Fort Mose Gardens Travel Guide

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

4.5/5(14 reviews)

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

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

4.5/5(4 reviews)

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

4.5/5(15 reviews)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at St. George Street during your visit to St. Augustine. You can enjoy the cafes 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

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit 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 care-free 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 which includes heritage elements

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

4.5/5(11 reviews)

You can learn about the history of St. Augustine with a trip to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Discover the area's fascinating museums or seek out its local tours.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

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
The price is 3.252.850 ₫ per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
3.252.850 ₫
3.626.928 ₫ total
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,900 reviews)
We only stayed 1 night. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. Room was clean and sufficient for the night. It’s right on the water and the pool area was very nice. It was chilly the night we stayed so didn’t use it. They have the bar area near pool which was nice

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026

Guy Harvey Resort on St Augustine Beach
Villa 1565

Villa 1565

3 out of 5
137 San Marco Ave St. Augustine FL
The price is 2.031.294 ₫ per night from 18 Feb to 19 Feb
2.031.294 ₫
2.264.893 ₫ total
18 Feb - 19 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,950 reviews)
Room was clean and spacious. Hotel staff At check in was great. Manager helped us with an issue and was very helpful. Breakfast was okay.

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

Villa 1565
The Smart Stay Inn

The Smart Stay Inn

2.5 out of 5
2365 FL-16 St. Augustine FL
The price is 2.054.158 ₫ per night from 5 Feb to 6 Feb
2.054.158 ₫
2.290.387 ₫ total
5 Feb - 6 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,957 reviews)
Room was clean, staff is very helpful and pleasant.breakfast was great. I would definitely recommend this place.

Reviewed on 30 Jan 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 3.198.246 ₫ per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
3.198.246 ₫
3.566.044 ₫ total
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free beach shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,150 reviews)
Nice staff

Reviewed on 30 Jan 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 4.886.036 ₫ per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
4.886.036 ₫
6.318.300 ₫ total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,306 reviews)
Greatvplace to stay°

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

Embassy Suites By Hilton St Augustine Beach-Oceanfront Resort
Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach

Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach

3 out of 5
605 A1A Beach Boulevard St. Augustine FL
The price is 2.782.214 ₫ per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
2.782.214 ₫
3.102.169 ₫ total
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
clean, quiet, excellent

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach
See all 5,712 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

While visiting Nelmar Terrace, you might make a stop by sights like Matanzas River and San Marco Antique Mall.

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

Travellers to Vilano Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Vilano Beach and Castle Otttis.

Vilano Beach
Historic wooden gate - 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

While Ravenswood may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like San Sebastian Winery and Ripley's Believe It Or Not.

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 Travel Guide

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