Make the most of your visit to St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights! Download the St. Augustine Nights of Lights App for maps, tips, and event details right at your fingertips. Avoid downtown congestion by using the Free Park & Ride Shuttle—it’s the easiest way to reach the festivities stress-free. Plan ahead, arrive early, and enjoy the holiday charm safely and smoothly!
Begin the day just west of St. Augustine in the quiet agricultural community of Elkton, where long-standing traditions and local history remain deeply rooted.
Established in 1910, Armstrong Cemetery serves the African American communities of Spuds, Armstrong, and Elkton. Visitors will find unique burial customs and markers that reflect the heritage and resilience of generations who shaped this rural region.
Built in 1877, historic Moultrie Church sits within Wildwood—also known as Moultrie—Cemetery, where graves date to the mid-1800s. Nicknamed “God’s Little Acre,” the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The oldest identified marker, from 1864, offers a glimpse into the community’s early history and the stories of those who lived here.
Opened in 1892, San Lorenzo is the final resting place of numerous veterans, including Confederate soldiers, as well as Major League Baseball player Lyle Judy. Older graves can be found toward the back of the cemetery near Old Moultrie Road, with the earliest marked headstone dating to 1868. The cemetery is open daily from sunrise to sunset, offering quiet pathways for reflection.
Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed at this historic waterfront site in 1565, claiming it for Spain and the Church. Beginning in 1884, the mission grounds served as a burial site following the closures of Tolomato and Huguenot cemeteries. Visitors can explore centuries of Catholic history, peaceful gardens, and scenic river views—an ideal place to pause for a picnic. Open Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday noon–4 p.m.
The afternoon continues at the Fountain of Youth, where layers of Indigenous and Spanish history converge. Archaeological discoveries have uncovered Timucua burials, while interpretive exhibits highlight the arrival of Ponce de León and the first landing of Menéndez in 1565. Visitors can tour the grounds, enjoy riverfront vistas, and explore one of St. Augustine’s most storied landmarks. The park is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
After a day steeped in history, visitors may return to their accommodations to relax and refresh before the “spirits” portion of the experience begins. An evening ghost tour or paranormal investigation offers the perfect way to close out the journey—pairing historic discovery with a spirited twist.
