Saint Augustine

The fort is the oldest and largest stone fort in the continental United States, built by the Spanish during 1672-1695 with blocks of coquina. — Where

A museum with... not-to-be-missed ornate antique music boxes, and even an early 20th-century-era shrunken head from the Jivaro Indians of Ecuador. — Fodor's

Masses are still held at the site along the bay. — Where

There's still absolutely no evidence that Ponce de León visited the spot during his 1513 voyage. — Frommer's

Home of one of the world’s largest collections of authentic pirate artifacts and treasures. — Where

Admission also entitles you to explore the adjacent Manucy Museum of St. Augustine History, where artifacts, maps, and photographs document the town's history. — Frommer's

The automated professor and students dressed in period clothing relate the school's history, explain the barter system, subjects studied and use of the dunce cap. Open daily. — Where

This cathedral has the country's oldest written parish records, dating from 1594. — Fodor's

Built as a merchant's house and store in 1798, the place became a boardinghouse in the 1800s and has been restored to look like it did during its inn days. — Fodor's

The formal dolphin shows are history, but you can have a far more memorable experience with interactive programs that allow you to swim with and feed the animals or become a dolphin trainer for a day. — Fodor's

Known as the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, Florida's oldest surviving Spanish-colonial dwelling is a National Historic Landmark. — Fodor's

At this 19th-century prison, felons were detained and released or detained and hanged from the gallows in back. — Fodor's

Government House, now restored to what it looked like in the 1930s, is home to a small museum devoted to the town and its inhabitants. — Michelin Guide

Although it's only 15 miles from town, the fort feels eerily remote, and it takes little imagination to picture the demanding lives of the soldiers sent here to protect the young colony. — Fodor's

This hands-on history museum has games, weapons, foods and tools that convey life then and now. — Where