Historic ‘Old’ Attractions in the Old City of St. Augustine
Popular Sites in America’s Oldest City Include Oldest House, Old Jail, Castillo de San Marcos and the Fountain of Youth
Those "oldest" places?
At The Oldest House, a National Historic Landmark dating from the early 1700s, walls are made of coquina, the same somewhat-rare sedimentary rock that was quarried locally to build the Castillo de San Marcos.
The Authentic Old Jail reveals the rigors of incarceration during a time of heavy manacles and ball-and-chains. Also ancient, but without the "old" designation in their name, are the Mission of Nombre de Dios (from the founding of St. Augustine in 1565) and the fearsome fort and prison Castillo de San Marcos (1695).
Fort Matanzas National Monument, located 15 miles south of St. Augustine, was built in 1740 to guard the southern entrance to the city. Kids especially enjoy the free ferry ride across Matanzas Bay to Rattlesnake Island to tour the fort. Less fearsome, just north of the city, is the site of America’s first free black community, formed in 1738. Though today only sand remains of Fort Mose, an exhibit at Ponce de Leon Mall tells the entire story.
Steeped in history and wrought with tales of the past, the Old Jail Museum exudes an eerie ambiance that captivates visitors. Its formidable architecture and dimly lit corridors evoke a sense of foreboding, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of incarceration in the late 19th century.
Stroll down Aviles Street, the oldest street in the United States, and discover untold history as guides demonstrate "cutting edge" colonial surgery techniques at the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. Even shopping celebrates history at antiquarian bookstores, antique shops and art galleries, many located in historic buildings.
Kids adore Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth at the National Archaeological Park and, big-eyed, emit huffs of awe at the sight of huge gators at The Alligator Farm and Zoological Park. And let’s not forget Marineland Dolphin Adventure! When Marineland Dolphin Adventure first opened its doors in 1938, it was the world’s largest oceanarium.
Related Content:
Fort Mose Historic State Park15 Fort Mose Trail
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park999 Anastasia Blvd.
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
Spanish Military Hospital Museum3 Aviles St.
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument1 South Castillo Dr.
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Marineland Dolphin Adventure9600 N. Oceanshore Blvd.
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios101 San Marco Avenue,
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Fort Matanzas National Monument8635 State Road A1A South
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park11 Magnolia Ave.
St. Augustine, Florida 32084