What better place to study Liberal Arts than inside an oasis of architectural beauty? Flagler College, situated on the grounds of the original Ponce de Leon Hotel, offers students four-year degrees in several dozen areas of study. The hotel was built in 1888 and was known for its opulent setting and luxurious amenities. Many millions of dollars has been spent renovating and restoring the historic buildings and visitors as well as students spend many hours just enjoying the ambiance. Today more than 2000 students come to engage in educational pursuits ranging from the fine arts to accounting and business and many in between.

Elegance and history, grace and sophistication all come together in the glorious rooms, walkways and exhibits at the Lightner Museum. Originally The Hotel Alcazar, the building was built by Henry Flagler and is a magnificent example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Browse through costumes, furnishings, mechanical musical instruments and collections that bring back the grand Gilded Age, a marvelous period in the 19th century. See beautiful works of cut glass, Victorian art glass and the celebrated work of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Tour the museum and take a historical journey that will not soon be forgotten.

Superstition and intrigue mark this out-of-the-ordinary-looking building. Constructed as a home for Franklin Smith in 1883, the Zorayda Castle is a smaller version of the 12th-century Alhambra Palace in Spain. The building is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places and is notable for its exotic, ornate appearance. Tropical hardwood furniture, a 2,300 year-old rug made from woven cat fur and other features make the interior as unique as the exterior. Notice that each window is a different size and shape—supposedly to ensure that the spirits that dwell in the home would be able to leave but would have a difficult time returning. Diverse in its style and décor, the Zorayda Castle provides an interesting experience for all who visit.

Casa Monica Hotel
Distance to Trolley Stop: across street
95 Cordova Street
(904) 827-1888