Historical Tours in St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida is widely accepted as the oldest city in the United States as the Spanish settled the region decades before the pilgrims arrived in Plymouth Rock.

The town possesses over 500 years of rich history and is filled with beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture.

The coastal town has seen several wars, countless battles and a slew of pirate invasions, making it a haven for history lovers.

Book a historical tour of St. Augustine to learn the importance of the North Florida region over the last five decades.

Here's all you need to know about historical tours, one of the most captivating options for sightseeing tours in St. Augustine, Florida.

What are the best historical tours in St. Augustine?

Walking historical sightseeing tour

Embark on an expedition reminiscent of the original Conquistadors of St. Augustine on this 90-minute historical walking tour.

Meet your licensed tour guide at the city civic center before heading off by foot for a fascinating look at the major landmarks.

Visit centuries-old monuments like the Huguenot Cemetery, the Lightner Museum and Flagler College, the former Hotel Ponce de Leon.

Pass by the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the awe-inspiring Bridge of Lions while learning 500 years of history from an expert.

While on foot you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the captivating monuments of St. Augustine while saving both time and money along the way.

Private historical electric cart tour

For a more convenient and exclusive historical tour of St. Augustine, select a private trip by electric golf cart. This excursion eliminates crowds and allows for more sightseeing with the time saved in travel.

Enjoy undivided attention from your professional tour guide as you cruise around the United States’ oldest settlement.

Visit historic landmarks such as the Lightner Museum, drive through spooky cemeteries and learn about the centuries-old history of the coastal city.

Snap photos as you whip by on this 1-hour and 15-minute ride through the historical district.

Haunted history tour

With 500 years of history under its belt, St. Augustine is riddled with spooky tales and ghost stories of the past.

On this tour, you’ll explore the city with a paranormal investigator who will point out haunted hot spots and how they tie into real recorded history.

Make eerie stops at Huguenot Cemetery, Tolomato Cemetery and St. George street while following your free ghost map of the town. Learn methods and techniques for ghost sightings as you keep your eyes peeled for paranormal activity.

Historic wine and dine tour

This fun excursion combines the delicious cuisine of St. Augustine with the abundant history of America’s first settlement.

Join your tour guide on an open-air electric cart ride through the historical district, as they share important details about the town’s varied past.

You’ll stop at the city’s most famous wine and dine spots along the way to try local dishes paired with delectable wines.

Pass by incredible landmarks such as Flagler College, Plaza de la Constitucion and Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine and snap photos along the way. Enjoy more privacy with this small group 3-hour tour of St. Augustine.

Which places are visited?

Flagler College

Marvel at the stunning Flagler College, which was originally the luxury Ponce de Leon hotel built in 1888. The university was established in 1968 on 77,000 square meters of lush Florida land.

The property is named after Henry Flagler, the railroad industrialist who founded Standard Oil and commissioned the hotel at the time of its construction.

Enjoy views of one of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture left in the U.S.

Castillo de San Marcos

This historic fort was built in the 17th century and is considered the oldest masonry fortification in the continental states.

The stronghold was constructed to defend the Spanish settlement from other European intruders and is the oldest building left standing in St. Augustine.

The Castillo de San Marcos has served as an iconic landmark of the coastal town for the last 325 years.

Cathedral Basilica

This beautiful cathedral was built between 1793 and 1797 and has served as a beguiling reminder of the city’s catholic past.

The church’s congregation was formed over 200 years before the construction of the physical building, making it the oldest catholic congregation in the U.S.

The stunning staple was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and is recognized for its red tile roof and eye-catching stained glass.

How much do historical tours in St. Augustine cost?

A classic historical walking tour of St. Augustine will cost about US$25 per person for a 1.5-hour trip.

Whereas a private tour by electric cart is priced at about US$130 for a group of up to 6 people.

Haunted historical walking tours cost on average US$25 per person, whereas wine and dine excursions are typically priced at around US$155 for two people.

What is included?

Walking historical tours include narration from a licensed guide and visits to the major landmarks of St. Augustine.

Electric cart tours include a 1-hour 15-minute ride on the vehicle, while haunted history tours feature a free ghost map of the city.

Historic wine and dine tours include lunch, dinner and alcoholic beverages throughout the 3-hour excursion.

Where does it start?

Most historical tours of St. Augustine commence in the historical district of the coastal city.

Many will meet at either the St. Augustine Civic Center or Visitor Information Center, while others might begin at a historical focal point such as the Lightner Museum.

How long does it last?

Historical tours last somewhere between 1 and 3 hours depending on the activities included on the trip. Walking tours typically run shorter, while haunted history or wine and dine tours extend for several hours.

When is the best time for a historical tour in St. Augustine?

Book a historical tour in St. Augustine during the springtime for the best weather and fewest crowds.

Summertime is peak season for the North Florida town, and brings in the heaviest tourism.

October is also a popular time, though hurricane season can cause inclement weather.

Plan your historical tour for the beginning of your trip to learn the lay of the land as well as the rich history of America’s oldest town.

Are there any combos available with historical tours in St. Augustine?

History and boat tour

Combine the natural beauty of St. Augustine’s coastal waterways with the rich history the city possesses.

Meet your captain at the pier where you’ll embark on a peaceful boat ride just in time for the sunset.

Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins as your guide gives you a fascinating history and ecology lesson of St. Augustine and its significance both on and off land.

Catch views of some of the city’s most important landmarks like the Fountain of Youth and the Bridge of Lions before heading back at twilight.

Travel tips

• Bring a camera to snap photos of the beautiful Spanish architecture and centuries-old monuments.
• Most tours are rain dependent so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
• Dress in layers to prepare for variable Florida weather conditions.