Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Step back into 1798 at this historic coquina boarding house, now a museum showcasing Florida's heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into 1798 at this historic coquina boarding house, now a museum showcasing Florida's heritage.
"This is the best museum I have been to in St. Augustine!"
💧 Stay Hydrated!
It gets hot! Bring your own water bottle or buy one at the gift shop.
🎧 Audio Tour is Key
Use the QR code or device for a narrated tour; it brings history to life.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 178 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Original Coquina Structure
The House
Explore a 1798 coquina structure, a testament to early Florida architecture and resilience.
Period-Appropriate Furnishings
Interior Rooms
Immerse yourself in history with beautifully preserved rooms filled with authentic antique furniture.
Historic Gardens
Outdoor Garden Area
Wander through charming gardens, featuring ancient trees and fragrant blossoms.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Self-Guided Tour Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Stay Hydrated!
It gets hot! Bring your own water bottle or buy one at the gift shop.
🎧 Audio Tour is Key
Use the QR code or device for a narrated tour; it brings history to life.
🕰️ Explore at Your Pace
Self-guided tours are great for all ages, letting you linger where you please.
✨ Special Events
Check for unique events like book festivals or spooky candlelight tours.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Stay Hydrated!
It gets hot! Bring your own water bottle or buy one at the gift shop.
🎧 Audio Tour is Key
Use the QR code or device for a narrated tour; it brings history to life.
🕰️ Explore at Your Pace
Self-guided tours are great for all ages, letting you linger where you please.
✨ Special Events
Check for unique events like book festivals or spooky candlelight tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum for its beautifully preserved historic rooms, informative audio tour, and passionate staff. Many highlight the authentic antique furnishings and the engaging way history is presented, making it a standout museum experience in St. Augustine. Some note the heat during summer visits and recommend staying hydrated.
"Very historic house museum that dates back to the 1700’s. You check in at the gift shop and during the hot summer that’s about the only room that has AC. They sell waters there but I recommend bringing your own water bottle because it gets hot.
The house is 2 levels and you can scan a QR code or use one of their devices to do a self guided tour with a narration through each room. It was a very hot day so I went through the site pretty quickly. It was amazing to see very old things that have been preserved and just how they utilized what they had way back then.
Each room was staged with many layers and cool pieces. If you follow the audio it can go by slower but you can read through it instead. It was quite fascinating and not very busy on that particular day."
Nina Cash
"It was a fantastic experience! Each room is beautifully preserved and filled with period-appropriate furniture which along with the interesting stories provided by the audio guide make it very easy to imagine what life was like in those times. It’s clear a lot of care and effort has gone into maintaining this historic place. We visited during Night of Lights so the Christmas decorations were a huge bonus."
Monica
"Very well done museum with many layers and aspects. The audio tour was very good and the employees very informative and knowledgeable."
Joel H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is located on Aviles Street in St. Augustine, Florida. It's easily accessible within the historic district. Parking can be challenging in St. Augustine, so consider walking from nearby parking garages or using ride-sharing services.
Street parking is limited and often metered. The closest public parking garages are the St. Augustine Historic Parking Garage and the City of St. Augustine Municipal Marina Parking.
Yes, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is centrally located in the historic district, making it a pleasant walk from many other popular sites like the Castillo de San Marcos.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tours are typically available Monday through Saturday. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours and any special closures.
Admission fees apply. You can find current pricing information on the museum's official website. Consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
While not always mandatory, booking Ximenez-Fatio House Museum tickets in advance is recommended, especially if you plan to visit during busy periods or for special events.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel is usually available on the museum's website. Inquire directly with the museum for details.
Yes, some visitors have expressed interest in memberships, indicating that this is likely an option. Check the museum's website for membership benefits and pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum offers a self-guided audio tour accessible via QR code or provided devices. This allows you to explore the historic boarding house and its period rooms at your own pace.
Yes, the museum is considered good for kids, with pre-teens reportedly being fascinated by the history and exhibits. The self-guided format is also family-friendly.
You'll see beautifully preserved rooms furnished with period-appropriate antiques, offering a glimpse into life in St. Augustine during the late 18th and 19th centuries.
While the primary offering is a self-guided audio tour, staff are often knowledgeable and can provide insights. Special themed tours, like candlelight tours, may also be offered.
Built in 1798, it's one of the oldest surviving coquina structures in St. Augustine and served as a prominent boarding house, chronicling the social and economic history of Florida.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum is located on Aviles Street, which is surrounded by many restaurants. Crave St. Augustine is a popular spot mentioned by visitors.
Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside historic house museums to preserve the artifacts. Water may be allowed in certain areas, but it's best to consume it outside.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Typically, personal photography without flash is allowed, but professional shoots or commercial use may require special permission. Check with the museum staff upon arrival.
The beautifully preserved rooms with antique furnishings, the historic coquina exterior, and the charming gardens offer excellent photo opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit