Get face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous and prominent people. A visit to Potter’s Wax Museum provides an up close and personal look at nearly 170 different wax sculptures of Presidents, Kings, explorers, movie stars, artists, authors and more. The life-size wax figures are astoundingly real-looking and as you tour through you can learn interesting facts about the folks you are viewing. See Tiger Woods—one of the newer figures, or the cast of the hit TV series Jerry Seinfeld, just to name a few. Potter’s Wax Museum has been captivating guests for 50 years and is the first museum of its kind in Florida.

The Spanish Military Hospital Museum offers visitors a look into how healthcare operated during the Spanish Colonial Period. The building that the museum is housed in is a reconstruction of a Military Hospital that was on the same site in the late 1700’s. As you tour the museum, you’ll be given an inside look into how patients were treated here. From the ward beds to the surgeon’s tools and even the mourning room where patient’s last rights were given by Priests, the museum is an interesting and unique spot to see.

While in the oldest city you won’t want to miss some of oldest structures still standing. The Ximenez-Fatio House was built in 1798 by Andres Ximenez who was a Spanish storekeeper. Made of coquina stone, it’s a lovely example of both Spanish and English architecture. What makes this spot even more exciting is the detached kitchen, the only original 18th century building of its kind. Take the guided tour to learn about the home’s fascinating past, how it became an Inn and then a historic museum. You’ll appreciate the ancient construction and the displays of rare items found on the property during archaeological digs. Interactive displays thrill children and adults while the many other aspects of the museum make for an exceptional look into St. Augustine’s history.

FREE Beach Bus to:
• The Alligator Farm
• Lighthouse and Museum
• The beach

All aboard who’s coming aboard! At this stop you can transfer to Old Town Trolley Tours FREE Beach Bus.

Visit the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine to be amazed, intrigued and thoroughly entertained. Do things like pet an alligator, watch a feeding and see wild species like Albino Alligators, herons, spoonbills and woodstorks. You’ll also get a gander at toucans, parrots, Australian emus and seven different types of monkeys. Gaze in amazement at Maximo, a 36-year-old, 15 foot, 1,250 pound Crocodile. If his massive size and weight don’t astound you, the story of his life, so far, probably will. He was captured as an egg in Australia and was donated to the United States. Experts say he could live to be 60 or even 80 years old. Another fascinating exhibit features Gomek, a preserved crocodile that was 18 feet long and weighed 2,000 pounds. Founded by two local St. Augustine men, George Reddington and Alex Fire, The Alligator Farm was opened in 1893 and has been a favorite stop to travelers from all over world ever since.

Like so many other sites in St. Augustine, the Lighthouse is a cherished landmark from another era. It’s significant for two main reasons—first because of its role as a vital watchtower that led ships safely into the St. Augustine port for more than a hundred years and second because of its longstanding survival as an architectural icon to the city. The original lighthouse was closed in 1874 on the same day that the new one was completed. The government closed the first one because it was believed that it was no longer safe and hauntingly, they were correct, it crashed into the sea during a storm just two years later. Today, the Lighthouse is one of only 30 lighthouses in the United States that is still standing. It’s also one of six that is open to the public. Visitors who come enjoy touring through the 19th century lightkeeper’s home that was lovingly restored through efforts of the Junior Service League. They also get a thrill walking to the top of the tower—it’s an awe-inspiring climb for people of all ages.

Crystal waters, soft sands and warm St. Augustine sunshine hit the spot when you visit the beach. Look for seashells as you sink your toes into the sand. St. Augustine is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. You’ll quickly understand why.

The Scenic Cruise company was founded more than a century ago when Frank Usina and his wife settled in North Beach, which at the time was only accessible by boat. In the early days, Frank would ferry guests of the Ponce de Leon Hotel and Alcazar Hotel back and forth from St. Augustine to North Beach, showing them the beautiful sites along the way and treating them to oysters, Minorcan cuisine, music and dancing. Throughout the years, the Usinas were known to transport many people who lived in the North Beach area, Military Personnel and visitors to the area across Matanzas Bay when the bridge was under construction or closed. Today, Scenic Cruise is still sailing daily, offering a delightful view of the many beautiful and historic sights of St. Augustine by water. The 1 hour and 15 minute tours depart every few hours and are an enjoyable excursion for adults and children alike.

The Schooner Freedom gives its guests an opportunity to experience a sail reminiscent of an authentic 19th century Blockade Runner. St. Augustine’s own tall ship, the Freedom was constructed in 1982 and is a double masted 72’ replica of the topsail ships of that time. Choose a fun-filled day sail or relaxing evening cruise—your two hours on board this spectacular vessel will include music, sightseeing and perhaps even manatees, dolphins and other friendly wildlife.