Fort Mose Gardens

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

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

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

You can study the exhibits at World Golf Village, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to 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

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at St. George Street during your visit to St. Augustine. You can enjoy the coffeehouses while in the area.

St. George Street
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

Explore the campus of Flagler College, during your trip to St. Augustine. Discover the area's fascinating museums, or seek out its local tours.

Flagler College
Vilano Beach, Florida lifeguard stand shortly before sunset.

Vilano Beach

Why not spend a carefree 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 featuring heritage elements

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

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

P1,794
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Take a Scenic Boat Ride in St. Augustine
St. Augustine: Treasure Hunt Cruise with Onboard Show

St. Augustine: Treasure Hunt Cruise with Onboard Show

P2,657
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
St. Augustine: Treasure Hunt Cruise with Onboard Show
St. Augustine: Dolphin and Wildlife Historical Boat Tour

St. Augustine: Dolphin and Wildlife Historical Boat Tour

P1,825
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
St. Augustine: Dolphin and Wildlife Historical Boat Tour
Wine Tasting Cruise

Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine

P2,896
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine
Dolphin and Wildlife History Tour

Dolphin and Wildlife History Tour

P1,714
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Dolphin and Wildlife History Tour
Sea Dragon Airboat Safari

Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide

P4,725
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,542 per night from Feb 11 to Feb 12
P7,542
P8,409 total
Feb 11 - Feb 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,917 reviews)
Nice view of oceam

Reviewed on Feb 8, 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 P4,619 per night from Feb 11 to Feb 12
P4,619
P5,150 total
Feb 11 - Feb 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,957 reviews)
We stayed two nights at Smart Stay Inn St. Augustine and overall had a great experience. The room was comfortable and the staff were friendly. The hotel is pet friendly and the buffet breakfast was a nice bonus. The fitted sheet had a few stains at first, but the staff quickly replaced it with a ...

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026

The Smart Stay Inn
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 P7,206 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P7,206
P8,035 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free beach shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,158 reviews)
Staff were extremely helpful!

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026

Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano 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 P9,540 per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
P9,540
P12,593 total
Feb 16 - Feb 17
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,308 reviews)
Hotel was great. Everyone was very friendly and property clean.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2026

Embassy Suites By Hilton St Augustine Beach-Oceanfront Resort
Days Inn by Wyndham St. Augustine I-95/Outlet Mall

Days Inn by Wyndham St. Augustine I-95/Outlet Mall

2 out of 5
2560 State Road 16 St. Augustine FL
The price is P3,070 per night from Mar 11 to Mar 12
P3,070
P3,423 total
Mar 11 - Mar 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
Yes spotless and great staff.

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

Days Inn by Wyndham St. Augustine I-95/Outlet Mall
Quality Inn St Augustine Historic District Area

Quality Inn St Augustine Historic District Area

3 out of 5
2800 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd St. Augustine FL
The price is P3,928 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P3,928
P4,379 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,088 reviews)
Everything, just everything was perfect. The dog playground is the best!Will be coming back this summer.

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

Quality Inn St Augustine Historic District Area
See all 5,675 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

If you're spending some time in Nelmar Terrace, Matanzas River and San Marco Antique Mall are top sights worth seeing.

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

Vilano Beach

Vilano Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like 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

When in Ravenswood, you can plan a visit to San Sebastian Winery and Ripley's Believe It Or Not, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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