The Golden Isles

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park  opened on May 20, 1893. Not only does it have over 20 species of crocodilians, but also a variety of other reptiles, mammals and birds. Lots of birds!  It is more like a zoo than a farm with exhibits, animal performances and educational demonstrations. It is a great place for young and old alike!

The Flagler College Tour, a 45 minute guided tour, should really be called Ponce de Leon Hotel tour. Built by Henry Flagler, oil and railroad magnate, the 1887 structure is still one of the best examples anywhere of Spanish Renaissance architecture. The Tours which are daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM  offers a glimpse of the grandeur that was the Hotel. Yes, it does house some of the college, but emphasizes stories and pictures of the Flagler era.  Dramatic ceiling murals depict Spanish ships, nautical creatures, zodiac signs and the four seasons. Encircling the room are 100 gold lion's heads with lights shining out of their mouths from the original hotel.   You don't want to miss it!

The Lightner Museum, right across the street from Flagler College,  opened its doors in 1880's as another one of Flagler's hotels, Hotel Alcazar, with what was at the time the largest indoor swimming pool in the world!   The building features soaring ceilings, and enough marble to refill a quarry.

The Oldest House Museum complex on St. Franics Street dates back to 1727, but the site has been occupied since the 1600's. Lots of history to see and read about here.

Remember to stroll down St. George Street many people like the shops there and just the ambiance.

At the end of St. George Street near the City Gates there is the Greek Orthodox shrine -St. Pothios - tells the journey of the first Greek settlers-coming over as indentured servants to Florida and setting here. Many icons, murals very spiritual place.

If you're visiting for the first time I highly recommend the Castillo San Marcos with various colonial re-enactments going on.  The Fort is the city's largest landmark; never taken in battle. Construction of the coquina fort began in 1672.


Fort Matanzas is a Spanish "outlook" fort that was built between 1740 & 1742 on Anastasia island about 16 miles down A1A south near Crescent Beach. There is no admission charge for the site, the eight minute video or the five minute boat ride to the fort. It is an "interactive fort" where one is allowed to climb up to the roof on a wooden ladder so children of all ages love it. Oooh, and on the first Saturday of the month we fire cannons/muskets at Fort Matanzas (tour is free, donation requested to help us buy more black powder...our supplies from Spain are slow in coming!), per Cap'n.. Across the highway from Ft. Matanzas is an isolated beach with drive-on access. If parking in the beach lot, be sure not to leave any valuables within view in your car.