Indoor Activities in St. Augustine, Florida

A wonderful city to visit in search of indoor activities which is located approximately forty minutes southeast of Jacksonville and is the oldest European city in America is St. Augustine. Here you will find a city abundant with history as it boasts many restored and reconstructed colonial structures some dating back to circa 1706.

If you're looking for a place to visit with charm and history the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum is the perfect place to go that will thrill young and old alike. Construction on the lighthouse was completed in 1874, replacing the original watchtower which was the first lighthouse in 1824 and was threatened by shoreline erosion.

When visiting this historical site, it's best to bring your walking shoes and be prepared to climb the 219 steps to witness some of the most spectacular views for miles around. There is a self-guided audio tour and the tour of the keeper's house is a museum pertaining to the history of the lighthouse and the keepers house. The museum archives and library provide a wealth of information regarding maritime history as well as including collections of documents, maps and photographs.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. seven days a week and
is located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. St. Augustine, FL 32080. 904-829-0745

Step back in history for a glimpse into 19th century daily life at the Lightner Museum. Built by Henry Flagler in 1887, this Spanish Renaissance structure was originally the lavish Alcazar Hotel. Presently this three story museum exhibits relics of America's Gilded Age displaying costumes, furnishings, artifacts and mechanical musical instruments. Find a wide variety of collections from various cultures including Native American, Oriental and American. There is an extensive glass collection including Tiffany pieces and more.

The lobby of the Lightner Museum has been restored to replicate the early days as the Alcazar Hotel and the ballroom and health facilities have also been restored to their original splendor. The museum hosts a Science and Industry Room as well as a Music Room and magnificent views from the third floor mezzanine.

The Lightner Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily and is located at 75 King St, St.
Augustine, FL 32084. 904-824-2874

A visit to St. Augustine can not be complete until you have visited The Oldest House Museum. The González-Alvarez House is the oldest surviving Spanish Colonial dwelling in Florida and dates back to the early 1700's. Visitors have toured the house since 1893 to learn how the residents had lived and to experience the Spanish, British and American occupations of St. Augustine. This house gives visitors insight into the day to day activities of what life was like when our country was just beginning.

There is a museum which depicts the story of St. Augustine, it's exploration and settlement and details that cover over 400 years of Florida's history. The museum also features changing exhibits outlining the home's history as well as a store offering some of the finest local and Florida history books around. The site also offers a glimpse of the plants common to early colonists in an ornamental garden. In 1970 the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the house a National Historic Landmark.

The Oldest House Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and is located at 271 Charlotte St, St. Augustine, FL 32084. 904-824-2872.