St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, St. Augustine

Across the highway from St. Mark's Castle (Castillo de San Marcos) is a museum devoted to pirates! Visitors to the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum can learn about the history of piracy from the 17th century to now. A treasure map will guide you on a fun scavenger hunt through the museum as you explore the exhibits and hands-on interactive displays.

This fascinating place is home to over 800 authentic pirate artifacts and shipwreck treasures. Intriguing items on display include a rare "Jolly Roger" skull and crossbones flag. There is also a bona fide 400-year-old pirate treasure chest, the only one that survives in the world! Don't miss the display case containing remnants of Sir Francis Drake's actual ship.

The eclectic array of objects on view includes weapons, games, a knot-tying display, a sail sewing kit, books, charts, coins, an ivory compass, a bar of gold, and even Blackbeard memorabilia. Life-size animated models of pirates add to the visual experience of the museum. Also on display are lashes and other devices used to punish captured pirates.

The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is designed to emulate a pirate's world — visually, by sound, and by smell (you heard that correctly — one display lets visitors try to identify various cargo smells)! The museum is an active and compelling place to explore while getting an education on a pirate's daily life.