HISTORIC SITES

Beyond St Augustine’s Downtown there’s a lot more history to explore, just a short drive away.

Fort Mose

Mose (pronounced ‘Moh-say’) was the first legally sanctioned ‘free black town’ in the country. Risking their lives to escape the English plantations of Carolina, African-born slaves crossed the dangerous swamps south to Spanish-controlled Florida where they were freed in exchange for their service to the crown. Fort Mose was their home, the end of the first American Underground Railway to freedom, a century before the civil war. The fort itself no longer stands, but the history is still palpable and the waterfront is ideal for birding or gentle paddles. floridastateparks.org; admission to park

ground free ($2 to enter visitor centre)

Fort Matanzas

This 18th century fortified watchtower marks the site of many battles and storied history of the region, from early Spanish rule through to the American Revolution. Take the ferry across to the fort, and it’s still possible to climb the stone steps and peer out across the waters where British warships once sailed in. But, today, just as important is the 1.2 sq km of eco-system that the park protects and can be explored through nature trails along the banks. nps.gov; admission free

St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Climbing to the top of this 50m lighthouse is worth each one of the 219 steps. From the top, the views across St Augustine’s Historic Downtown and inlet lagoon offer the best sunset view in town. But the Maritime Museum also tells the stories of the nation’s oldest port, with boatwrights demonstrating ship building and – if you come after dark – you can go on a ghost tour where you might just meet a few of its former keepers. staugustinelighthouse.org; $14.95 (£12)

adult ticket