Location: St. Augustine
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10 History Museums in St. Augustine That You Shouldn't Miss
Saint Augustine is a luxurious, romantic vacation spot—you’ll find classic hotels and intimate restaurants. Those can be a dime a dozen, though. What sets Saint Augustine apart is its history—it’s the oldest European settlement in the U.S. And nowhere else in the world can you taste the waters of the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park (where Ponce de Leon may have landed). Who knows, if you vacation here, maybe you won’t need that Botox!
Restaurants in St. Augustine
1. Santa Barbara Hospital Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
The Santa Barbara Hospital Museum is a living history museum of medical practices and tools used during the 17th & 18th centuries. Guides in period dress present information and demonstrations of medical procedures during colonial times. Guests will visit the surgery room, recovery area and apothecary.
Reviewed By mdeetz167
I visited with my mom (who is a history nerd like myself), we were the only two on the tour and Grimm exceeded our expectations. The tour was supposed to go for an hour, but thanks to my many questions it went about 45 minutes past that. Grimm answered all my questions, and beyond. He did a fantastic job of going through the history of medicine in St. Augustine during the first 200 years after colonization, and even dipped into European medicine, and how far advanced medicine has become in the modern day. He kept us laughing and intrigued the entire tour. This is our third time coming to St. Augustine, and this is by far the best tour I have been on. Thank you so much to Grimm and the rest of the crew for not only making our trip out here, but also for giving us an unforgettable experience! To anybody making a trip out to St. Augustine, make sure this museum is a priority on your list of things to see!
2. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Inc.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,545 reviews
A visit to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is more than you might expect! Climb 219 steps for a breathtaking view of both St. Aug and the beaches. Or go below to discover a 1782 British shipwreck. Take guided tours, free with admission, on the hour 11 am - 3 pm. Check out the exhibits in the Keepers' House and Maritime Archaeology Center. Visitors also encounter ghosts on the nighttime Dark of the Moon tour, which is the only St. Augustine ghost tour that gets you inside the Lighthouse. Book in advance because it fills up fast, and book mid-week to avoid crowds. For general admission purchase your tickets on-line in advance w/coupon code LH15 to get a 15% discount off regular admission prices. Or join as a family member for discounts to local attractions, and 20% off in the Museum shop as well as free admission all year long. Step up and make a difference at our non-profit museum. You help keep the light shining when you visit.
Reviewed By 28beverlyd
A beautiful light house with amazing views, very informative presentation before we walked up the lighthouse and the other buildings on the property were amazing to walk through and learn.
3. The Oldest Store Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 750 reviews
Watch in amazement as our friendly clerks, butcher and Snake Oil salesman demonstrate the very latest inventions for turn -of-the century living. You will find over 10,00 essential and time saving items from the 1900s!
Reviewed By 308maritag - Merritt Island, United States
Really interesting. Our guides showed a different perspective at the turn of the last century. I was in no hurry for this Tour to end.
4. Old Florida Museum
5. Government House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By loud976 - Valparaiso, United States
So the Spanish settled St Augustine 42 years before the British settled Jamestown ... Amazing! This exhibit tells the story of how hard it was and includes details about Native Americans and slaves too, quite rare in our Colonial-dominated culture. Well done University of Florida! I cannot recommend this exhibit highly enough!!!
6. Spanish Military Hospital Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 549 reviews
Your journey to the past begins as our skilled surgeon performs surgical demonstrations. Watch as our Apothecary creates medicines and discover how colonial herbs were the origins of some of the most popular medicines today. We are pet friendly!!
Reviewed By donnab914 - Palm Bay, United States
Loved the detailed descriptions of medical implements and how they were used. Made me appreciate modern medicine all the more, The demonstration on herbs was very informative and I liked that they gave you a handout to take with you since there was so much information presented. They allowed us to bring our dog with us which was a bonus, and they even took her picture.
7. Fort Menendez at the Old Florida Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
A hands on Historical Experience.
Reviewed By jr55fla - Merritt Island, United States
My daughter and grandson really enjoyed their visit to Fort Melendez. The games and challenges were entertaining and educational.
8. St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,210 reviews
Relive the Golden Age of Piracy at Pat Croce's St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum! The world's largest collection of authentic pirate artifacts; fun, interactive exhibits, including the award-winning Book of Pirates and the spine-tingling Disney Imagineer-designed Below Deck sound experience of Blackbeard’s last battle; the world’s only pirate treasure chest; one of only three existing 17th century Jolly Rogers; and rarely-seen shipwreck treasures from the Florida Division of Historical Resources.
Reviewed By trulov86
We thought the Pirate Museum would be a kitschy lark - but it proved to be a real treasure for kids and adults alike! Expertly staged with life sized Disney animatronics as well as first rate interactive exhibits, this multi media extravaganza is a feast for the eyes. The entire ship is recreated, from gun deck ( where you can fire a cannon) to the captains quarters and filled with actual treasure chests and pirate artifacts —- all at your finger tips. See what life was like in Port Royal and other Pirate ports of call. If you’re a fan of Black Sails or Outlander - or just love a great adventure- then this is a surprisingly great, “must see” in St Augustine! Note - it’s well worth the price of admission- but don’t forget to take advantage of the discount coupons in all of the brochures - as well as a discount for you seniors.
9. Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
The Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center preserves, promotes and perpetuates over 450 years of the African American story in North East Florida through the arts, educational programs, lectures, live performances and exhibits. Visitors can browse the rich cultural heritage of the Lincolnville community and learn about the early settlers of the neighborhood, historic churches, the neighborhood's Civil Rights history and much more. Explore the collections from archaeological findings to instruments played by jazz greats like Ray Charles. You'll soon discover that the road to black history runs through Lincolnville!
Reviewed By scottt2851
This museum is a gem! I really had no idea of the impact and the hard fought battles this area had on the civil rights movement. The staff have much knowledge about the history of the area and willing to share their expertise. Be sure to walk the neighborhood and view the churches and places where so much history took place. No tour of history is complete in this area without it.
10. Medieval Torture Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 599 reviews
The "Medieval Torture Collection" reminds us just how much suffering humanity can inflict in the name of cause and justice when the right tools are placed in the hands of fanatics, madmen and tyrants. The exhibit fills more than 4000 sq. ft. Spend an hour here and you will better know the nature of fear. Are you brave enough?
Reviewed By U4963OBkatel
The micro art museum portion showed amazing talent. The medieval museum with the audio tour was worth a visit. Interesting and historical facts were explained.
