Museum culture in St. Augustine!

Fountain of Youth

Why Visit?

Embark on a journey through time at the legendary Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a site brimming with history and allure in St. Augustine, Florida. This landmark claims the spot where Ponce de Leon, the Spanish explorer, might have landed in 1513, seeking waters that would grant eternal youth.

Starting Your Tour

Begin your exploration at the visitor center where you can purchase tickets and grab a map. The park is typically open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, but check the website or call ahead as hours may vary seasonally.

Attractions and Route

After entering, head straight to the Discovery Globe, a detailed representation of the Earth as it was known in the 16th century. Here, you can appreciate the daunting scale of early global exploration.

Next, make your way to the Spring House, home to the fabled Fountain of Youth. Drink from the spring and delve into the stories of indigenous tribes and Spanish settlers who believed in its restorative powers. The water, rich in minerals, has been scientifically analyzed and is safe to consume.

Stroll over to the Timucuan village reconstruction to see the historically accurate huts, a striking contrast to the nearby 600-foot Founders Riverwalk that offers views of the marshes where the Timucuans fished and gathered oysters.

Don’t Miss

- Planetarium: Attend a show to learn how explorers navigated by the stars.

- Cannon Firing Demonstration: Check the times to watch a live cannon firing, a highlight that brings the militaristic past of the area to life with booming authenticity.

Getting There

The park is located at 11 Magnolia Avenue. If driving, it’s easily accessible via major roads and has plenty of parking. Public transportation options are available, including local buses that stop nearby.

Interesting Fact

The site not only offers a peek into early colonial history but also features archaeologically supported evidence of the Timucua, a Native American tribe that inhabited this area long before European arrival.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

St. Augustine Old Jail

Why Visit?

A Cultural Step Back in Time: St. Augustine Old Jail

Welcome to the St. Augustine Old Jail, an arresting piece of Florida’s history that offers an immersive glimpse into the life of inmates back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Getting There: Nestled in historic St. Augustine, the easiest way to reach the Old Jail is by car or taking a trolley tour that stops at the museum. If you’re situated downtown, hop on the Old Town Trolley Tour; it offers stops at the Old Jail along with other historical attractions, making for a convenient circuit.

Starting Your Tour: Begin your visit at the front gates of this imposing Victorian-style building, constructed in 1891 by the Pauly Jail Building Company and originally designed to be more humane than its predecessors, although by today"s standards, still quite harsh. It functioned as the St. Johns County Jail until 1953.

Exploring the Museum: Step inside and you’ll find yourself transported to another era. Guided tours led by knowledgeable guides in period costumes are available, providing vivid narrations of the jail’s grim history and tales of its inmates. You’ll see the original cells, gallows, and sheriff"s living quarters. Each corner of this historical site offers a story, from tales of daily inmate life to daring escape attempts.

Not-to-be-Missed: Make sure to visit the maximum-security area and the solitary confinement cells to feel the intense atmosphere that inmates once endured. The weaponry exhibition is also a fascinating insight into the era"s law enforcement tools.

Insider Tip: Try to catch the daytime tours for a detailed historical context or opt for the evening ghost tour, which offers a spookier experience with tales of paranormal activities reported by visitors and staff alike.

Before You Leave: Check out the gift shop for unique souvenirs like replica jail keys or historical books that delve deeper into the intriguing past of the Old Jail.

Plan Your Visit: The St. Augustine Old Jail is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased as part of the Old Town Trolley package or individually at the gate.

Immerse yourself in the captivating history of St. Augustine through the stark and storied walls of the Old Jail.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Lightner Museum

Why Visit?

Unveiling the Treasures of Lightner Museum: A Guided Tour Itinerary

Morning Arrival

Step into the enchanting world of the Lightner Museum, housed in the former Alcazar Hotel built by Henry M. Flagler in 1888, located at 75 King Street, St. Augustine, Florida. Accessible via the Old Town Trolley Tours or a short walk from the historic district"s central Plaza de la Constitución, the museum opens its doors at 9:00 AM. Begin your journey in the grand lobby, where the opulence of the Gilded Age sets a lavish backdrop for the day ahead.

First Stop - Fine and Decorative Arts

Start on the first floor exploring Victorian-era fine and decorative arts. Marvel at intricate examples of cut glass, Victorian art glass, and the stunning stained glass work by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Learn about the craftsmanship and historical context of each piece, bringing the bygone era to life.

Mid-Morning - Music and Science Room

Ascend to the second floor"s Music and Science Room. Here, you can discover an impressive collection of mechanical musical instruments, including a magnificent orchestrion that still plays music from the past. Don"t miss the quirky Victorian science and natural history collections, featuring everything from shrunken heads to preserved specimens.

Lunch Break

Take a midday break at the Café Alcazar, located in the deep end of what used to be the world"s largest indoor swimming pool. Enjoy a light lunch beneath the 30-foot ceilings and amidst the architectural splendor of the historic pool area.

Afternoon - Costumes and Furnishings

Reenergized, proceed to explore the third floor"s extensive collection of 19th-century costumes and furnishings. The period rooms depict life during America"s Gilded Age, offering a glimpse into the everyday luxury of the era"s elite.

Wrap Up

Conclude your visit by strolling through the museum"s gift shop, perhaps finding a keepsake or a book about the Gilded Age to remember your journey through time at the Lightner Museum. Before leaving, take a moment to appreciate the Spanish Renaissance architecture, a hallmark of Flagler"s vision for luxury and elegance.

Plan to spend around 2-3 hours to fully savor the Lightner Museum"s artifacts and ambience, making sure to check for any special exhibitions or events during your visit.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Potter"s Wax Museum

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through history and celebrity at Poters Wax Museum in St. Augustine, Florida—the oldest wax museum in the United States! Established in 1948 by George L. Potter, this enchanting museum offers a unique blend of education, artistry, and amusement, perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike.

Getting There

Potter"s Wax Museum is centrally located at 31 Orange Street, nestled in the heart of historic St. Augustine. It"s easily accessible by public transport or car, with ample parking available nearby. If you"re staying in the city, a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets can be a delightful start to your visit.

Your Visit

Begin your tour as soon as you step inside this magical space, housing over 160 life-size wax figures crafted by skilled artists. These figures span a wide range of categories from famous politicians, celebrities, and historical figures to fictional characters. Each figure is created with meticulous detail, often taking months to complete.

Must-Sees

1. Historical Figures: Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with influential personalities like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. Dive deeper into their stories and the museum"s history through interactive exhibits.

2. Celebrities: Snap a selfie with Hollywood stars such as Angelina Jolie or Johnny Depp. It’s a fun way to engage with contemporary culture.

3. Themed Rooms: Explore the themed rooms which are carefully curated to enhance the experience of the era or persona they represent.

Insider Tips:

- Allocate around 1-2 hours for a thorough visit to the museum.

- Check for any live demonstrations; these usually offer fascinating insights into the art of wax figure making.

- Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid larger crowds.

Interesting Facts:

Did you know that each hair on the wax figures is inserted individually by hand? This painstaking process ensures the utmost realism and attention to detail.

Finish your tour at the museum shop, where you can pick up unique souvenirs to remember your experience by. Potter"s Wax Museum not only offers a window into the worlds of various figures but also stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of wax sculpting.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Oldest Store Museum

Why Visit?

Explore the Charm of Commerce at the Olde Store Museum

Step into a delightful time capsule at the Oldest Store Museum, where the spirit of early 20th-century shopping comes alive. Nestled in the historic heart of St. Augustine, Florida, this museum offers a unique glimpse into the commercial life of the past.

Getting There

Located at 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, the museum is easily accessible by car and public transport. If you"re staying in downtown St. Augustine, the Red Train Tours offer a hop-on, hop-off experience that stops right at the museum"s doorstep. Parking is available on-site for those who prefer to drive.

Start Your Tour

Begin your visit at the entrance, where the charming facade of the museum invites you into a world frozen in time. The museum operates from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, making it a flexible stop on your itinerary. Purchase your tickets at the front desk—consider a combo ticket if you plan to visit other local attractions like the St. Augustine History Museum.

Inside the Museum

As you step inside, you"ll be greeted by costumed interpreters who enhance the immersive experience. Each corner of the store is meticulously preserved, featuring over 100,000 items that were once for sale in the early 1900s. From corsets and gramophones to bicycles and herbal remedies, each artifact tells a story of bygone days.

Interactive Experience

Engage with the demonstrations that bring old-world crafts and daily activities to life. Don"t miss the fascinating display of the then cutting-edge technology, like the vintage typewriters and cash registers, which were the forefront of business technology in their time.

Wrap Up Your Visit

End your tour with a visit to the gift shop, where you can pick up unique souvenirs that echo the vintage theme of the museum. Whether it"s a replica tin toy or a packet of historic postcards, you"ll find a memento that captures the nostalgic charm of the Oldest Store Museum.

Enjoy your journey through history at the Oldest Store Museum, where every item has a tale to tell!

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.