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The Top Historic Attractions in St. Augustine

 

Explore the spectacular historic landmarks in America’s Oldest City

 

St. Augustine, commonly referred to as the “Oldest City,” or “Ancient City,” was founded in 1565, making it the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. The town oozes a unique blend of European and Southern charm, with giant, moss-covered oak trees and towering palms spreading over historic Spanish architecture and brick-paved streets. St. Augustine’s history is long, spanning over four centuries, and while it boasts a brutal past, it’s also one of the most beautiful coastal towns in America. Our beloved St. Augustine holds so much history inside its coquina walls of ancient fortifications and old pubs and inns – all while pink roseate spoonbills peacefully glide through the balmy air and dolphins play in the water’s wake of downtown’s bayfront. It’s a special place, especially to us here at Florida Water Tours. We invite you to see this magical town from the water, and then explore further on foot after our vessels dock. 

 

While all of our tours take you through the majestic Intracoastal Waterway of St. Augustine, the Sunset Cruise is particularly scenic, setting sail as daylight fades into twilight – radiant colors splashing against the darkening sky. Cruising along the St. Augustine Bayfront, we’ll take you past historic sites like the Castillo de San Marcos (The Fort), Mission Nombre de Dios (The Big Cross), Bridge of Lions and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. For those that delight in the spooky, St. Augustine is one of the most haunted places in the United States, where the supernatural pervades every historic landmark and the paranormal is normal. With the stars glowing from above and the moon casting shadows in the water’s wake, the Moonlit Mysteries: Haunted History Boat Tour takes you across the Matanzas Bay to the bayfront. For an experience to truly unwind, try our very serene and special Wine Tasting Cruise. Enjoy the salty breeze and beautiful early evening sun while our expert guides take you out on the water. We present tastings of delicious wines aboard (including local favorites) and an excellent choice of beers are available, including local crafts. Our experienced and entertaining guides narrate about local wildlife and, of course, famous historic landmarks. No matter which tour you choose, you’ll be sure to take in rich history as you gaze over glassy waters – St. Augustine cementing a permanent place in your heart. 

 

Once we’ve docked, explore the town! With so much history to see, you may want to stay a few nights. Check out our favorite waterfront lodgings, where you can wake up by the water. And be sure to grab a bite at one of our favorite local haunts. 

 

Top Historic Attractions:

 

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (The Fort)Aerial view of a historical stone fort by the water, surrounded by green grass and nearby buildings.

Head downtown to see what the locals lovingly refer to as “The Fort” – the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument – a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress that sits right on Matanzas Bay. The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., and was made a National Monument in 1924. It’s more than 329 years old, making it the oldest structure in St. Augustine. Rangers and volunteers dress in period costumes, and musket and cannon demonstrations take place on most weekends. The Fort is open to the public every day of the year (except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day), and first admission is at 9AM and last admission is 5PM. Grab your tickets here. 

 

Flagler CollegeHistoric building with red-tiled roof and tower, surrounded by palm trees under a clear blue sky.

Stroll the brick-paved streets to find the beautiful Flagler College, once known as the Hotel Ponce de León. Built by visionary railroad magnate Henry Flagler in 1888, it’s a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture and the first major poured-in-place concrete building in the U.S. With over 4,000 electric lights, the Ponce was one of the nation’s first electrified buildings, and Louis Comfort Tiffany is credited with the building’s interior design, including over 70 beautiful stained glass windows and mosaics. After 79 years as the famous resort and hotel, it opened as the college in 1968, and is now home to 2,400 students. A National Historic Landmark, it’s considered one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Take a tour on your own, or schedule one with the college. 

 

Lightner MuseumHistoric building with palm trees, red towers, fountain, and pink sunset sky.

The Lightner Museum, right across the street from Flagler College, was the second hotel built by Henry Flagler in St. Augustine – known then as the grand Hotel Alcazar, a Gilded Age resort that opened on Christmas Day 1888. Hotel Alcazar was known more for recreation-type activities, with baths designed for the health and wellbeing of hotel guests, a casino, grand ballroom, lush courtyards, bowling alley and a vast four-story space featuring the first indoor swimming pool (now a restaurant). Hotel Alcazar closed in 1931, and was purchased by magazine publisher and collector Otto C. Lightner to serve as the permanent home for his eclectic collection of artifacts. The Lightner Museum opened to the public in 1948, with the extravagant building providing a rich backdrop to the museum’s diverse collections and exhibitions. Explore the courtyards and indoor swimming pool at your leisure; tickets are needed for some interior spaces and exhibits. 

 

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological ParkAlligator with open mouth lying on riverbank, water in background.

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park is just a few miles from downtown, across the Bridge of Lions, down on Anastasia Boulevard. An accredited zoo and quintessential Florida attraction, the Alligator Farm is a thrilling educational and interactive experience. Founded in 1893 as a small exhibition of Florida reptiles, today they are home to 24 species of crocodilians, rare reptiles, birds of Africa, exotic monkeys and lemurs and so many more fascinating species. Learn about wildlife research and conservation, watch an alligator feeding, hold a live snake or zip-line through the zoo with alligators and crocs right under your feet! You can even encounter Galapagos tortoises, the oldest residents at the Farm, as well as the beloved Maximo, a 15-foot, 1,250-pound saltwater croc. Tickets are available online or at the gate, and they are open every day of the year.

 

St. Augustine LighthouseLighthouse with black and white spiral stripes, red top against clear blue sky.

Just down the way from the Alligator Farm, is the St. Augustine Lighthouse, completed in 1874. Wrapped in black and white stripes with a bright red top, the lighthouse stands at a towering 165 feet tall, with a spiral staircase of 219 steps to the observation deck. Walk to the top to take in the most awe-inspiring panoramic view of the city of St. Augustine, Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean and white sandy beaches of Anastasia Island and Vilano Beach. After you explore the top, stroll through the historic 1876 Keepers’ House to learn about life as a Lighthouse Keeper, the history of shrimping and shipwrecks – including artifacts from the American Revolution. Both the lighthouse and keepers’ house are on the National Register of Historic Places, and its bright light is still used to aid navigation, lighting up every night to help guide sailors at sea.

 

We welcome you to celebrate St. Augustine and the seven seas with us at Florida Water Tours. We’re located at the Windward Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor Marina, 107 Yacht Club Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084. We offer free parking and restrooms are on board. Our vessels are just a short walk from our boutique, located at Dock A-23, A-24 and A-25. Email us at [email protected] to book or inquire about your next sail. 

 

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