I keep hearing wonderful things about the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, but I had yet to experience it myself. In all honesty, it sounded like it would be a hokey museum and probably not worth the money to enter. Flat out…I was wrong.
The museum is located just across the street from the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, so parking at the fort is perfect (and if you park after 5 pm or on Sunday, it’s FREE). We entered through the giftshop, paid our fee, and entered the museum. The museum itself is immaculately put together with lots of artifacts and history of famous pirates, especially those who visited St. Augustine.
It is also interactive with touch screen computers, videos, the ability to hoist flags, tie knots, shooting of cannons and hunting for skull and cross bone symbols. One of the best attractions in the museum is a voice over put together by Disney. Inside a dark room, modeled to look like a cargo hull, you put on a set of headphones and listen to the last battle of Blackbeard the Pirate. The recording is so well done, it actually feels like someone is whispering in your ear. It gave me goosebumps and made me feel like a kid again. The museum ends with movie memorabilia from Captain Blood, Pirates of the Carribbean, Treasure Island and the Goonies. It has a little bit for everyone
The museum was not full of folklore and rumors. It is well researched and gives as accurate a picture as possible of the pirate lifestyle. As far as prices go, I found it to be reasonably affordable at $12/adult & $6/child. Everyone is given a map when they enter and if you find all the skull and crossbone symbols you are given a prize from a treasure chest at the end. My only warning would be for the children. If you have a child that is easily scared, you may use caution before going in. I saw several small boys (4-10) running around and having a great time. They didn’t seem scared at all, but there are some dark places in the museum and some scary looking figures. Keep that in mind and have a great time if you go.
