The museums in St. Augustine, Florida are a wealth of history, art, and culture, making the city a treasure trove for explorers and visitors. In the post below, we cover all the unique and fascinating experiences to be had at all 27 museums found in this historic city. As you are planning your travel, you can use this guide to discover an array of experiences that celebrate the heritage and history of the nation’s oldest city.

Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

How to See the Most Museums in St. Augustine Florida

Ok, so 27 is a lot of museums in St. Augustine Florida. In fact, St. Augustine is home to more museums than any other city in Florida. To be honest, this is likely true in comparison to most of the United States too with exceptions being places like Washington D.C. or New York. So, if you want to make the most of your trip and see as many museums in St. Augustine Florida that you can, then here’s the best way to do it… A trolley tour!!

You will find these trolleys running regularly all over this historic city and with their unlimited hop on and off option, it’s the best way to get around to see many of these great historical sites.

Museums in St. Augustine, Florida

1. Lightner Museum

• Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm.
  • Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
• Admission:
  • Adults (18-64): $19
  • Seniors (65+), Military (with ID), College Students: $16
  • Youth (12-17): $12
  • Children (11 and under): Free

The Lightner Museum is in the heart of St. Augustine and walkable from all major tourist attractions. This museum in St. Augustine is located inside the old Hotel Alcazar, a former resort hotel. Built in a stunning Spanish Renaissance revival, it was completed in 1888. Housing the largest indoor pool of the time (during the Gilded Age), you can learn more about those days by going on a pool tour at 11am or 2pm. Inside the museum, you will find beautifully compelling collections that are both eclectic and engaging. There are special events happening here each month, so be sure to check out the Lightner Museum Events page. The Lightner Museum has something for everyone, and children under 12 are always free, which makes a walk through the museum a great family-friendly activity. 

2. St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum 

• Hours: Open daily from 10am to 7pm
  • Closed Christmas Day
• Admission:
  • Adults: $18.99
  • Seniors (60+), Military (with ID): $15.99
  • Children (5-12): $9.99
  • Children under 5: Free

If you have children, you will be hard-pressed to leave Saint Augustine without visiting the Pirate and Treasure Museum. This museum in St. Augustine holds over 800 artifacts celebrating the history of pirates – both real and fake – from the 17^th century through the present day and will be the highlight of the day for your little ones. Unlike many traditional museums, the Pirate Museum has a “please touch” policy, encouraging hands-on engagement. The museum is ideally located across the street from Castillo de San Marcos (the fort); making it a great accompaniment to a day spent learning about the rich history of Saint Augustine. 

3. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum 

• Hours: Open daily from 9am to 6:30pm
  • Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
  • Times are subject to change due to season and events
• Admission:
  • Adults: $14.95
  • Children (12 and under): $12.95
  • Seniors (60+): $12.95
  • Children under 44 inches tall: Free

The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is Trip Advisers’ #1 place to visit for a reason – spectacular views, a rich history, and an incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff make this museum in St. Augustine a crowd favorite. First on the agenda: climb the 219 steps to the observation deck and check out the 365-degree view. Weather permitting, this is an absolute must-do. Although be aware, littles are not allowed to do this climb. That’s ok, you can be like us and wave to dad as he made the climb while we stayed safely on the ground. Haha.

No matter the time of year you’re in town, there is always something to see at the Lighthouse. There are daily demonstrations like watching experts build boats or learning about the light, the lighthouse, or what is required of the keeper of the lighthouse. The kids can also play in the massive shipwreck play place on site or walk one of the nature trails. There is so much fun to be had, the kids will forget they’re learning!

4. Colonial Quarter

• Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm
• Admission: Purchase tickets on site
  • Adults: $15.99
  • Seniors and Military: $12.99
  • Children (5-15): $9.99
  • Children under 5: Free

The Colonial Quarter is probably my favorite section of downtown Saint Augustine. It reminds me of the activities you would find in the Historic Triangle of Virginia [Jamestown, Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg]. There are educational elements, tours, and tons of history. A two acre section of town has been revamped to take visitors back in time, to the roots of America’s oldest city. There are guided tours which occur frequently throughout the day, a living history demonstration, a 35-foot watchtower that visitors can climb, and even a working blacksmith (who may even let you take a try at crafting a tool).

Best of all the Saint Augustine Seafood Company and the Bull & Crown are all located right here on site and come highly recommended. 

5. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum 

• Hours: Open daily from 10am to 6pm
• Admission: Combo tickets available for train tours or mini golf course
  • Adults: $23.99
  • Children (4-11): $12.99
  • Children 3 and under: Free

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum is inside a three-story castle built in 1887 and is another “must-see” on any St. Augustine itinerary. While the main collection of this museum in St. Augustine is always a crowd-pleaser, be on the lookout for special exhibits when you visit. Currently, “Sideshow Curioddities” is running (for a limited time) and features some of the items Robert Ripley first displayed at the World’s Fair. The overall collection of this museum is as eccentric and unique as you’re hoping it will be, and definitely worth checking out.

6. Villa Zorayda Museum 

• Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm
• Admission:
  • Adults: $15
  • Seniors (60+), 14 Military (with ID): $13
  • Students: $11
  • Children 5-12: $8
  • Children under 5: Free

This incredible Home-type museum in St. Augustine was built in 1883 in the Moorish style and replicated a Spanish castle. The Villa Zorayda has been owned by the same family since 1913. Its permanent collection includes a photo history of the family that is as stunning as the grand design of the castle itself. Self-guided tours are about 45-60 minutes long. If you are here during the holidays, you will find the museum beautifully decorated and typically offering candlelight tours and other special events. Still unsure about visiting? Head over to the Villa Zorayda’s website, check out their video feed, and get a unique perspective on what’s happening live!

7. Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

• Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm except Thursday from 10am to 3:30pm
• Admission:
  • Adults $15 (guided tour) $12 (audio tour)
  • Seniors, Students, Military, Teachers, First Responders $10
  • Children (Ages 7-12) $6
  • Ages 6 and under is Free

The Ximenez-Fatio Museum is another House Museum with a long and interesting history in St. Augustine. What makes this one so unique, is the long line of women working in front of, and behind the scenes to preserve and create this beautiful space. Though the house was built by a man (Ximinez), it was women who made the House what it is today and their efforts are duly noted. During your tour, you’ll get a glimpse into the over 200 year history of the house like how it was built, who lived here, and who visited. For those who are visually or hearing impaired, they also offer ASL (American Sign Language) and tactile tours to make the house and it’s history more inclusive and able to be enjoyed by many more.

8. Spanish Military Hospital Museum 

• Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm
  • Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
• Admission:
  • Adults $16.95
  • Seniors (age 60+): $14.95
  • Children (age 6 – 12): $6.95
  • Ages 5 and under are Free

Travel back in time to a place where the doctor is always in. Find out why the Spanish were 400 years ahead of their time in terms of medicine with the fully guided tour, on the Oldest Street in the continental United States. Tours are about 45 minutes long. During the tour you can watch a demonstration of how surgery was performed at that time by a skilled surgeon. Continue on with watching as the apothecary (old school pharmacist) makes medicines that will become the building blocks for some of the most popular medications today. The live actors in period clothes play the parts and are incredibly knowledgeable and historically accurate.  Afterward, slide on over to Peace Pie, only feet away, for Saint Augustine’s best ice cream sandwich. There’s always time for a sweet treat! 

9. Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

• Hours: Sunday and Monday from 1pm to 4:30pm, and Tuesday – Saturday from 10:30am to 4:30pm
• Admission:
  • Adults $10
  • Seniors (60+) and Military $9
  • Youth (7- 17) and College Students $5
  • Ages 6 and under are Free

There are so many reasons to visit The Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center. The LMCC is an African American history museum in the Lincolnville neighborhood of St. Augustine. The museum is in the historic Excelsior School Building, which served as the first public Black High School in the country, in 1925. The museum explores the history of free and enslaved men and women of the colonial period, and the activists of the Civil Rights era, and has a special focus on “Women Who Made a Difference”. The museum won 5^th place in USA Today’s list of Best Small Town Museums and Civil Rights Travel Lists includes Lincolnville as a major civil rights site to visit. Still not convinced to make a stop there? Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center was recently featured on an episode of PBS’ Florida Road Trip! Watch the episode online and then make a stop at the museum to see the living history with your own eyes. 

10. Old Jail Museum

• Hours: Open daily from 9am to 4:30pm
  • Closed on Christmas Day
• Admission:
  • Adults $17.19
  • Children (4-12) $9.09
  • Ages 3 and under are Free

The Old Jail Museum was an actual working jail from 1891 to 1953 and is registered as a National Historic Place. You can tour the jail day or night, experiencing life as an inmate, or a guard. The tour lasts about 30 minutes. Tour the women’s cells, the men’s cells, and the maximum-security sector where the most dangerous criminals were held. The Old Jail is full of fascinating stories about the inmates of course, but also the sheriffs who lived with them just across the hall. The Old Jail is located at the Old Town Trolley main station along with the Oldest Store Museum, and the St. Augustine History Museum. It’s a great place to learn so much about the history of America’s oldest city in one stop! 

11. Oldest Store Museum Experience

• Hours: Open daily from 9am to 4:30pm
  • Closed on Christmas Day
• Admission:
  • Adults $14.99
  • Children (4-12) $8.99
  • Ages 3 and Under are Free

This place is truly cool. The Oldest Store Museum recreates the original St. Augustine general store from 1908. Being inside feels like stepping back in time, in the best way.  Tour guides are dressed in period clothing and act as clerks and salespeople and demonstrate inventions such as tonics, unicycles, and even a goat-powered washing machine. Check out the collection of vintage collars and corsets, and antique farm equipment and tools. This one-of-a-kind general store has everything city dwellers would have bought and sold long before the comforts of the 20^th century.

While you’re nearby, Alms & Fare is right around the corner- a delicious bakery serving smoothies, baked goods, lattes, and teas. Perfect for my gluten free and dairy free folks as the entire menu is gluten and dairy free!!!!

12. Potter’s Wax Museum 

• Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm
• Admission:
  • Adults $15.99
  • Children (4-12) $8.99
  • Ages 3 and under are Free

The oldest wax museum in America, Potter’s Wax Museum, is a unique experience. This museum in St. Augustine is located inside the Oldest Drug Store in America and is separated into galleries that span Florida History, American History, Ancient History, European History, Science, Arts & Culture, World War II, Government, and Celebrities. There is a wax studio on-site where figures are sculpted, painted, and dressed in view of guests, giving visitors a truly unique behind-the-curtain experience.  With over 160 different wax figures there is guaranteed to be something (or someone) of interest for everyone in your group.

Looking for lunch or dinner afterward? Head over to Ann O’Malley’s for a dynamite “build your own sandwich”; or try Mojo Old City BBQ for some ribs or pulled pork. Both are steps away from the museum and generally do not require reservations. 

13. St. Augustine Shipwreck Museum 

• Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm
• Admission:
  • Adults $15
  • Seniors, Students, Military, and First Responders $12
  • Children (5 -17) $10
  • Ages 4 and under are Free

The St. Augustine Shipwreck Museum is a family-friendly and interactive space dedicated to the education of the rich maritime history of Florida, the Caribbean, and the world. The museum hosts Shipwreck Theatre, which shows shipwreck related movies, documentaries, and historical drama. Shows run every half hour and it’s the perfect spot to take an air-conditioned break in their comfy theatre with high-backed leather chairs. Sit back and enjoy a show that history buffs and adventure seekers will both love.

The absolute coolest thing about the museum is the Treasure Hunt! This self-guided scavenger hunt around the city will have you searching far and wide for the treasures of St. Augustine. When you’re finished, return to the museum with your completed list and receive a prize. Prizes change daily and could even be a piece of silver or gold!

14. Medieval Torture Museum 

• Hours: Open daily from 10am to 10pm
• Admission:
  • Without Tiny Art Exhibit: $22.99
  • With Tiny Art Exhibit: $29.99
  • Tiny Art Exhibit alone: $9.99

Not for the faint of heart and not really for the younger kids, St. Augustine’s Medieval Torture Museum is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. At over 6,000 square feet it is America’s largest interactive historical museum with a detailed collection of confinement and torture devices. View displays from the perspective of both the torturer and the tormented, as you wander among some truly horrifying pieces of history.

On a lighter note, the museum also has a micro-art exhibit (that’s teeny tiny pieces of art) that can be viewed as an add-on to your admission. Need a palate cleanser after all the horror? Pop in next door to Mayday Ice Cream for a sweet treat. They’ve even got some gluten free and dairy free options!!

15. Classic Car Museum

• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 10am to 6pm
• Admission: 
  • Adults $15
  • Ages 11 and under are Free

The Classic Car Museum is a 30,000 sq. ft. space on US Highway 1 South. The museum houses cars from the 1800s to modern sports cars and the sheer size of the space and the volume of vehicles must be seen to be believed. Every car enthusiast will love a stop at the Classic Car Museum and even the non-car lovers will feel the flicker of nostalgia as they walk among this larger-than-life collection from the past.

Hot tip: check their posted calendar to see if any car shows or special events are scheduled for when you plan to visit; car shows include food trucks and vendors. 

16. TAG! Children’s Museum

• Coming Soon [Winter 2024]

While not completed yet, TAG! Children’s Museum will be a wonder for the whole family when it’s completed. On their 4 acre property, this museum in St. Augustine is slated to have at least 4 different indoor areas which will be used for lots of hands-on activities as well as spaces for special workshops for kids. The outdoor areas are just as exciting with multiple gardens like the butterfly garden, chess garden, rain garden, healthy garden, and treestory garden. Here kids will also be able to have new and interesting hands-on learning experiences. Be sure to include this as a stop if you are headed this way once it opens.

Smaller Museums in St. Augustine, Florida

17. Oldest Wooden School House Museum and Gardens 

• Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10am to 6pm and Friday – Saturday 10am to 8pm
  • Closed Christmas Day
• Admission:
  • Adults $7.95
  • Children (6-12) $6.95
  • Ages 5 and under are Free

The Oldest Wooden School House dates to the 1800s and is located on St. George Street, in the heart of the city. Few wooden structures built in St. Augustine still stand, because the British burned Spanish St. Augustine to the ground in 1702, making the survival of this wooden school house even more special. This is a popular stop for school trips and you will likely see a group of children here anytime you walk by on a weekday. It’s an important part of the city’s history and a beautiful one too- in the school’s garden grows a pecan tree that is 250 years old. 

18. The Oldest House Museum Complex (González-Alvarez House) 

• Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm
• Admission:
  • Family (2 adults & 2 children): $25.95
  • Adults: $12.95
  • Children (4 and up): $4.95
  • Seniors (55+) and Military: $9.95
  • Ages 3 and under are Free

The Oldest House Museum Complex has two museums, a Colonial kitchen, a beautiful garden, and two galleries. Tours begin every half hour at the main museum and visitors can learn about the beauty and the history of Florida’s oldest residence. The Complex is also home to St. Augustine’s Surf Culture and History Museum which celebrates the contributions St. Augustine has made to surf culture, two art galleries, and a shop. 

Free Museums in St. Augustine, Florida

19. St. Augustine History Museum 

• Hours: Open daily from 9am to 4:30pm
  • Closed on Christmas Day
• Admission: Free as part of your Old Town Trolley Tour Ticket

Learn how the earliest settlers lived and made a living at the St. Augustine History Museum. The museum has artifacts recovered from shipwrecks including Spanish Silver that you can touch (a favorite with children). The history here in St. Augustine spans four centuries and the rule of four different countries, before Florida became part of the United States. It is a rich and fascinating history, the depth of which is hard to find in the continental United States and hard to imagine without seeing many of the artifacts and photographs from the beginning of the settlement. 

20. Father Miguel O’Reilly House Museum 

• Hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 3pm
• Admission: Free

One of the oldest structures in St. Augustine is the Father Miguel O’Reilly House Museum. It dates back to 1691 and was purchased by an Irish priest; Father Miguel O’Reilly, in 1795. Father O’Reilly made it a place of spirituality and education. The house was left to the Sisters of St. Joseph who still take care of the house today. The Museum focuses on the history of the house, the Catholic tradition it represents, and the Sisters of St. Joseph. The building has been beautifully preserved, with six rooms and a garden, open to the public. There is no admission to the museum and reservations are not required, making this an extra easy, and affordable stop while touring the city. 

21. Peña-Peck House Museum 

• Hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 12pm to 4:30pm
  • Check website for tour times
• Admission: Free
  • Although donations are welcome

The Pena-Peck House is one of 35 remaining First Spanish Period Buildings in St. Augustine. Built in 1750, the house looks the same as when it was left to the city in 1931. The House was once home to a British governor, who continued to do business there after the Revolutionary War, making it the last official seat of the British government in North America (south of Canada).  You can tour the house and see the spectacular furnishings and beautiful artwork throughout, then step out into the award-winning gardens and view the breathtakingly beautiful oaks and magnolia trees.

22. The Old Governor’s House (Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum) 

• Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm
• Admission: Free

The Old Governor’s House (often referred to as the Government House) has housed various government offices since 1598. The House was home to appointees from Spain, then Britain, then Spain again. When Florida became part of the United States the House was used as a courthouse and then as the Capital Building. Inside the grand lobby is an exhibit that tells the history of this illustrious building as well as the people who occupied it.

If you’re looking for dinner after your tour, the Cordova Coastal Chophouse is less than a block away and is the perfect upscale restaurant to rest in after a day of touring the city. Reservations are highly recommended. 

23. St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

• Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm
• Admission: Free

America’s first Greek Orthodox shrine is in the Avero House on St. George Street. Inside St. Photios, past rooms displaying the long history of Greek immigrants in America, and a beautiful photography collection; is the chapel- a beautiful and sacred place with five domes above and Byzantine icons and artwork all around. No matter your cultural background or religious affiliation, everyone is invited to light a candle and have a few moments of quiet reflection here in peace. 

24. Mission Nombre de Dios Museum 

• Hours:
  • Chapel and Church: Monday through Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sundays 12pm to 4pm
  • Gift Shop and Museum: Monday through Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sundays 12pm to 4pm
• Admission: Free

Have you heard about America’s first “real” Thanksgiving? Fifty-six years before the famous Thanksgiving on Plymouth Rock we all learned about in school, a mass and Thanksgiving feast was held in what would later be known as St. Augustine, between the Timucua people and the Spanish settlers. The site of the Mission Nombre de Dios memorializes the two hundred years of mission work between the Spanish and Timucua. Be sure to visit the Great Cross (you can’t miss it!) which stands 200 ft over the marsh to celebrate the beginning of Christianity on the land we now know as Florida. Also be sure to visit the shrine, located on “America’s most sacred acre” and surrounded by beautiful live oak trees. The small stone building is draped in greenery and is serenely beautiful. 

25. Crisp-Ellert Art Museum in Flagler College

• Hours: Monday – Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday from 12pm to 4pm during the school year
• Admission: Free

The Crisp-Ellert Art Museum in Flagler College displays contemporary artwork from local, national, and international artists. Artwork from Flagler faculty and students is often displayed, as well as rotating cultural exhibits throughout the year. The museum is dedicated to Dr. Joann Crisp-Ellert, a striking artist and prolific painter well-known in the local arts community. The gallery space is her former art studio space, expanded.

If you’re in the mood for a bite to eat after your visit, the One Twenty-Three Burger House is just steps away and is famous for its burgers, fries, and sandwiches; as well as sweeter fare like delicious milkshakes and root beer floats. 

26. Accord Civil Rights Museum

• Hours: Tuesday – Friday from 10am to 3pm
• Admission: Free, but requires an appointment

The Accord Civil Rights Museum is home to a fascinating collection of artifacts, letters, photos, and videos documenting the contributions of St. Augustine’s residents who risked everything in the name of civil rights. The building itself was once the dental practice of Dr. Robert B. Hayling who is widely known as the “father of civil rights in St. Augustine.” Dr. Hayling’s medical practice featured the first integrated waiting room in St. Augustine, and Hayling quickly became the face of civil rights in the city. Hayling and three others were kidnapped by the Klu Klux Klan and beat unconscious with chains and clubs. When the police arrived Hayling himself, the victim, was charged with assault against a 300-person armed mob of Klan members. This event, in 1964, led to massive demonstrations, and eventually, to change. The museum is a fascinating glimpse into the movement that changed the lives of so many.

27. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum [Mini]

• Hours: Open daily from 9am to 10pm
  • Closed on Holidays
• Admission: Free

The smallest walk-in Museum in the United States is found in the oldest city in the United States: welcome to the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum (Mini). The museum is a fascinating collection of original documents in every field you can imagine: literature, music, science, politics, and much more. Exhibits are rotated three times a year and visiting the museum is always free. A larger museum will soon open directly across the street from the original and will house a grander display of manuscripts for history buffs to check out.

If you’re hungry, be sure to check out The Floridian which is located on the street behind the museum. With Southern grub and a menu full of gluten free and vegan options, there is something for everyone to eat here.

Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Museums aren’t the only things to do in St. Augustine Florida. There is much much more. A blog post is coming soon with all those other fun activities. So, make sure that you have subscribed to the e-mail list to be notified of all new blog posts.