St. Augustine Historical Tour: Golf Cart Small Group Guide
See the oldest city in the nation without walking the whole thing.
A small group golf cart tour of St. Augustine's historic downtown with a certified guide who shares the stories behind the city's key landmarks (Castillo de San Marcos, Mission Nombre de Dios, Flagler College, the Cathedral Basilica, and others) in about an hour. You meet at the north side of the parking garage facing the Renaissance Hotel. Bring a phone number reachable the day of the tour. The guide drives and narrates, and you're welcome to ask questions throughout.
Step-by-step itinerary
Guided historical tour of St. Augustine
- Board electric golf cart
- Cruise through historic district
- Pass Mission Nombre de Dios
- See Castillo de San Marcos
- View Ponce De Leon Hotel
- Visit Cathedral Basilica
- Pass Tolomato Cemetery
- See Saint Francis Barracks
- Explore Plaza De La Constitución
- Pass González-Alvarez House
- View Fountain of Youth site
- Pass Memorial Presbyterian Church
- Cross Bridge of Lions
The experience
Your first time in St. Augustine works best when you can cover ground without wearing yourself out. A golf cart tour does that: you pass the main historical structures. The Mission Nombre de Dios where Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed in 1565 and founded the city, the Castillo de San Marcos fortress built by the Spanish to defend the Atlantic trade route, Flagler College (the former Ponce de León Hotel), the Cathedral Basilica, the Tolomato Cemetery, the St. Francis Barracks, and the Plaza de la Constitución, while a guide points out what matters and explains why. The pace lets you absorb the stories instead of racing between stops on foot.
The guide is your driver, so questions happen naturally as you move through the downtown area. You'll learn which buildings date to the Spanish colonial period, which survived the British occupation, and which came later during the American era. The González-Alvarez House is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial residence in Florida. The Memorial Presbyterian Church, built in 1890 by Henry Flagler for his daughter, echoes the Basilica of St. Mark in Venice. The Bridge of Lions, completed in 1927, connects downtown to Anastasia Island. By the end of the hour, you have the shape of the city and know what to explore on your own afterward.
Couples, families, and anyone wanting a relaxed overview before diving deeper often book this as their first activity. Many guests come back to Explore Tours again to plan future visits or recommend the company to friends. The small group size keeps the experience personal rather than crowded.
What’s included
- Certified guide in English.
- golf cart transportation through the historic downtown district.
- narrated commentary at landmarks including the Castillo de San Marcos, Mission Nombre de Dios, Flagler College, Cathedral Basilica, Tolomato Cemetery, St. Francis Barracks, González-Alvarez House, and Plaza de la Constitución.
Information
Lasts 1h, runs every day except Tuesday, 6 start times, from US$ 45 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 9 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Operated by Explore Tours And Pickups
Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the history comfortably without needing to read plaques or figure out the timeline on your own. Book this if you're visiting St. Augustine for the first time and want to see the layout and the main stories before exploring on your own.
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Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What is the Castillo de San Marcos and why does it matter to St. Augustine?
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States, built by the Spanish to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route. The tour passes it and your guide explains its role across more than 450 years of cultural history in the city.
How long is the tour and what does it include?
The tour runs about an hour and includes a certified guide who drives the golf cart and narrates the history of the main landmarks in the downtown historic district. You meet at the north side of the parking garage (the side facing the Renaissance Hotel across the street), and you should bring a phone number reachable the day of the tour.
Is this tour good for families with young children?
Yes. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and infants are welcome to sit on an adult's lap during the ride. The golf cart keeps the pace relaxed and covers more ground than a walking tour, which works well for families.
What is the Fountain of Youth and why is it on the tour?
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park marks the site where Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founded St. Augustine in 1565 at the Timucua village of Seloy. The tour passes this landmark so you understand where the city's story began.
Do I need to arrange parking before the tour?
The tour does not include parking. Plan to arrive early to secure parking nearby. Public transportation options are also available in the area. Meet at the north side of the parking garage facing the Renaissance Hotel.
What is the Cathedral Basilica and how old is it?
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is the oldest Catholic church in the city and the oldest parish in the country. Your guide will point it out and explain its significance as you pass during the tour.
St. Augustine Historical Tour: Golf Cart Small Group Guide
1h · EN
from US$ 45 per person