easy to loop this structure into a greater tour of the town. Plan to spend some time inside the church, to appreciate the Baroque architecture and religious artifacts.
6. Lightner Museum
If visiting art museums is your idea of a good time, make sure to visit the iconic Lightner Museum near St. Augustine’s downtown core. In addition to the massive collection of 19th-century art you’ll find inside, you can also enjoy perfectly manicured gardens and walkways. Visitors will find any number of awe-inspiring artifacts, including handmade glass and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, and a series of rotating exhibits from famous museums worldwide.
The museum also has an on-site cafe, making it an ideal choice for visiting at lunchtime, or you can grab a cup of coffee and explore the grounds.
7. Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Juan Ponce de Leon is one of the most famous people to ever visit St. Augustine, and you can learn about this iconic figure and visit his famous Fountain of Youth on your trip. The Fountain of Youth is right in the downtown core, and visitors can venture down to the original fountain and even sample some of the famous water for themselves.
While the site is certainly a tourist attraction, it has real historical significance and a nice exhibit on the Timucua Native Americans who lived in this region. You can also pick up some of the magic water of eternal youth at the gift shop and bring it home as a souvenir.
8. Fort Matanzas
There are several reasons why Fort Matanzas should be at the top of your St. Augustine list. It dates back to 1740 and was once one of the most essential watchtowers in the region. It has stunning ruins and nature and is entirely free to visit.
Visitors should plan to spend a few hours at Fort Matanzas, as there are 300 acres of nature surrounding the fort, perfect for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Additionally, you can take a ferry ride, enjoy an al fresco picnic, or watch a living history re-enactment of some of the fort’s most famous battles.
9. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is one of the must-visit destinations in Florida. It’s right on the Atlantic Coast, so you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular sunset views after exploring the fortress. It also has a fantastic military history that dates back to the American Revolutionary War, and was built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695.
St. Augustine is one of Florida’s most impressive and historic cities, as these nine destinations prove. Plus, you can realistically see them all in a day, and then dine at one of the city’s top restaurants to cap off a day of sightseeing.
