Fort Mose Gardens, FL

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(1,934 reviews)

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

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(315 reviews)

You can study the exhibits at World Golf Village, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to St. Augustine. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event in this quaint area.

World Golf Village
Castillo de San Marcos which includes heritage elements

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

4.5/5(1,744 reviews)

Explore one of the the oldest standing masonry forts in North America and watch cannons being fired from the ramparts.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Florida featuring street scenes

St. George Street

4.5/5(1,670 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at St. George Street during your visit to St. Augustine. You can enjoy the coffeehouses 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(1,032 reviews)

Explore the campus of 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

4.5/5(20 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree 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

Fort Mose Gardens Hotel Deals

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 NT$4,499 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
NT$4,499
per night
Feb 22 - Feb 23
Book a stay at this beach hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,915 reviews)
Room was fine. Staff was helpful.

Reviewed on 2026/2/14

Guy Harvey Resort on St Augustine Beach
Villa 1565

Villa 1565

3 out of 5
137 San Marco Ave St. Augustine FL
Stay at this hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,949 reviews)
The room was clean and the staff was very friendly.

Reviewed on 2026/2/9

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Villa 1565
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 NT$5,756 per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
NT$5,756
per night
Feb 19 - Feb 20
Book a stay at this beach resort in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,298 reviews)
The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable on the area would definitely recommend staying I can’t name a single bad thing from my time at the hotel

Reviewed on 2026/2/12

Embassy Suites By Hilton St Augustine Beach-Oceanfront Resort
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 NT$3,867 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
NT$3,867
per night
Feb 22 - Feb 23
Stay at this hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free beach shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,162 reviews)
Good choice

Reviewed on 2026/2/11

Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach
The Smart Stay Inn

The Smart Stay Inn

2.5 out of 5
2365 FL-16 St. Augustine FL
The price is NT$2,484 per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
NT$2,484
per night
Feb 16 - Feb 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,958 reviews)
This was one of my several visits to St. Augustine in the last 10 years. I am a returning customer, had good experiences on my previous stays, including the last one. The room was, as on my previous visits, clean and tidy, the staff was pleasant and attentive (especially the female receptionist who ...

Reviewed on 2026/2/11

The Smart Stay Inn
The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel

The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel

3 out of 5
1111 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine FL
Stay at this hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,361 reviews)
Very clean, great location. Attached restaurant is a great convenience.

Reviewed on 2026/2/11

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The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel
See all 5,675 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 neighborhoods around Fort Mose Gardens

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Nelmar Terrace

If you're spending some time in Nelmar Terrace, Matanzas River and San Marco Antique Mall are top sights worth seeing.

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

4.5/5(253 area reviews)

Vilano Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Vilano Beach and Castle Otttis.

Vilano Beach
Flagler College in 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

When in Ravenswood, you can plan a visit to San Sebastian Winery and Ripley's Believe It Or Not, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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, FL