St. Augustine offers many attractions that highlight the history of the city with trained, professional re-enactors bringing history to life.

Living History

Watch history come to life at local re-enactments.

Some cities celebrate their past with statues and plaques, but St. Augustine brings its history to life. Here, history doesn’t sit behind glass — it's in the sounds of boots marching down our brick streets, the canons thundering at Castillo de San Marcos, and clanging iron in the Colonial Quarter. Our re-enactors love bringing the past to life, and numerous attractions offer the chance to witness, and even participate in, living history.

  • Reenactors marching to commemorate Searle's Sack in St. Augustine.
  • A guard standing in the watchtower of the Colonial Quarter.
  • Reenactors participate in Drake's Raid on St. George Street in St. Augustine.
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Don't Just Learn About History

Experience history firsthand.

From learning colonial cooking techniques, or crafting historical objects and keepsakes, to marching through town and climbing the watchtower, become a part of our story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Living history is an immersive way to experience the past. Through costumed interpreters, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities, you can see, hear, and even participate in historical moments.

Several historic sites and attractions offer daily living history experiences, including Castillo de San Marcos, the Colonial Quarter, and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. Many guided tours and seasonal reenactments also bring the past to life.

Yes! Annual events like Drake’s Raid Reenactment, Searle's Sack and Encampment, and the Florida Historic Militia Encampment recreate key moments in St. Augustine’s history.

Absolutely! Many sites and tours are designed for all ages, with hands-on activities like colonial cooking and treasure hunts to engage your whole family. We recommend bringing ear plugs or headphones for younger children, or children with sensitive hearing, to reenactments including musket or cannon fire. 

While many living history experiences are open for walk-ins, some events, guided tours, and hands-on activities require reservations — especially during peak seasons. It’s always a good idea to check with the attraction ahead of your visit. You can find more information on specific living history experiences in our full living history directory below.

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Find Your Place in History

Browse all of our living history experiences and start planning your next visit to the nation's oldest city.

Cannon Firing at the Castillo de San Marcos

Castillo de San Marcos

(904) 829-6506

1 South Castillo Dr.

The city's crown jewel and the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.

The Florida Agricultural Museum offers a look at rural Florida in the 19th and early 20th centuries near St. Augustine, FL.

Florida Agricultural Museum

(386) 446-7630

7900 Old Kings Road

See and experience a Florida farm at this living history museum in Flagler County.

Fort Mose viewed beyond a sign describing the location

Fort Mose

(904) 823-2232

15 Fort Mose Trail

Visit the site of the southern destination for the Underground Railroad.

More Ways to Explore the Past

The main room of the Pirate and Treasure Museum has paintings and ship models

Museums

See the past up close.

Learn more
St. Augustine's Fort Matanzas at sunset

Historic Sites

Explore iconic landmarks.

Learn more
Henry Flagler built the Memorial Presbyterian Church, based on the design of the Basilica of St. Mark in Venice, Italy, for his daughter Jennie Louise Flagler.

Historic Churches

Discover sacred landmarks.

Learn more

Historical Events

Cannon Firing at the Castillo de San Marcos
Today
Jan 31

Weekend Cannon Firing

Saturdays and Sundays | 10:30 & 11:30 a.m., and 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30 p.m.

Be a part of history at the Castillo de San Marcos every weekend.

Butler Beach was the only beach between Jacksonville and Daytona that Black people were allowed to enjoy. This images, circa 1950, shows a group of young girls posing happily. (Image courtesy of Florida Memory)
Wednesday
Feb 11

Butler Beach History Walk

Wed., Feb. 11, and Sat., Feb 26, 2026 | Times Vary

Explore civil rights heritage and the natural beauty of this historic beach.

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The entrance to the Fountain of Youth through an arched sign

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Audience members prior to the Magic Hideaway show, smiling and holding signature cocktails

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