Black History on Florida’s Historic Coast
Florida’s Historic Coast – St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches – have long been beloved as a vibrant multi-cultural destination.
This February, explore the rich heritage of African Americans on Florida’s Historic Coast during Black History Month.
Fort Mose’s new 1738 replica
A must-do experience is Fort Mose Historic State Park’s annual Flight to Freedom event, Feb. 26-28. Tours and demonstrations by historians, reenactors, and community members tell the story of men, women, and children who risked everything to flee enslavement on a British plantation and reach the free Black settlement of Fort Mose, laying the groundwork for the original Underground Railroad. In May 2025, the Florida State Park celebrated the grand opening of the replica of 1738 Fort Mose. A true community effort nearly 30 years in the making, the new fort provides a tangible monument to the settlement’s inhabitants.
More Black History Month events
Over the two weekends from Feb. 6-15, history and music merge at the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series. A curated lineup of Grammy Award-winning musicians will perform. It features Ledisi, Gray Clark Jr., Robert Cray and Ruthie Foster, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, and Samara Joy.
I Lived Here, As Well: The Final Chapter Tour at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, Feb. 5-28, is a compelling look at the experiences of Black Americans who lived in the historic house, portrayed by costumed interpreters.
The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting guided experiences that highlight the voices of St. Johns County’s African American community.
The History of Butler Beach Walk on Feb. 11 will explore the life of Frank B. Butler, a St. Augustine visionary who purchased and opened Butler’s Beach, an oceanfront space for African Americans to enjoy during segregation.
Rails, Roots & Freedom: African American Stories of St. Johns County, on Feb. 25, held at Fort Mose Historic State Park, brings together local historians and community leaders to discuss the area’s history and the communities shaping its future.
The Black History App allows visitors and locals to explore the brick-lined streets and create their own tour. It details the history and location of landmarks such as the Lincolnville Historic District and the Dr. Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park; profiles significant figures such as Frederick Douglass and Francisco Menendez; covers historical topics such as time periods, themes, and local groups; and presents a historical timeline of Black History in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and The Beaches. The Black History App is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
For more on lodging and attractions, use the travel planner or AI Assistant at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive