St. Augustine: Private Golf Cart History Tour Downtown

Summary

Stories behind old stones and Spanish walls in St. Augustine

You’ll ride through downtown St. Augustine on an electric golf cart with a local guide who knows every story behind these centuries-old streets—see Castillo de San Marcos up close, peek into Tolomato Cemetery, hear about pirates and priests at Mission Nombre de Dios, and catch glimpses of student life at Flagler College. Expect laughter, honest moments, and plenty of time to look around.

What’s the experience like?

I blinked and there it was—Castillo de San Marcos, all rough coquina stone and quiet strength, just sitting by the water like it’s been waiting for centuries. Our guide, Mike (born and raised here), grinned as he steered the little electric cart around a corner. “That fort’s seen more flags than most people see birthdays,” he joked. The breeze smelled faintly salty, mixed with something sweet from a bakery we passed—I should’ve asked what they were making. We zipped by the Plaza de la Constitución where kids chased pigeons and an older couple sat under the live oaks, not saying much but looking happy enough.

The private historical tour of St. Augustine felt way less formal than I expected—Mike just told stories as we rolled along, like how the Cathedral Basilica is the oldest parish in the country (I wouldn’t have guessed). He slowed down at Tolomato Cemetery so we could peek through the iron gate; Spanish moss hung everywhere, almost ghostly in the late light. My partner tried to pronounce “Nombre de Dios” and Mike laughed—not unkindly—and told us about Pedro Menéndez landing here back in 1565. I liked that he didn’t rush or stick to a script; sometimes he’d pause to wave at someone or point out a detail on an old house I’d never notice otherwise.

Flagler College looked almost unreal—like a palace with its red towers against the sky. Mike said it used to be a hotel for millionaires (hard to imagine now with students walking around). We passed Memorial Presbyterian Church too; apparently Flagler built it for his daughter. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for some distant church bells and I just…felt small, but not in a bad way. We even rolled past Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—didn’t stop, but Mike tossed out some wild trivia about shrunken heads that made us laugh harder than we should’ve.

I still think about that view from the Bridge of Lions—the light was soft, water glassy, boats bobbing like lazy ducks. The whole thing lasted about 90 minutes but honestly? It felt both longer and shorter somehow. If you want history without feeling lectured at—and don’t mind a few dad jokes—this day trip through St. Augustine is worth it. Plus you get picked up downtown if you ask ahead (which saved us from wandering lost before coffee).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Comprehensive St. Augustine historical tour

• Board electric golf cart
• Pass Mission Nombre de Dios
• View Castillo De San Marcos
• See Ponce De Leon Hotel (Flagler College)
• Pass Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
• Drive by Tolomato Cemetery
• Pass Saint Francis Barracks
• Visit Plaza De La Constitución area
• Pass Fountain of Youth site
• View González-Alvarez House
• Pass Memorial Presbyterian Church
• Cross Bridge of Lions
• Pass Ripley's Believe It or Not! without stopping
• Guide discusses history and answers questions

Top questions

How long does the private historical tour of St. Augustine last?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes as you ride through downtown St. Augustine by electric golf cart.

Is pickup included for this St. Augustine history tour?

Yes, pickup is available by request at specific locations in the downtown district—just arrange it ahead of time.

Which landmarks are visited during this day trip in St. Augustine?

You’ll pass by Castillo de San Marcos, Mission Nombre de Dios, Flagler College, Cathedral Basilica, Tolomato Cemetery, Memorial Presbyterian Church, Plaza de la Constitución, Gonzalez-Alvarez House, and more.

Will we get off the golf cart during the tour?

No—you stay seated on the vehicle for the duration of the tour while your guide narrates and points out sites.

Is this private historical tour suitable for families?

Yes—it’s suitable for all ages; infants sit on an adult’s lap and service animals are allowed.

Are public transportation options nearby after finishing?

Yes—public transportation options are available near downtown St. Augustine where your tour begins or ends.

What language does the guide speak on this St. Augustine day trip?

The guide speaks English during your private historical tour of St. Augustine.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at select downtown locations if requested ahead of time (details are on your ticket), all narration by your local guide throughout downtown St. Augustine aboard an electric golf cart—you’ll stay comfortably seated as you pass historic sites like Castillo de San Marcos and Flagler College before returning to your starting point.