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 Nation's oldest fortress |
1 S Castillo Dr Jacksonville, FL 32084 United States +1 904 829 6506 |
Step back in time as you visit the oldest remaining European fortification in the nation. El Castillo dates back to 1672 and is a fine example of military architecture from the Spanish empire. It served as a prison for a short time and was declared a national monument in 1924. Immerse yourself in history during one of the fort's historic reenactments, living history events, or spooky torchlight tours at night. The fort's original cannons are periodically fired during the summer months. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: gerry la londe-berg  |
 Photo: Lynnell My Belle |
 Photo: J. Lynn Paszkiewicz |
 Photo: Jackson Myers |
 Photo: Michael Clark |
 Photo: Ian Pitts |
 Photo: David Brown |
 Photo: carlink |
 Photo: Alison Heckel |
 Photo: Renske Dijkstra |
 Photo: Leslie |
 Photo: Jesse Collins |
 Photo: spicegator2 |
 Photo: Wayne T. 'Tom' Helfrich |
 Photo: Sassenach1 |
 Photo: Jon |
 Photo: Adriana U |
 Photo: John H |
 Photo: Kelley McNeal |
 Photo: Avant-Gardenist |
 Photo: Mark Pansing |
 Photo: Arvin Culabutan |
 Photo: tsvajdlenka |
 Photo: Nathan Eaton Jr. |
 Photo: Ron Binns |
 Photo: Don McDougall |
 Photo: renanuflacker |
 Photo: Suleyman |
 Photo: Keith Bruening |
 Photo: Kristen McDanel |
 Photo: Matt Richardson |
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Historic site with handsome architecture |
74 King St Jacksonville, FL 32084 United States +1 904 829 6481 |
A wonderful example of turn-of-the-century architecture, this private college was once the Ponce de Leon Hotel, built by railroad tycoon and oil magnate Henry Flagler in the late 1800s. A textured red tiled roof, graceful arches and cool pink stucco walls are features of the museum, which also offers handsome landscaping accented by palm trees and views across Matanzas Bay. Guided tours are available through this breathtaking example of Spanish Renaissance architecture and design. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dana |
 Photo: Andy Cosgrove |
 Photo: Caitlin Pratt |
 Photo: Sean Sullivan |
 Photo: Polliechrome |
 Photo: Angelo Malicsi |
 Photo: Martin Röll |
 Photo: maijau |
 Photo: NY2MIA |
 Photo: hokiefacs |
 Photo: Elissa Malcohn |
 Photo: joel ellis |
 Photo: Marilyn Langfeld |
 Photo: Jennifer Taber |
 Photo: Sean T. Norkus |
 Photo: Tim Morrill |
 Photo: Sean Dietz |
 Photo: Paul Kitchen |
 Photo: James Christie Snr. |
 Photo: Steven Shouse |
 Photo: Richard Smith |
 Photo: Sandra_A's photos |
 Photo: Fred |
 Photo: Steve Beger |
 Photo: Mark A. Masson |
 Photo: Roger Wissinger |
 Photo: cpoland64 |
 Photo: Nick Cusworth |
 Photo: Bob Mihaley |
 Photo: Aibohphobia |
 Photo: pm |
 Photo: paulius1977 |
 Photo: Henry Forst |
 Photo: Donna G. Cooper |
 Photo: Christine Ciesluk |
 Photo: Erich and Lisa Magee |
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Nineteenth century fort |
2601 Atlantic Ave Jacksonville, FL 32034 United States +1 904 277 7274 |
This 19th Century historic landmark park is named after General Duncan Lamont Clinch. On the first weekend of each moth, local volunteers dress as Union soldiers and relive many of the daily routines of the fort from the 1860s, in a living history exhibition. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort or can wander through its many rooms on their own. Three campgrounds are available for overnight visits and a small gift shop sells souvenirs. Admission: USD5 per vehicle Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: oedenfield |
 Photo: James M Allen |
 Photo: Jon Worth |
 Photo: Park Slate |
 Florida's oldest plantation |
11676 Palmetto Ave on Fort George Island Jacksonville, FL 32226 United States +1 904 251 3537 |
Zephaniah Kingsley, one of Florida's more colorful characters, earned a fortune from slave trading, and in 1817 built what is now Florida's oldest standing plantation house. You can now see a variety of historic exhibits and the best preserved slave quarters in the nation—perhaps the most interesting part of the plantation. Made of "tabby" rock, a mix of oyster shell, sand and cement, the 23 buildings include one that has been fully restored. Admission is free but donations are happily accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ryan griffis |
 Photo: Shawn Perkins |
 Photo: Stephanie Dodson |
 Photo: Kerri Rachelle |
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America's oldest mission |
30 Ocean Ave Jacksonville, FL 32084 United States +1 904 824 3045 |
Turn back the clock and soak up some fascinating history at Americas first mission, founded in 1565 in St Augustine. It was at this site that Menendez knelt to kiss the wooden cross presented to him by Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales, the chaplain of his expedition, and here that Lopez celebrated the first parish mass and began his missionary work. A bronze memorial to Father Lopez stands on the lagoon's eastern bank, along with the Great Cross, erected as a memorial of the Mission's 400th anniversary. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Vanessa Guzan |
 Photo: YC&Enid |
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400 years of history |
14 St. Frances St Jacksonville, FL 32084 United States +1 904 824 2872 |
Inside the coquina shell-and-limestone walls of this old Spanish house, the decor portrays three centuries and three cultures—Spanish,British and American—that have left their mark on the home. On a narrated tour, you'll get a look at the vast differences between present and past. If you are a reader of Eugenia Price's novels, you may find Maria's Room particularly interesting—it was described in her historical novel Maria. The house is easy to find in downtown St Augustine, and admission is adults USD8; Seniors USD7; Students 6-18 years USD4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Fitzpatrick |
 Photo: Andrew Conway |
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Horse-Drawn Buggy Rides |
115 Beech Street Jacksonville, FL 32034 United States +1 904 277 1555 |
Take a ride aboard a traditional carriage while enjoying the sights and sounds of Fernandina Beach's tranquil downtown. This town is renowned for its historic Victorian architecture and landscaping, and there is no better way to experience the charming neighborhoods than by buggy. The carriages are pulled by gentle Belgian Draft horses, and led by experienced guides who describe the detailed history of the area to visitors. Each carriage can accommodate up to six people, allowing for a more intimate and custom-tailored tour. It is a fun adventure for kids and adults alike, and a unique way to step back in time to explore this charming town. Prices and hours vary, so call or check the website for more details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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200-year-old schoolhouse |
14 St. George St Jacksonville, FL 32084 United States +1 904 824 0192 / +1 888 653 7245 |
The Old School House is a national treasure said to be the oldest surviving wooden schoolhouse in North America. Built more than 200 years ago, it made its debut as a schoolhouse until 1788, when Spanish rule ended. Sturdy construction has enabled it to withstand the ravages of time, it's held together with wooden pegs and handmade nails! Animatronic robots are dressed in period costumes, designed to depict schoolmaster and students on a typical 18th Century day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adrienne Simchik May |
 Photo: Elizabeth Solorio |
 Photo: Manuel Baro |
 Photo: Lisa Jacobs |
 Photo: Richard Savage |
 Photo: Robert D C Taylor |
 Photo: Tim Wilder |
 Photo: Gregory S. Nutt |
 Photo: Celeste Walke |
 Photo: byfred |
 Photo: Mike Jones |
 Photo: Mike |
 Photo: lilacs_and_wine |
 Photo: Keri |
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Railroad and aviation history |
413 Beach Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32250 United States +1 904 246 0093 |
Children and adults alike enjoy this quaint park and museum, located in a restored railroad section, foreman's house, and post office from 1903. Guided tours of these historic buildings and the Beaches' railway are available. A highlight is the lovingly restored Locomotive #7, a 28-ton steam engine built in 1911 and housed in a small glass-enclosed building; visitors can view it from the outside or close up from the inside. A gift shop is located inside the Old Railroad Depot. Admission is free but donations are encouraged. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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National Historic Site theater |
2032 San Marco Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32207 United States +1 904 396 4425 |
Touted as the longest continuously running community theater in the United States, its funky, art-deco facade of cool purples and neon lights brightens the historic San Marco district. Since 1919 this theater has been engaging audiences with live plays and musicals. Today's current troupe, consisting primarily of volunteer talent, has recently performed such plays as "Once Upon a Mattress" and "Spinning into Butter". Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: exithacan |
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Confederate earthen fort |
12157 Heckscher Dr (1 mile South of State Road 105) Jacksonville, FL 32226 United States +1 904 251 2324 |
Yellow Bluff Fort is a preserved Confederate earthen fortification and lookout tower built in 1862 to prevent Union gunboats from attacking Jacksonville. It is a labyrinth of trenches and earthworks built by Confederate soldiers, and is located directly on the St Johns River. When it was built, it housed impressive cannons to ward off attacks from Union forces. Interestingly, the fort never saw any action during the Civil War but changed hands four times during that grim altercation. Admission to the fort is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Derek Ralston |