Walking Tours in St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is a beach city on the Northeast coast of Florida that is known to be the oldest settlement in the United States. The quaint town is filled with colonial Spanish architecture dating back to the 1500s.

A walking tour in St. Augustine presents a rich history as the place stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, boasts beautiful beaches and wildlife reserves.

Here's all you need to know about walking tours, St. Augustine, one of the best destinations for sightseeing tours in Florida.

What are the best walking tours in St. Augustine?

Ghost walking tour

Take a walking ghost tour of St. Augustine to be immersed in the supernatural wonder of the age-old town. The coastal settlement is filled with spooky sites and eerie tales from the past 500 years.

Visit cemeteries, the Old Fort and many other landmarks that pique the imagination with their ghostly haunts. This excursion takes place after nightfall and lasts about 1.5 hours.

Historical walking tour

For avid history fans, opt for a historical walking tour of St. Augustine to learn about how the settlement began in September 1565.

You’ll join a licensed historian who will lead you to the most important landmarks of the town, including the Castillo de San Marcos, the Huguenot Cemetery, St. George Street, Lightner Museum and Flagler College.

While on this 90-minute jaunt through the city you’ll learn fascinating details on how life began in North Florida long before the American colonies began.

Feast walking tour

On this food walking tour of St. Augustine, you’ll visit the top restaurants, eateries, cafes and wine stores in the city.

A knowledgeable guide will lead you to the best culinary stops while providing valuable information about the town’s historical importance.

This 3-hour excursion allows you to experience the local food of St. Augustine through several tastings while being immersed in the culture of America’s first settlement.

Chocolate and sweets walking tour

Cater to your sweet tooth with a delicious chocolate tasting in St. Augustine.

On this excursion, you’ll explore the downtown area with an experienced guide who will explain in depth the history and cultural impact of the region.

Along the way, you’ll stop at some of the town’s most famous candy shops, chocolatiers and praline producers. This 1.5-hour tour ends with a gift bag of goodies to take home and enjoy after your visit.

Child-friendly pirate walking tour

This private pirate-themed walking tour of St. Augustine is the perfect way to combine history with family fun.

Your guide will be dressed in authentic scalawag wear as they lead you on a 30-minute trek through the coastal city. You’ll hear tales of treasure hunts and pirate raids to transport you back to colonial times in Florida.

Which places are visited?

Castillo de San Marcos

The Castillo de San Marcos is a fort turned national monument that was established in the 1600s. Visit the incredible construction that served as the protector of Spanish Florida from both pirates and the British.

The Castillo is the only surviving 17th-century military site in the entire U.S. and it continued to be in use well into the American Revolution. Tour the amazing fortress while on your visit to be immersed in Florida history.

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth is one of the most popular attractions when visiting St. Augustine.

The fountain itself sits on the site of the city’s original settlement and is believed to have healing powers and anti-aging properties.

Visitors may drink from the fountain of youth, watch a canon firing and admire the flock of white and blue peacocks that reside on the property.

Flagler College

Flagler College was built by Henry Flagler in 1888 and was originally the site of the Hotel Ponce de Leon. The 50-acre national historic landmark is filled with beautiful gardens and Spanish architecture to be explored.

St. George Street

St. George Street is the central pedestrian thoroughfare in St. Augustine, with unique antique shops, restaurants and historic landmarks.

Walk along the cobblestoned lane to see buildings like the Oldest Wooden School House and the Old City Gates. St. George Street also leads to nearby museums and monuments such as the Castillo De San Marco and connects to the fascinating galleries of the Colonial Quarter.

How much does a walking tour in St. Augustine cost?

Ghost tours of St. Augustine cost between US$20 and US$30 per person depending on the length of the excursion and the route taken.

For a historical walking tour of the old city, you can expect to pay between US$25 and US$50 per person and most will include a licensed historian to lead the journey.

A feast walking tour that includes tastings of several different local delicacies will cost about US$110 per person, whereas a chocolate and sweets walking tour will cost around US$70 per person.

A family-friendly pirate-themed walking tour will cost about US$10 per person for a short city tour of 30 minutes.

What is included?

Walking tours of St. Augustine always include an experienced or licensed guide to provide important information about the history of the region.

Historical walking tours will typically include entry into distinguished landmarks, while a food-tasting tour will include lunch, dinner and all alcoholic beverages.

A sweets walking tour will feature five different desserts as well as a goodie bag of treats to bring home. Children’s tours will typically include a special scavenger hunt to be completed during the excursion.

Where does it start?

Most walking tours begin on St. George street, the main thoroughfare in St. Augustine. Others will begin at the San Marco Visitor Center underneath the city’s clocktower and near the Huguenot Cemetery.

How long does it last?

St. Augustine walking tours last between 30 minutes and 3 hours with the longer excursions leaving time for food and beverage tastings.

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

The best time for a walking tour of St. Augustine is between March and May when the weather is still cool and pleasant in North Florida.

Schedule your tour in the morning or evening to avoid severe afternoon temperatures. Nighttime excursions are best for ghost tours and spooky sightings.

Are there any combos tours available?

Walking tour plus boat ride

Take a combo walking tour and boat ride of St. Augustine to experience both the quaint town and charming coastline. You’ll begin your day with a 75-minute narrated boat tour on the Victory III.

From there, a professional guide will lead you on a walking tour of the downtown area. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at major historical landmarks such as Flagler College.

Travel tips

• Prepare for hours of walking by wearing comfortable shoes for your tour.
• St. Augustine can reach extreme temperatures in the summer months so make sure to dress in light layers.
• Most walking tours meet at a central spot so make travel preparations from your accommodation ahead of time.