St. Augustine: Historical Golf Cart Tour & Downtown Landmarks

Summary

St. Augustine’s centuries-old streets and stories by electric cart

You’ll ride through St. Augustine’s historic heart on an electric golf cart with a local guide, passing landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos and Flagler College. Listen for church bells and stories you won’t find in guidebooks—all while staying comfortably seated downtown. Expect laughter, small surprises, and glimpses into centuries-old streets that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment as we rolled past the old city gates of St. Augustine—sunlight flickering through live oak branches, Spanish moss just barely moving in the breeze—where I realized how much history is packed into these streets. Our guide, Mike (he grew up here), pointed out the coquina walls of Castillo de San Marcos before I even had a chance to ask about them. The fort looked solid and battered at once, like it’s seen every storm Florida could throw at it. I kept catching whiffs of salt air mixed with something sweet—maybe from one of those bakeries near the plaza? Hard to tell from a moving golf cart.

We didn’t get off the cart (which was honestly kind of nice for my tired feet), but Mike made sure we didn’t miss anything. He slowed down at Tolomato Cemetery and told us about the people buried there—some names I’d never heard, some that sounded oddly familiar from old textbooks. At Flagler College, he laughed when I tried to pronounce “Ponce de León” with my best Spanish accent (I definitely butchered it). There were moments where he’d pause so we could hear church bells echoing off the stone downtown, or just let us watch folks wandering in and out of the Plaza de la Constitución market, carrying bags of fruit or chatting in bursts of Spanglish.

I didn’t expect to feel so much just sitting on a little electric cart, but there’s something about seeing Mission Nombre de Dios while Mike tells you about Pedro Menéndez landing here in 1565—it makes you imagine what it smelled like back then, probably more horses than pastries. The tour was easygoing but packed with stories; I still think about that view across the water by Castillo de San Marcos when dusk started creeping in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Electric golf cart historical tour

• Board electric golf cart
• Pass Mission Nombre de Dios
• Pass Castillo De San Marcos
• Pass Ponce De Leon Hotel (Flagler College)
• Pass Cathedral Basilica
• Pass Tolomato Cemetery
• Pass Saint Francis Barracks
• Pass Plaza De La Constitución
• Ask guide questions
• Stay seated during tour

Top questions

How long does the historical golf cart tour in St. Augustine last?

The exact duration isn’t specified, but it covers all major downtown landmarks without stops for walking.

Is hotel pickup included for this St. Augustine tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; meeting location details are provided on your ticket under special instructions.

Are there stops where we get off the golf cart during the tour?

No, guests remain seated on the vehicle for the entire historical tour.

Which main attractions are included on this St. Augustine historical tour?

The route passes Mission Nombre de Dios, Castillo De San Marcos, Flagler College (Ponce De Leon Hotel), Cathedral Basilica, Tolomato Cemetery, Saint Francis Barracks, Plaza De La Constitución, Memorial Presbyterian Church, Fountain of Youth site, González-Alvarez House.

Is this St. Augustine historical tour suitable for all ages?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Will there be a certified guide during the golf cart tour?

Yes, a certified local guide drives and narrates throughout your historical tour.

Can service animals join this St. Augustine guided tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this golf cart tour.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes a certified local guide driving an electric golf cart through downtown St. Augustine; you’ll stay seated as you pass all major historical sites like Castillo de San Marcos and Flagler College—with plenty of chances to ask questions along the way before returning to your starting point.