Castillo de San Marcos (The Fort)

The roots of the Castillo's history reach back to the years before Christopher Columbus' discovery of the New world, when conquistadores carved a vast and wealthy overseas empire for Spain. Explore "The Fort" inside and out and learn its remarkable history. The Castillo de San Marcos was for many years the Northernmost outpost of Spain's vast New World empire. It's the oldest masonry fort and the best preserved example of a Spanish colonial fortification in the Continental United States. The Fort protected St. Augustine from pirate raids and from Spain's major rival, Great Britain, during a time when the Florida-Georgia-Carolina coastline was an explosive international battleground. Begun in 1672 and completed by 1695, the Castillo replaced nine successful fortifications that had protected St. Augustine since its founding.

Our Gold Coast tour guides are licensed by the National Park Service to give historically accurate tours of the Castillo and its grounds. Add the Castillo de San Marcos to your itinerary!

Oldest Wooden School House

Located near the City Gates, the Old School House is a surviving expression of another time. Come tour the museum and learn what school days were like over 200 years ago!

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St, Augustine Sightseeing Trains

The best way to see St. Augustine - Since 1953!

Fully guided tours of the Old Town aboard St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains - see it all, but let us do the driving!

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Lightner Museum

Enjoy wandering through the museum's setting - the former Hotel Alcazar. Built in 1887, today the Lightner Museum houses relics of America's Gilded Age - on three beautiful floors. Costumes, furnishings, mechanical musical instruments and other artifacts that will give you a glimpse into 19th century daily life.

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St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum

Built in 1874, the St. Augustine Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation. Its beam can be seen for 19 nautical miles, and the original, first order Fresnel lens still turns today. 

During WWII, St. Augustine's lighthouse was used as a lookout tower. The tower is 165 feet tall with 219 steps that can be climbed for a breathtaking, panoramic view of St. Augustine and the beaches. 

After you climb, explore the museum in the keepers' house, or have a picnic at one of the many shaded picnic tables in Lighthouse Park across the street.

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Spanish Quarter Village

As you stroll through the Spanish Quarter Village, 18th century Spanish Colonial Florida comes to life. See the woodworker shape tool handles for the blacksmith. Hear the hammer strike the anvil as the blacksmith shapes a nail. Located on historic St. George Street - it's a history treat.

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The St. Augustine Alligator Farm

Founded in 1893, the world's original alligator farm celebrates its 111th birthday with the new Maximo exhibit!

Be sure to visit Maximo, a 15'3" saltwater crocodile from Australia, along with his girlfriend, Sydney. Click on Maximo's picture on the left and see more pictures from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm!

See alligators and crocodiles from around the globe, tropical birds, beautiful walkways, and educational programs that are sure to entertain everyone in your family.

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Old St. Augustine Village

Historic buildings, gardens, exhibits of art and antiques, and 400 years of history make Old St. Augustine Village a rich addition to your heritage experience in our oldest city. This property is a welcome retreat in your busy touring schedule.

Admission includes a guided tour into furnished period home interiors and five self- guided exhibit galleries. The tour explains the colonial history of the block, including the archaeological features underground, as well as the brief occupant history of the nine houses. Click the photo to see more pictures from the Old St. Augustine Village.

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Potter's Wax Museum

Explore Potter's Saint Augustine, the first wax museum in the USA. George L. Potter's famous collection of over 160 wax figures awaits you!

New wax figures are always in production at Potter's Wax Museum.

Coming soon... Britney Spears
 

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Scenic Cruise of St. Augustine

Enjoy a unique view of St. Augustine available only from the water. 

One hour and fifteen minute cruises, narrated by the captain, provide an incomparable way to enjoy historical landmarks and natural sites of interest.

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Ripley's 'Believe It or Not!' Museum

Click on the picture of Ripley's 'Believe It or Not!" Museum to see more pictures of Ripley's 'Believe It or Not!' Museum in St. Augustine!

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Whetstone Chocolates Factory Tour

See where it begins on Whetstone's Factory tour. Tempt your taste buds, smell the rich chocolate aroma, and see chocolates being made!

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Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

Experience a world where the 19th Century tourist could enjoy a week or a month of strolling fragrant gardens or relaxing in this civilized inn. Built in 1798, the house is currently owned by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Florida and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

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The Fountain of Youth

North America's first historical site; the ancient Indian Town Seloy. Here, Ponce de Leon came ashore to landmark and record for all time the first moment of our nation's history - the discovery of North America!

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Marineland of Florida

Where the Ocean comes Ashore!

Interactive Programs for the whole Family!
Touch & Feed  |  Paint with a Dolphin
Snorkel & Scuba  |  Dolphin Encounters

Have you ever wondered what a dolphin feels like? Find out through our friendly Touch and Feed program. Accompany a trainer to poolside where the dolphins will come over to personally introduce themselves and you can treat them to their favorite fish. Be careful! They may splash you for FUN! Touch & Feed includes a photo of you and the dolphin interacting together.

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Mission Nombre de Dios

The ancient Mission Nombre de Dios is America's most sacred and historic site. Here, over 400 years ago, Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales offered the first mass in America's first city.

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Old Florida Museum

This entertaining, hands-on museum allows students and visitors to participate in daily living activities from pre-European to Pioneer times.

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Oldest House Museum

A national, historical landmark home that dates back over 250 years. First owned by the Spanish, then the British, and then finally, Americans - see contributions by all three cultures. The home of the St. Augustine Historical Library.

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Old Jail Museum

Completed in 1891, the Old Jail housed prisoners fro over 60 years. Learn about crime and punishment when St. Augustine was an American frontier city.

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Spanish Military Hospital

These exhibits of military hospital life provide insights into the care and treatment provided to soldiers during the second Spanish Colonial Period (1784-1821).

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The Father Miguel O'Reilly House Museum
The Sisters of Saint Joseph came to St. Augustine in 1866, at the request of Florida's first bishop. They were charged with the education of the liberated slaves of the Civil War era.

This house reflects its Spanish, English, and American heritage, spanning over 300 years. Walls of tabby and coquina confirm the home's origin to be of the late 17th Century.  It is speculated that the original builder of the home may have been the person in charge of construction on the Castillo de San Marcos — our city’s National Monument: often called “The Fort.” The house came into the hands of Father Miguel O'Reilly when he came to St. Augustine as the parish priest during the Second Spanish Period.

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