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
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
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
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

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
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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 ฿5,661 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
฿5,661
฿6,312 total
23 Mar - 24 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! (2,967 reviews)
Bartender was rude and unprofessional

Reviewed on 11 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,655 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
฿2,655
฿2,960 total
22 Mar - 23 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! (2,005 reviews)
Never got to use hot tub as it was too cold outdoors. Rooms are dated but comfortable and clean. Definitely not chain hotel quality. Breakfast was bare able. Very close to 95 so ask for a back room.

Reviewed on 11 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 ฿4,273 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
฿4,273
฿4,765 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! (1,003 reviews)
Perfect location…3 min walk to the beach, a few restaurants and shops. Ice cream parlor is across the street. The room was very clean and the staff was top notch.

Reviewed on 11 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! (1,948 reviews)
I would not recommend Villa 1565 to anyone.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

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Villa 1565
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 ฿4,280 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
฿4,280
฿4,772 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! (1,211 reviews)
Very nice property! Walking distance to the beach. Very clean

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach
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! (1,393 reviews)
Hotel was a bit tired. Needs some tlc

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

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The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel
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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 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