Tourist Information and Attractions
Attractions:
St. Johns County Visitors & Convention Bureau 88 Riberia St. Suite 250 904-829-1711
St. Augustine / St. Johns County Visitor Information Center 10 Castillo Dr. 904-825-1000
St. Augustine / St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce 1 Riberia St. 904-829-5681
St. Augustine Beach Visitor Information Center St. Johns County Pier, A1A 904-471-1596
Anastasia State Recretation
Area Anastasia Island 1340 A1A South 904-461-2033 or 461-2000
This 1,700-acre recreation area has five miles of beach and features swimming, a bath house, fishing, beach equipment, rentals, canoes, nature trails, picnicking and camping.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Bridge Of Lions
(Downtown)
Two Carrara marble lions sculpted in the likeness of the Loggia Dei Lanzi in Florence anchor the historic bridge between St. Augustine and The Beaches of Anastasia Island.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Castillo De San Marcos National Monument
1 Castillo Dr. 904-829-6506
Originally built by the Spanish in 1672, this stone fortress was constructed with blocks of coquina. The shellrock was shipped over from nearby Anastasia Island by barge. The monument has been occupied by Spanish, Brithish and United States military. At one time it was used to house Native Americans during the 1870's and 1880's. The impressive fortress withstood many attacks and was never captured.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Cathedral of St. Augustine
40 Cathedral Street
This cathedral was originally built in 1793 and reconstructed in 1887 after a fire. It is the site of the oldest Catholic parish in the nation.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Catholic Basilica / Cathedral
36 Cathedral Place 904-824-2806
This ornate Spannish structure was originally built in 1797. The Catholic Church became a cathedral in 1870 and was elevated to the status of basilica in 1976. It was burned in 1887 but some of the original walls still stand.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
City Gates
(Downtown)
Originally St. Augustine was surrounded by a defense wall to protect the Colonial settlement. Today its ruins have been salvaged as a entry into the city. Part of the old barrier has been reconstructed on the green of Castillo de San Marcos.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Cross & Sword
1340 A1A South, Anastasia State Park 904-471-1965
Cross & Sword, Florida's official state play, tells the story of the setting of St. Augustine. While not presented in 1997 because of renovation of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, the play is expected to return during the summer of 1998. Other productions and special events are held at the amphitheatre throughout the year.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Fiesta Falls
818 A1A Beach Blvd. 904-461-5571
A Spanish village themed miniature golf course. Picnic facilities available for parties.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Flagler College
74 King Street 904-829-6481
This four-year independent liberal arts college, which has as its architectual focal point the Ponce De Leon Hotel built by Henry M. Flagler in 1888. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The collge plays an integral part in the community, offering cultrual and economic contributions to the life of St. Augustine. See a special section on Flagler College following this section.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Florida Heritage Museum
167 San Marco Ave. 904-829-3800
This museum features displays designed to spark the imagination. Visitors enter the Gilded Age of Henry M. Flagler as his story is told through unpublished photographs and artifacts.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Fort Matanzas National Monument
14 miles south of St. Augustine 8635 A1A 904-471-0116
The watchtower of Fort Matanzas, on Rattlesnake Island, served as an outpost warning the city of approaching invaders. The area is the site of the 1565 slaughter of French forces by the Spanish. The original wood and thatch was replaced by the present stone tower in 1742 and was used until 1821. The area is now a national park with beaches, surf casting and a ferry service. Grounds open 8:30 am - 5:30 pm; Visitor Center 9 am - 5 pm; ferry service 9:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Fountain of Youth
11 Magnolia Av. 904-829-3168
This is thought to be the first recorded North American Landmark. Located in a 21-acre archaeological park, the fountain is on the site claimed to be the landing place of Ponce De Leon in 1513. Features the Exployers Discovery Globe, a planetarium and Indian burial grounds.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Government House Museum
48 King St. 904-825-5033
This museum presents the history of St. Augustine from its founding to the beginning of this century through a variety of exhibits.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Historic Villages of St. Augustine
San Marco Av. at S.R. 16 904-471-9010
This hands-on living history museum chronicles the history of St. Augustine from pre-European times to 1845. Featured are villages representing the natives of the area (the Timucua), the early Spanish settlers and the First British settlers.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Llambias House
31 St. Francis St. 904-824-3044
Built in 1763 out of coquina by Pedro Fernandez, the house is registered as a national historic place. Open the third Sunday of every month. Closed holidays. Available to rent for weddings, receptions, and other group meetings.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Lighthouse & Museum
81 Lighthouse Av. 904-829-0745
Visitors can climb the 219 steps to the top of the 1874 lighthouse for a panoramic view of the city and tour the museum housed in the restored keepers dwelling. Exhibits, a period room and a video theater tell the story of the lightkeepers and the lights they tended.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Lightner Museum
75 King St. 904-824-2874
The refurbished and restored building which houses the Lightner Museum was originally the 300-room Alcazar Hotel built by Henry Flagler in 1888. Otto C. Lightner, a Chicago publisher, bought the hotel in 1947 to hold his huge collection of Victorian era memorabilia. The museum features collections of art, porcelain, Tiffany glass, 19th century musical instruments, needlework, furniture, dolls and more.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Marineland
9507 Ocean Shore Blvd. 904-471-1111
The world's first oceanarium (1938) is located on the ocean between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. Among the attractions are "educated" dolphin shows, an electric eel show, a "jumping dolphin" show, and two oceanariums with 300 underwater viewing windows. The complex also has a restaurant, hotel, campground and marina.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Memorial Presbyterian Church
36 Sevilla St. 904-829-6451
The church was built in 1889 by Henry Flagler as a memorial to his daughter Jennie Louise Benedict who died giving birth. Flagler and several family members are buried in an attached mausoleum. The structure is a fine example of Venetian Renaissnace architecture. A 150-foot dome mirroring St. Marks Cathedral in Italy rises above the signature terra-cotta detailing of the sanctuary.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Mission of Nombre De Dios & Shrine of Our Lady of LaLeche
San Marco Av. at Ocean Av. 904-824-2809
America's first mission and the site where the first mass was celebrated by Father Lopez De Mendoza Grajales in St. Augustine, in 1565. The chapel is a functioning church of the Diocese of St. Augustine. A 208-foot stainless steel cross marks the site of the city's founding.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Museum of Weapons & Early American History
81-C King Street 904-829-3727
This museum features weapons and items of early American history, such as a beaded and feathered Indian rifle used during General Custer's bloody battle and the piano of John Tyler, 10th president of the United States. The museum has one of the most extensive Civil War collections in the United States.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
North American Top Gun
904-823-3505
Fly like the Aces of yesteryear in an authentic World War II Warbird. Options include a video tape of your flight, a front cockpit checkout, loops, rolls and more. Whether you want a leisurely sightseeing trip or a thrilling aerobatic adventure, each flight is custom tailored to you. For the ultimate experience take a one-day Air Combat Course and actually dog-fight with another Warbird. No previous flying experience necessary. This is no simulator. This is the real thing. It will be you at the controls of an authentic 1940's Vintage TEXAN. Located at the St. Augustine Airport, 5 miles north of downtown on US 1.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Old Drugstore
31 Orange St. 904-824-2269
Mechanical figures guide visitors through the early years of medical care in St. Augustine. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the store has been restored to the mid-1880's style.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Old Jail
167 San Marco Av. 904-829-3800
Originally the St. Johns County Jail, it was built in 1890-91 in Victorian Queen Anne style and remained in service until 1953. Now a National Historic Site, the building contains early American criminology exhibits, weapons and displays dealing with prison life.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Oldest House
14 St. Francis St. 904-824-2872
This National Historic Landmark is also known as the Gonzalez-Alverez house. Believed to have been occupied continuously since 1727, the house is now owned and operated by the St. Augustine Historical Society.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Old Huguenot Cemetary
St. Augustine's oldest protestant burying ground. In Spanish colonial times this spot was sometimes used as a potter's field and as a burial ground for criminals and excommunicates. During the 19th century, St. Augustine's most illustrious were burried here. Located just north of the city gates in old St. Augustine.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Oldest Store Museum
4 Artillery Ln. 904-829-9729
A showcase of authentic memorabilia from the turn-of-the-century. Over 100,000 vintage items are on display, including high-wheeled bicycles, Gibson girl corsets, vehicles and more.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Oldest Wooden Shool House
14 St. George St. 904-824-0192
The school house was built over 200 years ago during the first Spanish occupation. The schoolmaster and his wife lived upstairs, above the small classroom. Related artifacts and copies of school books are exhibited.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Pena-Peck House
143 St. George Street 904-829-5064
Home of the royal Spanish treasurer and Dr. Seth Peck family, this house is a St. Augustine original. It was built in the 1740's and constructed of stone, coquina and wood. It has been preserved and furnished and is now a house museum.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Ponce de Leon Golf Course
4000 US 1 North 904-824-2821
This course, designed by Donald Ross, is challenging and exciting. The 18 hole Championship Course is located in a beautiful setting in historic St. Augustine. It offers a 9 hole Executive Course and an 18 hole Putting Course.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Potter's Wax Museum
17 King St. 904-829-9056
Some 160 life-size, three dimensional figures bring history alive. These life-size wax figures of famous historical personalities are on permanent display, in authentic wardrobes and settings.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum
19 San Marco Av. 904-824-1606
Robert L. Ripley, called the "Modern Marco Polo," traveled to more than 198 countries to gather the some 750 items on display. Subjects range from unusual people and animals to bizarre inventions, puzzles and hobbies, such as da Vinci's famous "The Last Supper" sculpted from grocery bags.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
St. Augustine Alligator Farm
999 Anastasia Blvd. 904-824-3337
The Farm offers alligators and crocodiles at the world's original alligator attraction, plus monkeys, deer and ecotic birds. Established in 1893, this attraction affords a close-up glimpse of alligators feeding and sunbathing, plus Florida wildlife shows. Features all 22 species of the world's crocodilians.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
St. Augustine Visitor Center Theater
10 Castillo Dr. 904-825-1000
The theater in the Visitor Information Center features a film about the founding of St. Augustine life in the city in 1576.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
St. George Street
The center of the 11 block historic district. Stroll the car free lanes bordered with restored 18th century Spanish Colonial cottages, restaurants and discover shops.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
St. Johns Greyhound Park
US 1 North & Race Track Rd. 904-646-0205
Greyhound racing track features a restaurant and open-air grandstand.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
St. Photios Chapel
41 St. George Street 904-829-8205
This is the first national shrine of the Greek Orthidox Church in North America. The chapel commemorates the first colony of Greeks to arrive in North America in 1768, who settled in St. Augustine.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
San Sebastian Winery
157 King Street 904-826-1594
The St. Augustine winery offers free tours and tastings. It also has a wine/gift shop and a picnic area.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Spanish Quarter Museum
29 St. George Street 904-825-6830
This is a living history museum of America's Spanish heritage. Includes restored and recreated homes and gardens in the small Spanish community where early settlers and soldiers lived before the American Revolution. Daily lifestyles of former occupants are reenacted by guides and craftsmen dressed in period clothing.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Spanish Military Hospital
3 Aviles Street 904-825-6808
This exhibit shows Spanish military hospital life of 1791 and treatment provided soldiers.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Stock Time- "The World of Castles & Forts"
61 Spanish Street 904-824-4400
The new St. Augustine attraction features recreations of famous castles, forts, tombs, shrines and churches from throughout the world.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains
170 San Marco Av. 904-829-6545
Interesting and educational lectures while you sit back and enjoy the sights of St. Augustine. First tour: 8:30 am, last tour at 5:00 pm.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
St. Augustine Trolley Tours
167 San Marco Av. 904-829-3800
Sightseeing Tours with step-off privileges on the Green and White open-air trolleys (enclosed trolleys in case of inclement weather). Main Tour Station at Old Jail Complex, (Free Parking). Hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Trinity Episcopal
904-824-2876
Dating back to 1825, it represents the beginning of Protestantism in Florida. Although major remodeling occured at the turn of the century, the cypress shingle spire remains unchanged and St. Peter's Chapel within commemorates the original parish church and an earlier santuary.
Victory III Scenic Cruise
Departs from Municipal Marina, one block south of the Bridge of Lions
Enjoy a 1 hour, 15 minute scenic cruise along Matanzas Bay. Call for schedule.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Whetstone's Chocolate Factory
2 Coke Rd. 904-825-1700
Visitors can see chocolates being made on free self-guided tours. Free samples. Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Whitebirds Family Fun Center
701 Anastasia Blvd. 904-825-0101
This center offers 18 holes of miniature golf and a 5,400-square-foot arcade games room. Open daily.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
World Golf Hall of Fame
904-273-3350
Opened in Spring of 1998, the World Golf Hall of Fame honors golf's greatest players and contributors to the game. The 75,000-square-foot World Golf Hall of Fame building includes more than 70 exhibits that combine historic artifacts with the latest interactive technology. The Hall of Fame will be the centerpiece of the World Golf Village, which also includes an IMAX Theatre, the Walk of Champions and World Golf Library.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Ximenez-Fatio House
20 Aviles Street 904-829-3575
A National Historic Place, the house was built out of coquina around 1797 by spanish merchant Andre Ximenez. Louisa Fatio aquired the house in 1855 and was one of many women who operated it as a boarding house.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
Zorayda Castle
83 King Street 904-824-3097
Built in 1883, the Zorayda is a one-tenth scale architectural replica of a wing of the Alhambra Castle in Granada, Spain. The collection includes a variety of Chinese cloisonne, furniture, Arabian brass pieces and rugs.
Click here to see photo's of this attraction
SHOPPING
From souvenirs to fashions, art to antiques, St. Johns County has something to offer for every
shopper. The St. Augustine Historic District offers more than 80 shops and restaurants and
there are more than 35 antique shops and some 20 galleries in the county, Ponte Vedra is known for its resort botiques and the St. Augustine Outlet Mall has more than 90 stores offering factory direct savings in clothing, home accessories and more. For information, stop by the St. Augustine Visitors Center at 10 Castillo Drive (825-1000).
Click here to see photo's
THE ARTS
St. Augustine Art Association
Much of the visual arts activity in St. Johns County centers around the St. Augustine Art Association and its Art Center / Gallery at 22 Marine Street, St. Augustine. The Association traces its beginnings to 1924. The gallery features a regular series of exhibitions. The gallery is open noon to 4 pm Tuesday - Saturday and 2 - 5 pm Sunday.
904-824-2310
Click here to see photo's
PARKS AND RECREATION
City / County Recreation
With beautiful weather year - round, miles of sandy beaches and waters with numerous fish, outdoor recreation plays a prominent role for visitors and residents of St. Johns County. For information contact:
St. Augustine & St. Johns County Recreation Department 904-471-6616
Click here to see photo's
STATE PARKS
Anastasia State Recreation Area
This is a protected bird sanctuary with 1,700 acres of ancient oaks, sand dunes rimming five miles of beach and tidal marshes along Salt Run Lagoon. The area offers camping, a bath house, fishing, nature trails, picnic facilities, interpretive programs, sailboards, canoes, beach equipment rentals during summer months and a windsurfing area.
1340-A A1A South 904-461-2033
Faver-Dykes State Park
This 1,450 - acre park of pine and palmetto forest borders the marshes of Pellicer Creek aquatic preserve. It offers camping sites, fishing, canoeing, nature trails and picnic facilities.
1000 Faver - Dykes Road, off US 1 (15 miles south of St. Augustine) 904-794-0997.
Guana River State Park
This is a 2,200 - acre sanctuary for endangered species with five miles of coastal strand, Indian mounds, salt marshes and pine flatwood. It offers freshwater and saltwater fishing, boating, ocean swimming and surfing, hiking and biking.
Off A1A, Ponte Vedra Beach 904-825-5071
Washington Oaks State Park
This park features lovely gardens, a coquina beach, picnic areas, nature trails, ocean swimming and fishing. No campgrounds.
A1A south, 2 miles south of Marineland 904-446-6780
Click here to see photo's