Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Unmissable in town, this striking former luxury hotel, built in the 1880s, is now the
world's most gorgeous dormitory, belonging to Flagler College who purchased and saved it
in 1967. Guided tours are recommended to get a sense of the detail and history of this
magnificent Spanish Renaissance building. At the very least, take a peek inside the lobby
for free.
Tours are occasionally cancelled for college functions: check the website for details.
Lightner Museum
MUSEUM
904-824-2874;
www.lightnermuseum.org
; 75 King St; adult/child $10/5;
9am-5pm)
Henry Flagler's former Hotel Alcazar is now home to this wonderful museum, with a little
bit of everything, from ornate Gilded Age furnishings to collections of marbles and cigar-
box labels. The dramatic and imposing building itself is a must-see, dating back to 1887
and designed in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style by New York City architects Car-
rère and Hastings.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
FORT
$7/free; 8:45am-5:15pm; )
This incredibly photogenic fort is another atmospheric monument to longevity: it's the
country's oldest masonry fort, completed by the Spanish in 1695. Park rangers lead pro-
grams hourly and shoot off cannons most weekends.
Villa Zorayda Museum
MUSEUM
10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11am-4pm Sun)
Looking like a faux Spanish castle from a medieval theme park, this odd gray edifice was
built in 1883 by an eccentric millionaire who was obsessed with Spain's 12th-century Al-
hambra Palace; it's made from a mix of concrete and local coquina shells. Today, it's an
odd but engaging museum. The Moorish-style atrium and rooms contain quirky antiques
and archaeological pieces: highlights include a 2400-year-old mummy's foot and an Egyp-
tian 'Sacred Cat Rug.'
