Looking for something to do in St Augustine?

St Augustine residents cope with sightseeing trains, carriage tours, parades, demonstrations, special events and traffic jams which are the natural byproduct of a 21st century town existing within a 16th century street plan.

With Florida’s 500th anniversary on the horizon, visitors to St Augustine attractions are only predicted to increase; culminating in 2015 with the 450th commemoration of the historic city’s founding.

The 13,000 city residents, 190,000 countywide, do get a small perquisite in exchange — we get to enjoy Florida’s most sought after beaches and we are immersed in education, cultural entertainment and history; without ever having to plan a vacation.

Another “perk” you might not know is that a number of local attractions offer residents free or reduced admission with appropriate identification.

The next time you are looking for something to do for an hour or two, consider some of these free entertainment opportunities:

For St. Johns County residents with a valid ID:

Always admitted free of charge:
Lightner Museum
Fountain of Youth (special events excluded)
Ximenez-Fatio House
Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
Spanish Military Hospital Museum

Free admission on the first Monday of each month:
Dow Museum of Historic Houses

Free to everyone:
San Sebastian Winery
Authentic Old Drug Store
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Government House Museum
St. Photios Chapel
Pena-Peck House
Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum
Mission Nombre de Dios Museum

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer