Lightner Museum - St. AugustineAngela Bridges: I am so glad we decided to do the Lightner museum while we were in St augustine. The history of the building along with the artifacts and unique art pieces were well worth our time. We spent about 2 hours and I definitely would like to return again the variety of pieces is remarkable!!
Ponce de Leons Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park - St. Augustineastrida mcfarland: We took a trolley tour to get here and got to enjoy the beautiful trees with Spanish Moss hanging from the branches as we entered the Historic Fountain of Youth park. You can buy your tickets at the entrance and either take the guided tour or do a
self-tour with the map they give you. We did the self tour and were there for about 3 hours in order to see everything. I watched as my daughter climbed up to the top of the water tower to see the beautiful views and photo ops. We also checked out the Fountain of Youth and drank from it. However, we have not become younger looking. Oh well. We also watched the cannon shooting demonstrations. The tour was worth going on. Tickets were $23 per adult.
The gift shop was great with all kinds of cool items about Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth.
I loved the Southern BBQ restaurant on premises. Delicious BBQ sandwiches and more. You gotta try it!
There is a large parking lot for free parking.
Ripleys Believe It or Not! - St. AugustineElizabeth Anne: Took a couple of my nieces. They have never been. They had a blast. The staff was so kind, helped us understand everything and everything told us about the 1 hour tour add-on. Which we did since it wasnt too hot. It was a great fun day.
Colonial Quarter - St. AugustineM. Dorn: Climb the watch tower for a great view of town then hope Cooper leads your tour. Cooper can perform pirate shanties on concertina (vintage accordion), blacksmith among flames and hot coals, even set off a cannon, while making all ages chuckle at his jokes. The price was worth the history lesson from Spanish to Colonial times. Walking by, I always thought the complex was larger, but the signage was informative. The ship was a nice surprise. There was one interactive video exhibit, and some pulleys with blocks for children to try their strength.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument - St. AugustineSharanya Sarkar: We had a wonderful time here! Its a perfect mix of stunning architecture, rich history, and natural beauty. We spent about an hour and a half strolling the perimeter, exploring the rooms, taking photos, and reading the historical details. We visited on a Monday morning in early May and it wasn’t too crowded, which made the experience even better. On a hot sunny day, the cool sea breeze made it feel like paradise. Parking was very reasonable (around $2/hour) and entry was $15 per person. Just a heads-up: tickets weren’t available in advance online, so we got them on-site.
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum - St. AugustineDan Blakeslee: Of all the pure museums in St. Augustine, this one has the most interesting artifacts, including coin clusters, movie props, and even the last remaining pirate chest on earth.
Its themed well, informative, and interactive, making it great for kids and adults alike. Last time I went, they had a scavenger hunt as well, and its not one of those hunts that are meant to prolong your experience to give the illusion that they have more than they do.
If you are in the area and are looking for something fun to do, this would be a great pick.
Oldest Store Museum - St. Augustineastrida mcfarland: This tour was really fun to go thru. I couldnt believe some of what I was seeing like items from a hundred years ago. Things have changed drastically since then. I loved the old time irons and kitchen utensils.
The tour guide was very knowledgeable of that time period and even got into character. There were thousands of items to look at. He did a thorough job of explaining.
The tickets are $14. 99 per person. The hours are daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
This tour was well worth visiting!
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park - St. AugustineGabriel Roman: We’ve been pass holders at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm for a while now, and it’s one of our favorite local spots. The season pass is a fantastic deal, especially if you live nearby or plan to visit more than once. However, the single-day admission does feel a bit pricey for the parks size, so the pass is the way to go if you’re a repeat visitor.
What makes this place stand out is the incredible variety of crocodilians—it’s one of the only places in the world where you can see all 24 species in one location. They also do meaningful conservation and education work, which we respect.
Beyond the alligators and crocodiles, the zoo features other reptiles, birds, and mammals, plus a lovely elevated boardwalk through the rookery. It’s a hidden gem for bird watchers and photographers—especially during nesting season when the trees are alive with activity.
We also really appreciate how ADA-compliant and stroller-friendly the entire park is. The paths are smooth and easy to navigate, which makes a big difference when visiting with young kids or anyone with mobility needs.
The playground is a great bonus for families, giving kids a space to burn off energy. And the gift shop is surprisingly good—well-stocked with quality items and some fun, unique finds. It’s one of the better zoo gift shops we’ve visited.
That said, if you’re not especially into crocodiles or reptiles, the experience may feel repetitive after a while. But for those who are—even just a little—the park offers a peaceful, well-kept setting to learn, explore, and enjoy nature.
Overall, the Alligator Farm is a unique and charming spot in St. Augustine.
Nights of Lights - St. AugustineTanvir Ahmed: Magical! St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is one of the most beautiful holiday displays I’ve ever seen. The entire historic downtown glows with millions of white lights—it feels like walking through a winter wonderland (minus the snow!). Great for photos, evening strolls, and holiday vibes. Highly recommend visiting during the season!
Fort Mose Historic State Park - St. AugustineRae Augenstein: Although weve been to StAug many times, this was our first time stopping at Ft Mose. Lovely, peaceful boardwalk through the marsh. Saw lots of birds and some animal tracks we couldnt figure out. Nice museum for $2 per person. Will definitely be back.
