Spanish Military Hospital Museum - a building with a balcony and a balcony on top of it
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Spanish Military Hospital Museum

4.7
·615 reviews·St. Augustine, United States

Step back into 1791 St. Augustine and explore colonial medicine with expert guides on America's oldest street.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal tour

CrowdLow
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Spanish Military Hospital Museum - a building with a balcony and a balcony on top of it

Spanish Military Hospital Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal tour

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back into 1791 St. Augustine and explore colonial medicine with expert guides on America's oldest street. Instagram

4.7
(615 reviews)

"Highly recommend for anyone interested in medical history; our guide was extremely knowledgeable and eager to answer questions. Reddit"

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TIP

🎯 Engage with Your Guide

Guides are super informative! Ask questions about amputations, herbal remedies, and colonial medicine.

👟 Stroll America's Oldest Street

The museum is on Aviles Street, the oldest street in America. Enjoy the historic vibe before or after your tour!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Guided Historical Tour

Guided Historical Tour

Step back in time with engaging guides explaining colonial medicine, surgical tools, and herbal remedies.

Reddit
Apothecary & Surgical Suite

Apothecary & Surgical Suite

Explore the replica apothecary and surgical suite, showcasing antique instruments and early medical practices.

Reddit
Aviles Street Exploration

Aviles Street Exploration

Wander down America's oldest street, where the hospital once stood, soaking in the historic atmosphere.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Guided tours are the primary way to experience the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. Booking ahead ensures your spot, especially during peak seasons, and guarantees you get the most out of the historical insights shared by knowledgeable guides. TikTok

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be exploring Aviles Street, the oldest street in America, and the museum's exhibits. Comfortable footwear is essential for a pleasant experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the history without discomfort. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon Tours
Why
Good for families and school groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Spanish Military Hospital Museum is located on Aviles Street — the oldest street in America! Travel back in time on a guided tour and learn about Spanish Colonial medicine. Learn more at smhmuseum.com #explorestaugustine #tour #spanish #spanishmilitaryhospital #colonial #colonialmedicine #staugustine #saintaugustine #florida #attraction #avilesstreet #oldestcity #stafla
explorestaugustine
268 likes • 4.7K views

🎯 Engage with Your Guide

Guides are super informative! Ask questions about amputations, herbal remedies, and colonial medicine. Reddit+1

👟 Stroll America's Oldest Street

The museum is on Aviles Street, the oldest street in America. Enjoy the historic vibe before or after your tour! Instagram

Stroll down the oldest street in America and learn about Spanish Colonial Medicine at the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. Located on Aviles Street, the road was previously called Hospital Street and has been shown on maps of St. Augustine since the 1580s! The museum’s guided presentation takes guests back to the colonial Spanish days of medicine — with both surgical and apothecary demonstrations...
floridashistoriccoast
391 likes • 6.7K views
Blues skies and sunshine on Friday, January 24, 2025 in St. Augustine, Florida! 📍Aviles Street at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and Spanish Hospital Military Hospital Museum @theximenezfatiohouse ✨ Hypolita Street at The Spice & Tea Exchange @spiceandtea.staugustine ✨ St. George Street at the Peña-Peck House @pena_peck_house #staugustine #florida #sunshine #january #winterinflorida #sun #bluesk...
totallystaugustine
734 likes • 12.1K views

📚 Educational for All Ages

Great for school field trips and anyone interested in medical history. Kids love the interactive exhibits! Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventures

Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds and for tours, making it a great spot for furry friends! Instagram

Me and Wyatt went to the Spanish Military Hospital Museum... Adventures with Wyatt #travelblog #travelmore #travelflorida #staugustine #reelforreel #reel #staugustine #viral #vilanobeach #lifeisabeach #beachbum #groin #sharelove #inspire #runwithjack #runwithjacktour #jacksparrow #thankyou #travelblog #travelmore #traveltheworld
roamlyn
0 likes • 115 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Engage with Your Guide

Guides are super informative! Ask questions about amputations, herbal remedies, and colonial medicine. Reddit+1

👟 Stroll America's Oldest Street

The museum is on Aviles Street, the oldest street in America. Enjoy the historic vibe before or after your tour! Instagram

📚 Educational for All Ages

Great for school field trips and anyone interested in medical history. Kids love the interactive exhibits! Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventures

Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds and for tours, making it a great spot for furry friends! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(615 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Spanish Military Hospital Museum for its highly informative and engaging guided tours, with guides like Jose and Joe frequently mentioned for their expertise and ability to captivate audiences. The museum offers a unique educational experience into colonial medical practices, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Some visitors noted that the tour content, while fascinating, can be quite detailed.

"A great Museum that includes a tour. Learn how early Spanish medical professionals combined surgical skill with herbal remedies to care for patients in an era long before modern hospitals. It’s an educational and engaging journey through the evolution of medical science."

Willie Ortiz

"Really enjoyed this experience. I can’t think of our tour guide’s name for the life of me but she had dark hair and curly bangs and was super informative. I am now an expert on amputations and medicinal herbs lol. 10/10 recommend."

Marissa Ferland

"Went with 4th grade field trip and had a great time learning about the history of the military hospital, apothecary, and surgical suite. Our tour guide did a good job engaging with the kids 👏"

Cindi Martinez

What People Like

Engaging and knowledgeable guides
Fascinating colonial medicine insights
Educational for all ages

What People Dislike

Detailed historical information

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located on Aviles Street in St. Augustine, Florida, often referred to as America's oldest street. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the historic downtown area. Parking can be found in nearby garages or street parking, though it can be competitive. Instagram+1

Yes, it's situated in the heart of St. Augustine's historic district, close to other popular sites like the Colonial Quarter, Pirate Museum, and Lightner Museum. You can easily combine a visit with other nearby historical spots. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It's highly recommended to book your Spanish Military Hospital Museum tickets in advance, especially for the guided tours, as they are the primary way to experience the museum and can fill up. TikTok

Operating hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Tours typically run throughout the day. TikTok

Ticket prices are generally reasonable and include the guided tour. Check the museum's official website for current admission fees and any potential discounts. TikTok

Absolutely! The Spanish Military Hospital Museum tours are the main attraction, offering an in-depth look at colonial medicine with knowledgeable guides. Reddit+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect an educational and engaging guided presentation that transports you back to the colonial Spanish days of medicine. You'll learn about surgical practices, herbal remedies, and the hospital's history. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's a fantastic educational experience for kids, especially during school field trips. The guides are skilled at engaging younger audiences with historical facts and interactive elements. Reddit

Yes, the Spanish Military Hospital Museum is dog-friendly! Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on the tour and explore the grounds, making it a great outing for pet owners. Instagram

The museum showcases a replica of a 1791 Spanish Colonial hospital, highlighting advanced medical strategies of the era, including surgical skill and herbal remedies, which were quite successful in fighting infection. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary, but generally, photos for personal use are allowed in most areas. It's always a good idea to check with your guide or museum staff if you're unsure about specific exhibits. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Spanish Military Hospital Museum is a fantastic educational outing for families. The guided tours are designed to be engaging for children, with guides who excel at capturing their attention and making history fun. Reddit The interactive exhibits and the vivid descriptions of colonial medicine, including surgical tools and remedies, often spark curiosity and wonder in young minds. Instagram

It's a great opportunity for kids to learn about a different aspect of history beyond battles and buildings. The museum's location on Aviles Street also adds to the adventure, allowing families to explore one of America's oldest streets. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there's a bit of walking involved, and consider booking tours in advance to secure your spot. Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Explorers

For travelers with canine companions, the Spanish Military Hospital Museum offers a rare and welcome opportunity. Leashed dogs are not only permitted but encouraged to join their humans for the guided tours and exploration of the museum grounds. Instagram This makes it an ideal stop for those who don't want to leave their furry friends behind while experiencing St. Augustine's rich history.

It's a chance for everyone in the family, including the four-legged members, to learn about colonial medicine and stroll down America's oldest street. Just ensure your dog is well-behaved and comfortable in new environments, and be prepared for a unique and memorable historical adventure together. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Colonial Medicine

The Spanish Military Hospital Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the medical practices of the late 18th century. Visitors are guided through a replica of the 1791 hospital, learning about the innovative approaches used by Spanish physicians. These included a combination of surgical skill and extensive knowledge of herbal remedies, which proved remarkably effective in treating infections and injuries long before the germ theory was understood. Instagram

The museum's exhibits meticulously recreate the apothecary and surgical suite, showcasing antique instruments and detailing the procedures performed. This immersive experience highlights the advanced understanding of anatomy and physiology that Spanish medical professionals possessed, demonstrating their significant contributions to medical history. Reddit

Travelers often express surprise and admiration for the effectiveness of these early treatments, with many leaving with a newfound appreciation for the evolution of medical science. The guides are adept at making complex historical medical information accessible and engaging for all visitors. Reddit+1

Exploring Aviles Street

The Spanish Military Hospital Museum is uniquely situated on Aviles Street, a designation that holds significant historical weight as America's oldest street. This cobblestone lane has been a part of St. Augustine's urban fabric since the 1580s, predating many other colonial settlements. Its historical significance is so profound that it was once known as Hospital Street, directly linking it to the very site of the museum. Instagram+1

Walking down Aviles Street is like stepping back in time. The architecture, the ambiance, and the sheer age of the thoroughfare offer a tangible connection to the past. Visitors often describe the experience as transportive, allowing them to imagine life in colonial St. Augustine. Instagram

Before or after your visit to the hospital museum, take time to explore the shops, galleries, and other historic buildings lining Aviles Street. It’s an integral part of the St. Augustine experience, providing context and a charming backdrop to your historical journey. Instagram

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