Fort Mose Gardens Travel Guide

St. Augustine

Day 1 of my road trip across the USA brought me to my favorite city in Florida, St. Augustine; the oldest city in the country, and easily one of the most beautiful. 👇🏽 I snapped this shot at Fort Mose Historic State Park. This incredible site is a U.S. National Historic Landmark, and the rich history of this place is something that every school should be teaching our youth. 👇🏽 Hidden away in the marshes of St. Augustine is one of the most important sites in American history: the first free community of ex-slaves, founded in 1738 and called Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose or Fort Mose (pronounced Moh-Say). Fort Mose played an extremely important role in the development of colonial North America. 👇🏽 As early as 1687, the Spanish government had begun to offer asylum to slaves who managed to escape from British colonies (the first Underground Railroad ran SOUTH to Florida from the colonies!). In 1693, the Spanish Crown officially proclaimed that runaways would find freedom in Florida, in return for converting to Catholicism and a term for men of four years' military service to the Crown. In effect, Spain created a maroon settlement in Florida as a front-line defense against English attacks from the north. Spain also intended to destabilize the plantation economy of the British colonies by creating a free black community to attract slaves seeking escape and refuge from British slavery. 👇🏽 Fort Mose was the first free African settlement legally sanctioned in what would become the United States and had a total population of about 100. The village had a wall around it, with dwellings inside, plus a church and an earthen fort. 👇🏽 The history of Fort Mose is far deeper, and far more interesting then I can convey on @Instagram so please do your own reading on it and learn more about the very earliest history of what is now the United States.
Day 1 of my road trip across the USA brought me to my favorite city in Florida, St. Augustine; the oldest city in the country, and easily one of the most beautiful. 👇🏽 I snapped this shot at Fort Mose Historic State Park. This incredible site is a U.S. National Historic Landmark, and the rich history of this place is something that every school should be teaching our youth. 👇🏽 Hidden away in the marshes of St. Augustine is one of the most important sites in American history: the first free community of ex-slaves, founded in 1738 and called Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose or Fort Mose (pronounced Moh-Say). Fort Mose played an extremely important role in the development of colonial North America. 👇🏽 As early as 1687, the Spanish government had begun to offer asylum to slaves who managed to escape from British colonies (the first Underground Railroad ran SOUTH to Florida from the colonies!). In 1693, the Spanish Crown officially proclaimed that runaways would find freedom in Florida, in return for converting to Catholicism and a term for men of four years' military service to the Crown. In effect, Spain created a maroon settlement in Florida as a front-line defense against English attacks from the north. Spain also intended to destabilize the plantation economy of the British colonies by creating a free black community to attract slaves seeking escape and refuge from British slavery. 👇🏽 Fort Mose was the first free African settlement legally sanctioned in what would become the United States and had a total population of about 100. The village had a wall around it, with dwellings inside, plus a church and an earthen fort. 👇🏽 The history of Fort Mose is far deeper, and far more interesting then I can convey on @Instagram so please do your own reading on it and learn more about the very earliest history of what is now the United States.
Fort Mose Historic State Park which includes tranquil scenes and wetlands
Fort Mose Historic State Park featuring a bridge and forests
Fort Mose Historic State Park featuring a bridge and tranquil scenes

Popular places to visit

St. Augustine Beach showing landscape views, general coastal views and a beach

St. Augustine Beach

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at St. Augustine Beach, a popular beach in St. Augustine. Experience the area's fascinating museums and great live music.

St. Augustine Beach
Florida featuring street scenes

St. George Street

4.5/5(15 reviews)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at St. George Street during your visit to St. Augustine. You can enjoy the cafes while in the area.

St. George Street
M52A0J The World Golf Hall of Fame is located at World Golf Village near St. Augustine, Florida, in the United States, and it is unusual among sports halls.

World Golf Village

4.5/5(4 reviews)

You can study the exhibits at World Golf Village, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in St. Augustine. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event in this quaint area.

World Golf Village
Spanish Historical Building St Augustine Florida, Shutterstock ID 36372406, Purchase Order: Wave 0 First Batch, Order Number: , Client/Licensee: Hotels.com / BEX, Other: Mixed Budget

Flagler College

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Flagler College during your trip to St. Augustine. Discover the area's fascinating museums or seek out its local tours.

Flagler College
Castillo de San Marcos which includes heritage elements

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Explore one of the the oldest standing masonry forts in North America and watch cannons being fired from the ramparts.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Vilano Beach, Florida lifeguard stand shortly before sunset.

Vilano Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Vilano Beach during your travels in St. Augustine? Amble around this family-friendly area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Vilano Beach

Things to do

St. Augustine Live Music Cruise with Drinks and Sunset Option

St. Augustine Live Music Cruise with Drinks and Sunset Option

฿2,147
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
St. Augustine Live Music Cruise with Drinks and Sunset Option
Take a Scenic Boat Ride in St. Augustine

Take a Scenic Boat Ride in St. Augustine

฿942
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Take a Scenic Boat Ride in St. Augustine
St. Augustine: Waterfront and Downtown Golf Cart Tour

St. Augustine: Waterfront and Downtown Golf Cart Tour

฿993
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
St. Augustine: Waterfront and Downtown Golf Cart Tour
Picture 5 for Activity St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum Tickets

St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum Tickets

฿465
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum Tickets
St. Augustine: Treasure Hunt Cruise with Onboard Show

St. Augustine: Treasure Hunt Cruise with Onboard Show

฿1,395
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
St. Augustine: Treasure Hunt Cruise with Onboard Show
St. Augustine: St. Johns River Airboat Safari with a Guide

St. Augustine: St. Johns River Airboat Safari with a Guide

฿1,618
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
St. Augustine: St. Johns River Airboat Safari with a Guide
See all activities in St. Augustine

Top hotels in Fort Mose Gardens

Guy Harvey Resort on St Augustine Beach

Guy Harvey Resort on St Augustine Beach

3 out of 5
860 A1A Beach Blvd St. Augustine FL
The price is ฿5,068 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
฿5,068
฿5,651 total
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,960 reviews)
It’s a wonderful location, being right on the beach; a short boardwalk and you’re there; there is also a pool however a cold front came through and sadly missed out on the beach / pool fun but the pictures represent well The hotel property itself is quite aged; it really needs a lot of updating; ...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Guy Harvey Resort on St Augustine Beach
The Smart Stay Inn

The Smart Stay Inn

2.5 out of 5
2365 FL-16 St. Augustine FL
The price is ฿2,677 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
฿2,677
฿2,985 total
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,012 reviews)
Pet friendly

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

The Smart Stay Inn
Best Western Seaside Inn

Best Western Seaside Inn

2.5 out of 5
541 A1A Beach Boulevard St. Augustine FL
The price is ฿4,309 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
฿4,309
฿4,805 total
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
Quiet and great location

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Best Western Seaside Inn
Villa 1565

Villa 1565

3 out of 5
137 San Marco Ave St. Augustine FL
Stay at this hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,977 reviews)
It’s a very old place . The staff were very accommodating.some of the stuff in our room did not work .clock,microwave. The breakfast was ok like many breakfast served with room but the building it was served in was very hot . Had no fan or air conditioning. Needs a little talc

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

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Villa 1565
The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel

The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel

3 out of 5
1111 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine FL
Stay at this hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,385 reviews)
Room was really damp and we found a lot of black mold. There was a bad smell of sewage during the night. Not to mention a heavy freight train is passing every single hour, just outside the window, also during the night. A/c unit had also fallen out of the wall and the walls had splashes of unknown ...

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

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The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel
Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach

Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach

3 out of 5
117 Vilano Road St. Augustine FL
The price is ฿4,271 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
฿4,271
฿4,762 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free beach shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,207 reviews)
Room was nice, but bathroom door didn’t lock. Housekeeping was excellent. Front desk personnel were not great. We had to have other staff contact someone to come to the front desk where a long line had been waiting. Front desk personnel were rude and short when they finally did arrive. No microwaves ...

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach
See all 5,724 properties in Fort Mose Gardens
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Fort Mose Gardens

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Nelmar Terrace

While visiting Nelmar Terrace, you might make a stop by sights like Matanzas River and San Marco Antique Mall.

Nelmar Terrace
Ponce de Leon\'s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park which includes interior views and industrial elements as well as an individual male

Magnolia

While visiting Magnolia, you might make a stop by sights like Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and Mission of Nombre de Dios.

Magnolia
Aerial view of serene sunset over Vilano Beach shoreline, St. Augustine, Florida, United States.

Vilano Beach

Travellers to Vilano Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Vilano Beach and Castle Otttis.

Vilano Beach
Flagler College in St. Augustine.

Uptown

While visiting Uptown, you might make a stop by sights like Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and Mission of Nombre de Dios.

Uptown
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Ravenswood

While Ravenswood may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like San Sebastian Winery and Ripley's Believe It Or Not.

Ravenswood
Flagler College Tour

Flagler Model Land

While visiting Flagler Model Land, you might make a stop by sights like San Sebastian River and Flagler College Tennis Center.

Flagler Model Land

Fort Mose Gardens Travel Guide