Add the Lightner Museum as a stop when visiting St. Augustine! The museum is located in the heart…read moreof the city in what use to be the Alcazar Hotel, a Gilded Age Resort. The building architecture and the gardens are beautiful. There were many collections to peruse, which were housed on 3 levels. It took us about two hours to make our way through, but you could easily spend 3 if you take your time and read everything. The floors all have a front and rear. The best suggestion we were given is to start on the 3rd floor an make our way down. The staff on hand were friendly and readily available to answer any of your questions. You can make a reservation for lunch at the Cafe, which is located on the lower level of what was once a pool.

Love coming here! The history of the museum is fascinating and the exhibits are amazing! If you…read morelove art this is a place you'll not want to miss! You might even want to continue to support them by becoming a member. TIP: You can become a member of the museum for as little as $50. per year. Membership supports everything they do at the museum, from exciting new exhibitions and engaging programs, to the preservation of their historic building and collections. According to their website, every membership to the Lightner Museum includes: * Unlimited free admission to the museum's permanent galleries and exhibitions for a full year * Invitations to Members-only previews of special exhibitions * Discounts on select events and programs There are many more perks and additional levels of membership. For additional information and to purchase memberships online, go to lightnermuseum.org Support your local arts.

So much fun for all ages bring family and friends you learn so history come early beat the crowds…read moreit is magical fun amazing come on the weekdays so important the staff is very nice and friendly and helpful and knowledgeable sweet understanding so clean and organized fun joyful unbelievable remarkable wonderful inspiring awesome I love coming here! From Lauren

Cool and educational experience. I definitely think if you have kids they will highly enjoy it! I…read moredefinitely learned a ton and had so much fun.

This was the first time for both of us, and in our opinion, it was completely worth the time and…read moremoney. It is definitely graphic, so keep that in mind, but it's also very informative and well done. We learned a lot about historical torture methods and the context behind them. While it's intense, it's also fascinating in a "history is wild" kind of way. If you're into darker history or want something different to do in St. Augustine, this is a solid experience. It also wasn't very crowded, which made it easier to take everything in at our own pace.

This museum focuses on torture, punishment, and execution methods from medieval times and other…read moreeras. Displays include the rack, iron maiden, torture chair, Spanish boot, pillory, barrel for drunkards, scales for determining witch status, and more. The 100+ items are replicas or recreations, but they're life-size and historically accurate. The museum is part of a chain with locations in Chicago and LA, and admission includes an audio guide for your phone. It was interesting, but definitely dark and not for everyone. They also use wax figures to show how the devices worked, which makes it feel even more intense. Only complaint: Price is a bit high and less worth it IMO...

This family owned museum has so many treasures inside and outside. If you are interested in Arabic…read moreand Asian architure and accessories, then you definitely need to visit this amazing 2 story museum. There are no elevators. I tried to pick the best photos that I could but there is so much there to photograph that you will just need to visit to see it all for yourself. The audio tours average between 45 and 60 minutes depending on the pace that you are comfortable with. Touring the Villa Zorayda Museum requires standing and walking for the length of your visit. Limited seating is available in certain areas. The tickets are $15 with a discount for seniors. The family members,are there to answer any questions. There is parking nearby. This place is located across from the Lightner Museum. Make this a priority if you love all things Arabic and Asian.

I was humbled by this beautiful museum as i enjoyed the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the…read morespectacular Villa Zorayda. This is a family owned and operated museum and there were members of the family working this evening. They are there to answer any questions and to help you have an enjoyable visit. This is a lovely Gilded Age museum filled with beautiful visions in antiques of the time. Superbly maintained, full of knowledge... just waiting for you to absorb! I will not go into a detailed review of this museum, but instead, will leave you with a collage of fantastic photos for your enjoyment. The pictures speak volumes. There is too much information to put in a single review. Instead, go online and purchase a ticket for the beautiful Christmas tree lighting ceremony each Christmas season! There is a video of the tree lighting itself included. It is a beautiful humbling experience that is perfect for the holiday season located in the gorgeous Christmas town of Saint Augustine beach downtown historic district. The museum is also open throughout the year for regular viewing. For more information, the website is below. Enjoy! villazorayda.com

Family went over memorial weekend. There were quite a few interactive exhibits that didn't work…read more The 3rd floor was closed down and the 2nd floor near the planetarium didn't make sense. You can tell the museum is closing down. The shows in the planetarium were great. They were very educational and entertaining. Other than that my other favorite part was the "Currents of Time." Seeing the evolution of the Jacksonville area. I definitely will check out the new location once it's done.

What a happy celebration day for the museum as they transition to a bigger and modern caliber for…read morethe city. I learned that the museum of science is expanding to a new home and it will take some years for the official move and space. Throughout my travels , looking for staples in the community that offer hands on learning, family friendly spaces, and a budgeted treat truly takes time to explore. Today I walked through showcases filled with history from the Victorian era; some relics were plants and photos from the 1970! I hadn't been inside a planetarium in a few years and you still appreciate the wonder when you hear children awe at the science and story telling in front of their eyes. All the staff were incredible , helping answer and questions they had- a major shout out to Vystar credit union as a volunteer partner making the day impactful for the masses. Go visit your museum- science centers- arts locations as we are continuously evolving in science and expanding our living history. Today was special!

Cafe is managed by The Chef's Garden catering and they serve a variety of different dishes - in a…read morevery small kitchen. Reservations are important - especially with any groups. My go to is tomato bisque soup and the gourmet grilled cheese. The Cobb salads are delicious too -- and a signature dish is Shrimp & Grits. When we were there, a server had called in sick and Tracy was running in and out trying to keep up - she did a great job! The museum is outstanding - the staff very welcoming and friendly. The exhibits are excellent and the displays highlight the work. Self-guided tours are no problem - as many placards provide insights. The grounds - simply beautiful. Definitely recommend a visit!

The museum was having a plant market right in front of the museum a few weeks ago and that's what…read moredrew me into coming here. The vendor I bought from told me that it was free that day to go into the museum and Gardens so my family and I decided to look at the beautiful garden to welcome spring. Sadly, we didn't have time to explore the inside of the museum, but that will be for next time. The garden is absolutely stunning and breathtaking with a plethora of colors and the river in the back it's just so pretty. I loved how you could just walk around and see the different parts of the garden and then stand by the river as well. They had super unique flowers. I especially loved the ones that looked like little red lanterns and I loved all the beautiful trees. I was so happy to come here and I loved that they had a little plant market that drew you in to come and actually check out the garden. I can't wait to go back and explore the museum and make a whole day out of it. You definitely need to add this to your list if you haven't gone yet.

Spoiler alert: I think this is a must see while visiting St Augustine! Wasn't sure what to expect…read morefrom the lighthouse visit. The fee at first seemed a little steep. But, it was worth every penny of it (see last paragraph for additional things to see on the property). This lighthouse was lovingly restored by a group of passionate people- who also kept the property from being razed and becoming condominiums! The preservation work is ongoing and informative. The history is very interesting- you will see it as you climb the stairs up the lighthouse. One story about a cat and a parachute was particularly interesting. The staff member at the top of the lighthouse was very informative. The glass prisms making up the light part are amazingly beautiful, and so are the views from the top of surrounding Anastasia Island! The lighthouse itself maybe the main draw, but the property offers much more to visit. There is an archeological preservation building - which you can enter and discover how they preserve historical items. There is the lighthouse keepers house to explore. Several small sailing boats are on the premises with information regarding their history,and also a short trail through native trees and plants. A small restaurant/ snack bar is also located on the premises.

The lighthouse is a MUST when visiting St. Augustine! It's a bit of a climb to the top, but the…read moreviews are incredible and totally worth it. I especially enjoyed learning about the history of the lighthouse, and the ghost stories added a really fun, slightly spooky touch. Definitely add this to your St. Aug itinerary! Images: The lighthouse and the view from the top

The Colonial Quarter consists of both street traffic and pedestrian zones. Parking can be difficult…read moreand expensive, but this area is worth it. The CQ is filled with little shops and eateries that will be of interest to all tastes. Some shops sell run-of-the-mill souvenirs, and some sell out of the ordinary/unexpected ones. Not every souvenir has to have St. Augustine on it, after all! The oldest wooden school house in America can be found here, as well as a living history tour which gives you a taste of what it was like to live here in the 1700's. In my opinion, this is the heart of tourist attractions in St. Augustine, with several more in all directions. The Colonial Quarter is where the party is at. Don't miss out. 107/2025

First time just walking around and exploring. It was a nice experience with some very cool shops…read moreand sights.

This is the oldest house in St Augustine It has held up very well for about 400 years with a few…read morerenovations and additions in the early 1700s in Spanish architecture. I was amazed at how well it looks. The garden is beautiful in ornamental style. The Oldest House Museum is located in St. Augustine, Florida in St. Johns County, Florida. It is operated by the St. Augustine Historical Society and includes the González-Alvarez House, the Manucy Museum of local history and the Edwards Gallery. The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person for the guided tour and lasts about 1/2 hour.

Lynda was a wonderful tour guide! Such a great quick excursion to take on your way around town…read more It's half off if you are staying at the st Francis inn.

Excellent place and we enjoyed Carmen who greeted us. Fun place and lots to see! Lots of Titanic…read moremovie props and some actual artifacts from the ship itself. Plus some antique guns that were interesting. They also had a display of the SS Central America which I had read about in the Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea book. Great stuff.

Actual artifacts from treasure ships to the Titanic. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable…read more My kids especially enjoyed using the metal detectors to find treasure in the back courtyard!