Last time we visited Florida I wanted to show my daughter the back roads, the laid back beach towns, and the places begging to be explored. This led us to St. Augustine, Florida. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the USA. The city is steeped in history and one of my favorite places.
Old Spanish Trail Zero Milestone
This milestone marks the end of the Old Spanish Trail from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida. It is a near the St. Augustine Visitor’s Center.
Fuente De Los Canos De San Francisco
Near the St. Augustine Visitor’s Center is the Fuente De Los Canos De San Franisco . A beautiful fountain with multi spouts represents the relationship between Aviles, Spain and St. Augustine, Florida. Spain gave the masks to St. Augustine.
Old City Gate
Opened in 1739, the old city gate was the only access point for the north side of Spanish St. Augustine. The pillars were constructed of coquina in 1808 and now mark the entrance of the historic district in St. Augustine.
Historic St. Augustine Florida
The historic district is the oldest part of St. Augustine and home to buildings dating back to the 1700’s. There is plenty of shopping, restaurants, and attractions for the whole family. See the oldest wooden school house in the USA. Built in 1702 . Tours are available. For information on the tours
Click here for more information on the historic district.
Pirate & Treasure Museum
Located in St. Augustine’s historic district, the Pirate & Treasure Museum has the largest collection of pirate artifacts. My daughter said this is the best museum ever and all museums should be like this one.
The museum has nine sections. You receive a treasure map with clues to help you find the treasures throughout the exhibit. The journey begins at Port Royal and the early history of Pirates, then you are taken to the tavern to see how pirates lived. The main deck is built like a pirate ship and is interactive. Visitors can fire a real cannon, feel the weight of a musket, explore the captain’s cabin, and see the execution dock.
With more than 800 artifacts and treasures, the Pirate museum is home to the world’s only pirate treasure chest. The chest belonged to Thomas Tew and is over 400 years old. We had fun trying to figure out where the lock on the chest was.
You can view recovered sunken pirate treasures, Captain Kidd’s chest, and an original jolly roger flag.
In addition to these exhibits there is a room on pirates from Hollywood and a Disney Blackbeard show. The Pirate & Treasure Museum
Castillo de San Marcos
The oldest city in the USA is also home to the oldest masonry fort. Castillo de San Marcos was built in 1672 by the Spanish as a military outpost to protect their fleets and to keep pirates from stealing their provisions.
The fort is unique in that it was constructed of coquina, limestone made out of shells. If you take a closer look you can see the seashells.
Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Looking for the Fountain of Youth? If the stories are true than you just mind find it in St. Augustine Florida. The story suggests Ponce de León was searching for the Fountain of Youth, the mythical spring that restores your youth, when he landed in what is now the site of the Archaeological Park.
