Authentic Historical Experiences Abound
Our History Is Not the Same Old Story
If history is your thing, Florida’ s Historic Coast is the place for you, with more than 60 historic sites and attractions. But even if history is not among your favorite hobbies, you’ ll find yourself enjoying the romance of stepping back in time in this authentically alluring seaside destination. Because here, our history is not the same old story.
The Castillo de San Marcos stands in silhouette at sunrise— a lasting symbol of 17th-century Spanish colonial defense.
Authentic Historical Experiences Abound
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
More than a youthful legend, this is the location of the Timucua village of Seloy and the first settlement of St. Augustine.
ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE & MARITIME MUSEUM
At the oldest maritime port, the lighthouse stands watch over the oldest city with stunning views at the top of its 219 steps.
THE COLONIAL QUARTER
Two acres inside the Historic District immerse you in three centuries of Spanish Colonial life, plus the city’ s brief 21-year interlude of British occupation, with interactive exhibits and history reenactors.
MISSION NOMBRE DE DIOS
The first holy Mass was led by Father Francisco Lopez here in 1565. The Mission was also home to the first Catholic mission in what would become the United States.
FLAGLER COLLEGE
Once the Hotel Ponce de León, built by railroad and Standard Oil magnate Henry Flagler in 1888, it was one of America’ s most impressive resorts. The success of the hotel marked the beginning of the thriving tourism industry in Florida.
LIGHTNER MUSEUM
The former Alcazar Hotel, built in 1888 by Henry Flagler, once housed the largest indoor swimming pool in America. The Lightner Museum is home to an extensive collection of Gilded Age artifacts, including fine and decorative art, Tiffany glass, musical instruments and rare oddities such as a mummy and human hair art.
THE OLDEST HOUSE MUSEUM
Built in the 1600s, The Oldest House Museum opened as a museum in 1893 and is Florida’ s oldest surviving Spanish Colonial dwelling and a National Historic Landmark.
AVILÉS STREET
The oldest public street in the country, dating back to 1570, is home to the Spanish Military Hospital Museum and the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum.
PLAZA DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN
Established in 1573, the beautiful town square is named for its monument to the Spanish constitution of 1812, which is believed to be the only remaining such monument of its kind in the world.
30 DEGREES 8 MINUTES HISTORICAL MARKER
Look for the 15-foot statue of Ponce de León at the North Beach Access parking lot at the Guana
Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The statue commemorates the explorer’ s landfall in present-day Ponte Vedra Beach more than 500 years ago.
LINCOLNVILLE MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER
Located in the heart of the Lincolnville Historic District, which was settled by freedmen in the wake of the Civil War, the LMCC tells the story of St. Augustine’ s Black history stretching from the empires of West Africa and the early Black presence in Colonial Florida to the 20th century.
FORT MOSE HISTORIC STATE PARK
A full-scale reconstruction of the original fort allows visitors to explore the new structure and experience a powerful tribute to the community that shaped this historic site.
OLDEST WOODEN SCHOOL H OUSE
Located in historic downtown St. Augustine, discover a historic museum that recreates school life from the 1800s with original antique furnishings and rare artifacts.
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