A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History

5.0 (2 reviews) St Augustine, USA
Duration2h - 2h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

On this self-guided audio tour, you will dig up the good, bad, and ugly stories buried under St. Augustine's historic streets.

St. Augustine is the oldest, continuously occupied city in the United States. On this walking tour, you’ll follow the journey of founding father Pedro Menendez de Aviles, and the many others who gave everything they had to settle this hostile land.

From the original city gates to Plaza de la Constitución in historic downtown St Augustine, I’ll show you the scars around every corner. Along the way, you’ll hear good, bad, and ugly tales about what it took to build a perfect fort, and how it was attacked many times but never taken.

St. Augustine’s history is long, and its twisted tales are endless. This is a storytelling adventure into the lives and times of those who built this city.

Whether you’re visiting St Augustine for the first time or are a curious local, this tour will give you a greater appreciation for the city and its rich cultural heritage.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Smartphone and headphones

What to expect

  1. Pass by
    Begin your journey at the Old City Gates, the historic entrance to St. Augustine, where you'll trace the footsteps of Pedro Menendez de Aviles and the city's founding fathers.
  2. Oldest Wooden School House
    Pass by
    Walk along St. George Street to visit the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, an iconic landmark that offers insights into the early education system and daily life in colonial St. Augustine.
  3. St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
    Pass by
    Pass by the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, where you'll hear tales of pirates and privateers who once roamed the waters of Matanzas Bay.
  4. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
    Pass by
    Marvel at the imposing Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a fortress that bears witness to the city's tumultuous history and strategic importance.
  5. Huguenot Cemetery
    Pass by
    Stroll past the Huguenot Cemetery, a tranquil burial ground that reflects the diverse cultural heritage of St. Augustine's early settlers.
  6. Potter's Wax Museum
    Pass by
    Pass by Potter's Wax Museum, where lifelike wax figures bring to life the characters and events that shaped St. Augustine's past.
  7. Tolomato Cemetery
    Pass by
    Catch a glimpse of Tolomato Cemetery, a historic cemetery dating back to the colonial era, and hear stories of the souls laid to rest within its sacred grounds.
  8. Pass by
    Admire the charming architecture of Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast, a historic inn that offers a glimpse into St. Augustine's Victorian era.
  9. Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
    Pass by
    Pass by St. Photios Shrine Greek Orthodox National Shrine, a place of worship and pilgrimage that honors the city's Greek heritage.
  10. Pass by
    Reflect at the site of the Monson Motor Lodge Pool, now a Civil Rights Monument, commemorating the struggle for equality led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  11. Pena-Peck House and Woman's Exchange of St Augustine
    Pass by
    Learn about the Peña-Peck House and the Woman's Exchange, institutions that preserve and promote St. Augustine's historic legacy and cultural traditions.
  12. Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
    Pass by
    Admire the grandeur of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, a symbol of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.
  13. Pass by
    Pay tribute to Father Pedro Camps at his memorial monument, honoring his contributions to the Catholic community and religious heritage of St. Augustine.
  14. Pass by
    Walk along St. George Street South, a bustling thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks.
  15. Villa Zorayda Museum
    Pass by
    Pass by the Villa Zorayda Museum, a unique architectural gem inspired by the Moorish heritage of southern Spain.
  16. Pass by
    Marvel at Ponce De Leon Hall, a historic building that once housed the luxurious Ponce de Leon Hotel, a testament to Henry Flagler's vision for St. Augustine.
  17. Pass by
    Admire the elegance of the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, a luxurious hotel that reflects the opulence of St. Augustine's Gilded Age. Note that you will pass by and will not visit the spa as part of this tour.
  18. St. George Street
    Pass by
    Continue your stroll along St. George Street, a vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare teeming with shops, galleries, and cultural attractions.
  19. Pass by
    Pass by the Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum, a historic landmark that offers insights into the political and social history of St. Augustine.
  20. Pass by
    Explore the charming streets of Historic Downtown St. Augustine, where every corner reveals a new story from the city's past.
  21. Pass by
    Pause at the Constitution Monument, erected in 1812 to commemorate St. Augustine's role in shaping Florida's constitutional history.
  22. Pass by
    End the tour at Plaza de la Constitución, the historic heart of St. Augustine, where you'll soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant public square.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour begins at the City Gates located at the very north end of St. George Street. If, like most visitors, you parked at the Visitors Center parking garage, you have probably seen the City Gates.

End point

The tour ends in front of the statue of Don Juan Ponce de Leon.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (2)
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