Historic Tours of Flagler College

Historic Tours of Flagler College highlight the architectural heritage of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, listed as a National Historic Landmark. Built by railroad magnate, Henry M. Flagler in 1888, the Ponce is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture and was one of the most exclusive resorts of its day.

Guests will begin their tour by exploring the courtyard while learning of the hotel's Spanish Renaissance architecture and of the techniques and innovations used to construct Henry Flagler's vision. Next is the grand lobby where they will stare up into an 68-foot domed ceiling supported by eight ornate oak caryatids hand carved with robed women, each slightly different from the next. 

The guest will move on to the dining room where 79 Louis Comfort Tiffany Stained Glass windows stream light onto the beautifully hand painted murals on the walls and ceiling. Finally, they will visit the Flagler Room, formerly the Women's Grand Parlor, where they will gaze upon hand crafted Austrian crystal chandeliers, a clock containing the largest piece of intact white onyx in the western hemisphere, original hotel furniture and art, as well as personal photos and mementos from Henry Flagler and his family.

St. Augustine Wild Reserve

The St. Augustine Wild Reserve is a non-profit corporation created as a rescue center for unwanted exotic animals. Many individuals obtain an exotic pet, only to realize that the animal's wild nature doesn't fit into their life (or their household) as they expected. This is where we come in. The Reserve will take in unwanted exotic animals as an alternative to euthanasia. Some of the Reserve’s animals came from abusive homes. Two wolves were rescued when their owner was involved in a fatal auto accident. Many of our animals were confiscated by wildlife agencies from individuals who held these animals without proper state permits, or who starved their animals, maintaining them in inferior conditions. 

Five Arctic wolves and an African lion were received from Michael Jackson, who no longer wanted them at his ranch near Santa Barbara. The Founder of the Reserve, Deborah Warrick, has worked with exotic animals all of her life, having received extensive training at the Los Angeles Zoo. She has received her AA Degree, and B.S. Degree in Holistic Nutrition to better care for the animals’ nutritional needs. She earned her B.S. degree in Biology in 2011, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

The Castillo de San Marcos

The Castillo de San Marcos is unique in North American architecture. As the only extant 17th century military construction in the country and the oldest masonry fortress in the United States it is a prime example of the "bastion system" of fortification, the culmination of hundreds of years of military defense engineering.

It is also unique for the material used in its construction. The Castillo is one of only two fortifications in the world built out of a semi-rare form of limestone called coquina (The other is Fort Matanzas National Monument 14 miles south)

The fortress itself is both a product of and evidence to the multitude of forces both political and technological that created the competition for empire during the colonial era. But above all the Castillo is an enduring legacy of the craftsmanship and skill of the engineers, artisans and labourers who built it.

Plan your visit to the Castillo de San Marcos here.

St. Augustine Light

The St. Augustine Light is an active lighthouse in St. Augustine, Florida. The current lighthouse stands at the north end of Anastasia Island and was built in 1874; it is the most recent of a number of towers built in the area.

Old St. Johns County Jail

The Old Jail is a historic jail in St. Augustine, Florida. It is located at 167 San Marco Avenue. On August 27, 1987, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The St. Johns County Jail now serves as the Old Jail Museum.

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a privately owned 15-acre park in St. Augustine, Florida, located along Hospital Creek, part of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse

The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is a wooden structure located at 14 St. George Street in St. Augustine, Florida near the city gate. It is touted as being the oldest wooden school building in the United States.