St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the U.S. – it’s a city where the past is always present. You’ll feel it in the Spanish Colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks that seem to pop up around every corner. One of the most fascinating places to dive into the city’s story is the Lightner Museum, housed in the former Alcazar Hotel—an opulent Gilded Age resort built by Henry Flagler in 1888.
The Lightner Museum, St. Augustine occupies three floors of space, all packed with 19th-century fine and decorative arts, from intricate stained glass and cut glass collections to antique musical instruments and Victorian curiosities. Even if you’re not a history buff, the Lightner building alone—with its open courtyards and Spanish Renaissance Revival style—is worth the visit. Of course, visiting this unique St. Augustine museum is just one of the many things to do in St. Augustine, Florida.
Further delve into the city’s unique history by touring the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., or as the sun goes down, take a ghost tour for a different perspective on the city’s storied past. The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum offers sweeping views and shipwreck stories, while the Colonial Quarter lets you step back into the 1700s with live demonstrations and interactive exhibits. St. George Street is packed with shops, cafés, and galleries if you want to mix in a little modern-day fun with your historical sightseeing.
As a guest at our St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast, you’ll be within walking distance of the Lightner Museum and everything else in the St. Augustine Historic District. After your adventures in the nation’s oldest city, head on back to our historic Inn—which happens to be one of the best places to stay in St. Augustine. We have seven beautifully appointed guest rooms, all completely equipped with luxury amenities and comfortable appointments. You’ll enjoy perks like jetted tubs, balconies, complimentary breakfasts, and welcoming hospitality. Start planning your next visit to St. Augustine and book your stay today!
What is the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine?
The St. Augustine Lightner Museum is housed in the old Hotel Alcazar—itself a historical landmark with its 1887 Spanish Renaissance Revival design and a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The Alcazar Hotel in St. Augustine was commissioned by Henry Flagler, an American Industrialist who was integral to the modern development of the Florida coastline. It was a destination resort for wealthy travelers but remained open until 1932.
Today, this historic hotel houses the Lightner Museum, which was founded in 1948 by Otto C. Lightner. Lightner was a collector and professional hobbyist who wanted to share his passion with the public. One of the stand-out exhibits is from Lightner’s extensive art collection. The museum also houses a fascinating collection of Gilded Age treasures in its permanent collection, alongside an exceptional collection of 19th—and 20th-century American Art.
Other highlights of the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine include a collection of Victorian Science and Industry exhibits on the first floor. This exhibit has an eclectic mix of artifacts, from a small Egyptian mummy and stuffed birds to a model steam engine and hand-blown glass pieces. On this floor, you’ll also want to visit the music room, filled with instruments dating from 1870 to 1920. The museum’s second-floor exhibits are dedicated to Victorian art glass and stained glass pieces from the famed Tiffany’s Studios, and on the third floor, you’ll find an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and furniture.
While you’re on the third floor of the Lightner Museum, don’t miss the view from the balcony. From here, you can look down to the former Lightner Museum pool. At one point, the Hotel Alcazar pool was the largest indoor pool in the country. Now, it’s a bustling restaurant at the heart of this unique museum! The Lightner Museum restaurant is a fantastic place to take a break and grab lunch. The Cafe Alcazar menu is casual and varied, featuring modern takes on classic American dishes. Reservations are highly recommended from October to March.
This unique museum in St. Augustine is open daily from 9 to 5, with the exception of Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Currently, it costs less than $20 to access this spectacular collection of history and culture. Lightner Museum tours are also available, but only for groups of ten or more.
Walkable Location at our St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast
If you’re looking for convenient lodging near the St. Augustine Historic District, look no further than our romantic St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast. Our cozy B&B is the perfect place for your getaway, placing you within easy distance of the city’s top historic attractions. The Lightner Museum is just a short eight-minute walk away!
A convenient location is just one of the many things you’ll love about our St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast, though. Moreover, it’s having the peace of mind that, when your feet and mind are tired at the end of the day, you’ll have a cozy and quiet space to relax and unwind. Join us each afternoon for a welcoming happy hour, and then at the end of the day, retire to your well-appointed guest room and relax. That is what vacation is for, after all.
Our guest rooms are unique in size, decor, and amenities, so every time you stay with us, it will be memorable! You may want a room with a balcony, a California king bed, or a jetted tub—all of which are possible at Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine. Our guests enjoy plenty of free amenities, such as fluffy robes, signature bath products, decanters of sherry for a nightcap, daily breakfast, and much more! If you are ready for your visit to our historic St. Augustine Inn, book your stay with us today!
