Flagler College Tours: Explore Gilded Age History in the Heart of St. Augustine
Looking for one of the most unique and historically rich things to do in St. Augustine? A tour of Flagler College is a must. Housed in what was once the luxurious Ponce de León Hotel, Flagler College is both a working liberal arts campus and one of the most stunning examples of Gilded Age architecture in the country.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or planning your next Florida getaway, touring Flagler College offers a perfect blend of education, inspiration, and visual splendor.
The Origins of Flagler College: From Luxury Hotel to Historic Campus
Flagler College wasn’t always a school. Its story starts with Henry Flagler, the railroad tycoon and Standard Oil co-founder who envisioned Florida as a winter haven for America’s elite.
In 1888, Flagler opened the Ponce de León Hotel in St. Augustine, built entirely from poured concrete mixed with coquina shell. The hotel boasted revolutionary amenities for its time, including electric lighting installed by Thomas Edison and stained-glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Murals by George W. Maynard adorned the ceilings, giving the hotel a level of artistic grandeur rarely seen outside Europe.
The hotel hosted U.S. presidents, captains of industry, and society’s upper crust until its closure in the mid-20th century.
In 1968, rather than let the building decay, a new chapter began: Flagler College opened, repurposing the historic structure into an accredited liberal arts institution.
What You’ll See on a Flagler College Tour
Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the former Ponce de León Hotel, now the centerpiece of Flagler College’s campus. These tours give the public access to areas that still reflect their original 19th-century luxury while also sharing the story of the college’s founding and its role in modern-day St. Augustine.
Highlights Include:
- The Rotunda, with its breathtaking murals and dome.
- Tiffany stained-glass windows, the largest collection in a single location.
- The historic dining hall, once the hotel’s grand ballroom.
- Original mosaics and carvings throughout the building.
- Stories about Henry Flagler, the Gilded Age, and the transformation from hotel to college.
Flagler College Tour Details (What to Know Before You Go)
✅ Location: 74 King Street, St. Augustine, FL
✅ Duration: Approximately 1 hour
✅ Cost: Around $16 for adults; discounts for students, seniors, and military
✅ Tickets: Available at the college or in advance through select tour providers
✅ Accessibility: Limited, as some areas require stair access
Tours are typically available daily, but schedules may change during holidays or campus events. It’s recommended to check the official Flagler College website
