If you’re looking for unique experiences on Florida’s Historic Coast, look no further than these historic tours of St. Augustine. From culinary adventures and pet-friendly walking tours, to living history and a tactile journey through the city’s art, you’re never far from fun things to do in St. Augustine.
Please be sure to check with individual tour operators for availability due to COVID-19.
Take a peek behind the curtain for an exclusive look at life in the Gilded Age for both staff and visitors of the historic Hotel Alcazar – Now the Lightner Museum. On this historic tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore areas of the museum not typically open to the public, and learn more about one of the most glamorous eras of U.S. history.
While you’re here, join in on a special tour led by the museum’s curator for a more in-depth and informative look around.
Among the most immersive historic tours of St. Augustine is the Living History Tour. Don’t just imagine life in St. Augustine hundreds of years ago – Experience it. On this walking tour, you’ll watch a live blacksmith and musket demonstration, explore a home over 270 years old and climb the watchtower to look for coming ships. There’s no better way to learn about daily life for the people of one of America’s oldest cities.
3. Black History and Civil Rights Tour
This 90-minute walking tour takes visitors along St. Augustine’s Black heritage trail, covering over 450 years of Black history on Florida’s Historic Coast. From the crewmembers who helped found the city and the creation of America’s first free Black settlement at Fort Mose, to the significant role our residents played in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, hear the remarkable stories of St. Augustine’s Black heritage. To learn more and book, call (386) 334-3902.
Discover the spectacular architecture that made the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, now Flagler College, the area’s most exclusive luxury resort in the 1800s. Whether it’s the 68-foot domed ceiling of the grand lobby, or the original Tiffany stained glass windows that stream sunlight into the dining room, incredible sights are found in every room you visit.
Step into history with a guided historic home tour of Florida’s oldest surviving Spanish Colonial home, built in 1723. Learn more about the daily lives of St. Augustine’s settlers and discover evidence of the city’s Spanish, British and American occupations. Plus, explore ornamental gardens and a rotating exhibit gallery.
The Pet Walk Pup Crawl is a free, hour-long guided walking tour of Downtown St. Augustine that allows visitors to bring man’s best friend along for the adventure. Take a stroll through historic streets with your furry companion and hear tales of St. Augustine’s 450 years of rich history.
Get an exclusive look at the historic Fresnel lens of the St. Augustine lighthouse, built in 1874. This feat of historical engineering and artistry stands at 9 feet tall, weighs two tons and is composed of over 370 handmade glass prisms.
Feeling spooky? Try one of our other historic tours – The ghost tour, featured on Ghost Hunters! Or enjoy a Sunset Moonrise tour.
The Villa Zorayda is an architectural wonder, inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, and setting the tone for the Spanish Revival architecture found throughout St. Augustine. Visitors can enjoy a historic home tour any time of year, or celebrate the holiday season with a candlelight holiday tour of the property, complete with stunning Christmas decorations and homemade Christmas cookies.
Pictured: Plum Gallery
The perfect walking tour for lovers of art, architecture and wine. Enjoy complimentary San Sebastian wine and chocolates while you stroll St. Augustine’s unique galleries, chatting with curators along the way. It’s the ultimate VIP guided tour of St. Augustine’s art scene.
This free, self-guided walking tour gives visitors a tactile way to experience the city’s art and makes historic statues accessible to the visually impaired. The multi-sensory trail includes audio guides, Braille plaques describing the statue and it’s historical significance, and raised pictorial representations of each work.
Tasting Tours Wine and Carriage Ride
Take in St. Augustine’s unique historic skyline, and learn a little about our history, while you sip wine in a horse-drawn carriage. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and can accommodate up to 4 guests. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening – Especially during Nights of Lights!
While you’re in town, be sure to enjoy a free walking tour and tasting at the St. Augustine Distillery. Learn more about the process of cooking and distilling small batch vodka, gin, rum and whiskey from the floor of a historic manufacturing plant. Don’t forget to sample their award-winning bourbon – The first to be barreled in Florida since prohibition.
Stroll through the Whetstone chocolatier factory and learn more about the history of chocolate making and the story behind Whetstone Chocolates. While you explore, you’ll have the chance to sample fresh, handmade confections that every sweet tooth will love.
Enjoy a free, 45-minute guided walking tour through San Sebastian’s 18,000-square-foot facility. While you’re there, learn more about the art of wine making and the 5 S’s of wine tasting before sampling their premium selection.
In the heart of St. Augustine lives a thriving culinary scene, with renowned chefs and inspired by the many cultures that have called it home. Whether you’re feeling a casual Taco Tuesday, or you’re looking for something a little more upscale, there’s a food tour with your name on it.
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