Oldest House Museum & Garden
Step into Florida's oldest Spanish colonial home, a preserved piece of history with a serene garden oasis.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Oldest House Museum & Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Florida's oldest Spanish colonial home, a preserved piece of history with a serene garden oasis.
"A beautifully preserved home and garden right on Duval Street, worth the low price of admission!"
Don't Skip the Garden! :seedling:
The garden is a hidden gem, offering a tranquil escape. Perfect for a moment of peace.
Support a Non-Profit :heart:
Your admission fee and gift shop purchases help preserve this piece of history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic House
Main House
Step back in time in Florida's oldest surviving Spanish colonial residence, built around 1723.
Peaceful Garden Oasis
Garden
Escape the bustle on Duval Street in this serene garden, perfect for quiet reflection.
Captain's Office
Main House
A unique and fascinating room showcasing maritime history and original artifacts.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Support Local History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don't Skip the Garden! :seedling:
The garden is a hidden gem, offering a tranquil escape. Perfect for a moment of peace.
Support a Non-Profit :heart:
Your admission fee and gift shop purchases help preserve this piece of history.
Chat with Staff :speech_balloon:
The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the house's history.
Small but Mighty :house_with_garden:
It's a smaller house, so allow about an hour to explore thoroughly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Skip the Garden! :seedling:
The garden is a hidden gem, offering a tranquil escape. Perfect for a moment of peace.
Support a Non-Profit :heart:
Your admission fee and gift shop purchases help preserve this piece of history.
Chat with Staff :speech_balloon:
The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the house's history.
Small but Mighty :house_with_garden:
It's a smaller house, so allow about an hour to explore thoroughly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Oldest House Museum & Garden for its well-preserved historic home and tranquil garden oasis. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are frequently mentioned as enhancing the experience, making it a worthwhile stop for a glimpse into St. Augustine's colonial past. Some note it's a smaller attraction, best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
"I finally visited this museum after walking past many times and not realizing what it was. This is a beautifully preserved home and garden right on Duval Street. It is a non-profit organization that relies on funding from it's amazing gift shop, donations and admissions. Ann-Marie was working when I visited and we shared many conversations about her history in Key West as well as extensive knowledge of the home/museum. I was also lucky enough to meet Barbara, the curator and learn a bit more about the history of the house, which is fascinating.
Please stop in and support this beautiful piece of Key West history. It's worth the low price of admission and the gift shop has many irresistible treasures from local artists you won't want to miss!"
Kelie Cichoski
"Amazing experience!! Highly recommend!"
Joanna M
"There Is no admission fee for this place you can leave a donation. There is a well-maintained garden with several benches to just sit. The historical information about the house was quite interesting. The items that were in the house were very interesting to see. The member was quite informative and polite. so sweet and knowledgeable. She really enjoyed what she did."
Alex Rodriguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Oldest House Museum & Garden is located in St. Augustine, Florida, on Duval Street. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Many visitors also walk to it if they are staying in the historic downtown area.
Parking can be challenging in downtown St. Augustine. There are paid parking garages and street parking available, but it's advisable to arrive early or consider walking if you're staying nearby.
Absolutely! The Oldest House Museum is a compact attraction that can easily fit into a day trip itinerary. It's a great way to experience a piece of Florida's history without taking up too much time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $10 per person, though it's a non-profit organization and donations are greatly appreciated. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
While advance booking isn't usually required, it's always a good idea to check their website, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and current operating hours.
The museum is generally open seven days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM. However, hours can vary, so it's best to confirm on their official website before your visit.
Often, the garden is accessible with the house admission. Some visitors mention being able to enjoy the garden with a donation if not entering the house itself.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Oldest House Museum, also known as the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, is Florida's oldest surviving Spanish colonial residence. Construction began around 1723, showcasing both Spanish and British colonial architectural influences. 
Inside, you'll find beautifully preserved rooms with original furnishings and family portraits, offering a glimpse into life in early St. Augustine. The captain's office is a particular highlight.
Yes, the garden is highly recommended! It's a peaceful oasis with benches, perfect for a quiet moment away from the city's hustle and bustle.
Most visitors find that an hour is sufficient to explore both the house and the garden thoroughly. It's a relatively small but rich historical site.
While not always explicitly advertised as formal guided tours, the staff are very knowledgeable and happy to share historical insights, making the visit informative and engaging.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography without flash is often permitted in historic homes, but it's best to check signage upon arrival or ask a staff member to be sure.
The charming garden offers beautiful light, especially in the late afternoon. The exterior of the historic house itself is also very photogenic, showcasing its colonial architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏛️ History Buffs
+1 The architectural details showcasing both Spanish and British influences are particularly noteworthy. The curated furnishings and artifacts provide an authentic glimpse into 18th-century life, and the Captain's Office is a unique feature for those interested in maritime history. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colonial Florida
+1 Visitors can explore rooms furnished with period pieces, offering an authentic look at how families lived during that era. The Captain's Office is a particularly unique and memorable part of the tour, providing insights into maritime life. Beyond the house itself, the peaceful garden provides a serene contrast to the bustling streets of St. Augustine. It's a place where visitors can relax, reflect, and appreciate the historical significance of the site. The garden's tranquility makes it a favorite spot for many, offering a moment of calm amidst a busy travel itinerary.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
Don't underestimate the charm of the gift shop, which features treasures from local artists and directly supports the museum's operations.
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