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
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
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
Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Camp in the forest and relax on spectacular beaches when you visit one of Florida’s most beautiful state parks.

Anastasia State Park
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

Things to do

Take a Scenic Boat Ride in St. Augustine

Take a Scenic Boat Ride in St. Augustine

฿888
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Take a Scenic Boat Ride in St. Augustine
926734dbfc74416182d9168cdf61b8e1

St Augustine History Museum

฿268
per adult
St Augustine History Museum
St. Augustine: Treasure Hunt Cruise with Onboard Show

St. Augustine: Treasure Hunt Cruise with Onboard Show

฿1,414
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
St. Augustine: Treasure Hunt Cruise with Onboard Show
St. Augustine: Waterfront and Downtown Golf Cart Tour

St. Augustine: Waterfront and Downtown Golf Cart Tour

฿1,007
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
St. Augustine: Waterfront and Downtown Golf Cart Tour
Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine

Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine

฿1,227
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine
The oldest street in the nation

St Augustine Shared Golf Cart Tour

฿1,007
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
St Augustine Shared Golf Cart Tour
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 ฿3,628 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
฿3,628
฿4,046 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,885 reviews)
Great location

Reviewed on 18 Jan 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 ฿2,657 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
฿2,657
฿2,962 total
22 Jan - 23 Jan
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,931 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

The Smart Stay 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! (1,952 reviews)
The staff was extremely helpful and courteous

Reviewed on 20 Jan 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! (1,339 reviews)
The staff was very good

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

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The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach

Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach

3 out of 5
605 A1A Beach Boulevard St. Augustine FL
The price is ฿3,063 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
฿3,063
฿3,415 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Situation perfect, clean

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach
Embassy Suites By Hilton St Augustine Beach-Oceanfront Resort

Embassy Suites By Hilton St Augustine Beach-Oceanfront Resort

3.5 out of 5
300 A1A Beach Blvd St. Augustine FL
The price is ฿5,100 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
฿5,100
฿6,732 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,304 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Embassy Suites By Hilton St Augustine Beach-Oceanfront Resort
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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 San Marco Antique Mall and Matanzas River.

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 Old Jail Museum.

Magnolia
Aerial image Vilano Beach FL, Shutterstock ID 531423145, Purchase Order: Wave 0 First Batch, Order Number: , Client/Licensee: Hotels.com / BEX, Other: Mixed Budget

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
Historic wooden gate - 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 Flagler College Tennis Center and Grace United Methodist Church.

Flagler Model Land

Fort Mose Gardens Travel Guide