The Best St. Augustine Museums
When people first think of American history, their mind probably turns to the revolutionary war, Virginia, and the Founding Fathers. But if you want an in-depth look into the past, you have to look further south.
St. Augustine is considered the first city in America. Settled by the Spanish in the 1500s, our city has become a beacon of early American history and the perfect place to vacation! Check out some of these museums to get a feel for what our quaint city has to offer.
Lightner Museum
Address: 75 King St, St. Augustine, FL
Hours: 9AM - 5PM
Admission
Adults: $17
Children (12-17): $10
What is in the Lightner Museum?
The Lightner Museum is the fanciest museum in all of St. Augustine, and has artifacts, artistry, and architecture for you to view. It’s a wonderful tour that should be at the top of your list on your St. Augustine itinerary.
Norman Rockwell Museum
Address: 26 Spanish St, St. Augustine, FL
Hours: Contact at 904-325-6188 for more information.
You may not have heard of Norman Rockwell before, but chances are you’ve seen some of his work. This American illustrator has his own museum in St. Augustine, that highlights some of the popular magazine covers throughout his career.
Running from the 1910s until the mid-60s, you’ll have the chance to appreciate his work and the history that inspired them.
Spanish Military Hospital Museum
Address: 3 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL
Hours: 9AM - 5PM
While this looks like a traditional Spanish building on the outside, inside lies the history of Spanish medicine. Surprisingly, the Spaniards were hundreds of years ahead of their time when it came to medicinal work. Discover how that is possible at this adorable museum.
Medieval Torture Museum
Address: 100 St George St, St. Augustine, FL
Hours: 10AM - 10PM
Admission
$19.99
The macabre side of St. Augustine should not be ignored. If you are interested in ghost hunting or just want a creepy museum to explore, this one is your best bet. With over 100 different exhibits to view, it’s a chilling experience viewing some of the worst parts of world history. It’s fascinating, yet morbid.
Check out some of the pictures on their website to see if this is good for your party. Probably not good for kids.
St. Augustine Oldest House
Address: 271 Charlotte St, St. Augustine, FL
Hours: 10AM - 5PM
Admission
Adults: $10
Seniors, Military: $7
Family (2 adults and 2 children): $23
The oldest house in St. Augustine is a wonderful sight! Tours of this home run every half hour, and you’ll be able to explore the various rooms in the home, the decorated gardens, the Surf Culture Museum, and more!
Father Miguel
O'Reilly House Museum
Address: 32 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL
Hours: Contact at 904-826-0750
The O’Reilly House was built in 1691, and is heralded as a sacred space in Catholic history. Fathers taught students in this house about God and religious education.
Appreciate how Catholicism expanded and influenced many of the Spanish explorers in the area. It’s a wondrous story.
Governor House
Address: 48 King St, St. Augustine, FL
Hours: 10AM - 5PM (Wednesday - Sunday)
Art connoisseurs will be delighted to explore the Governor’s House in downtown St. Augustine. This museum is focused on maintaining the artistic merit of our beautiful city. Come here to explore the various collections from painters classic and modern.
The Casablanca Inn on the Bay has a historical charm of its own. If you want to throw yourself back in time for a whole vacation, we are the place to try it! Book a room with us today—your vacation will make history!