Culture, Art & Historic Charm

First Stop: Jacksonville Urban Culture + Art + Riverside Stroll 1️⃣ Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL Admission: $20 (Free for students with ID!) Free parking across the street A highly recommended European-style museum with a dreamy garden! The Baroque ceramics gallery is a must-see 🏺, and the courtyard overlooks the river—super photogenic! 📸 Perfect for a quiet morning immersed in art and nature. 2️⃣ MOCA Jacksonville (Museum of Contemporary Art) 🎨🖼️ 333 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL Admission: $10 (Students free with ID) Downtown parking ~$3/hour ✨ A hidden gem with strong artistic vibes! Features many works by student and emerging artists 🧑‍🎨. After the museum, take a relaxing walk along the Southbank Riverwalk 🌉, admire the classic “old money” architecture, and soak in the city's laid-back energy. Second Stop: St. Augustine America’s Oldest City—Colonial Charm & Historic Streets! Step into this town and feel like you’ve traveled back to Europe! 🏰🌺 3️⃣ Flagler College 🏫📚 📍 74 King St, St. Augustine, FL Free to explore (courtyard and limited public areas) One of the most beautiful campuses in the U.S.! The Spanish Renaissance architecture is breathtaking 🏛️—every corner looks like a magazine cover. Don’t miss the grand lobby and the courtyard fountain! 📸 4️⃣ Castillo de San Marcos National Monument 🏰🌊 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL $15 per person (valid for 7 days) The oldest masonry fort in the United States! The history here is palpable. Walk along the ancient walls, watch the cannons face the sea, and let the ocean breeze sweep you away 🍃. Perfect for history buffs and scenic daydreamers. 5️⃣ St. George Street 🛍️🍦 ✨ A lively, pedestrian-only historic street connecting the fort and Flagler College! Lined with unique boutiques, cafes, and souvenir shops . Great for casual strolling, people-watching, and grabbing a sweet treat! 6️⃣ Lightner Museum 💎⛲ 75 King St, St. Augustine, FL Admission: $17 (check for student discounts) Housed in a stunning former hotel that looks like a European palace 🏰. The interior is just as impressive, featuring antique collections, stained glass, and a beautiful courtyard with koi ponds and fountains 🐠. A paradise for photo lovers! 📷 Food & Drink Recommendations in St. Augustine 🍽️☕ The Floridian 🦀🍗: Try the blue crab cakes and Southern fried chicken—local flavors at their best! Maple Street Biscuit Co. : Famous for their flaky biscuits and crispy fried chicken combo. Crucial Coffee Cafe ☕🚐: A cute retro coffee truck—perfect for a quick and tasty caffeine fix! Columbia Restaurant 🇪🇸: Historic Spanish-style dining with beautiful interior décor and classic dishes like paella. One-Day Itinerary Suggestion: Morning : Start at Cummer Museum in Jacksonville. Late Morning : Head to MOCA and enjoy the Riverwalk. Afternoon : Drive to St. Augustine (~45 min), visit Castillo de San Marcos 🏰 then stroll St. George Street. Late Afternoon : Explore Flagler College and Lightner Museum. Evening : Dinner at Columbia Restaurant or a casual bite at Maple Street Biscuit Co., wrap up with coffee from Crucial Coffee Cafe! ☕🌇 #US #Florida #Jacksonville