History and Legends Tour of Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, offers a captivating "History and Legends Tour" that immerses visitors in its rich past. Knowledgeable guides lead guests through historic landmarks, sharing enthralling stories and legends that bring the city’s vibrant history to life. With a focus on accessibility, the tour accommodates diverse travelers, providing a unique educational experience. From the iconic Bridge of Lions to the Castillo de San Marcos, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of St. Augustine’s enduring charm.

This experience made our article of St Augustine’s 15 Best Historical Tours: Which To Choose?.

Key Points

• This comprehensive tour explores the rich history and captivating legends of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States.
• Visitors can discover the oldest street in the country, Aviles Street, with its historic Spanish colonial and Floridian architecture.
• The tour includes visits to iconic landmarks like the Bridge of Lions, Flagler College, Cathedral Basilica, and the iconic Castillo de San Marcos.
• Knowledgeable guides share engaging stories and provide insights into the real events and legends that shaped St. Augustine’s vibrant past.
• The tour is accessible, with wheelchair-friendly surfaces, a restroom on board, and a maximum group size of 40 for an intimate experience.

Tour Overview

The History and Legends Tour of Saint Augustine provides visitors with a diverse overview of the city’s rich history.

This 16-review tour with a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence is ideal for first-time visitors.

The tour explores St. Augustine’s streets and landmarks, including the oldest street in the US, Aviles Street.

Key sites visited include the Bridge of Lions, Flagler College, Cathedral Basilica, and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

Guests learn about both real events and legends of the city, as well as the transformation of the Flagler Hotel into Flagler College.

Key Highlights of the Tour

Visitors on the History and Legends Tour of Saint Augustine have the opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and diverse landmarks.

The tour takes guests through Aviles Street, the oldest street in the United States, and past the iconic Bridge of Lions, Flagler College, and the Cathedral Basilica.

At the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, they learn about the city’s past as a Spanish colonial settlement.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guides share captivating stories and legends that bring the city’s transformation to life.

The tour provides a rundown of Saint Augustine’s vibrant history and character.

Exploring St. Augustine’s Oldest Street

As the tour begins, guests are led down Aviles Street, the oldest street in the United States. This historic thoroughfare dates back to the 16th century, when it was established as the heart of the Spanish colonial settlement. Visitors can enjoy the rich history as they explore the charming, narrow street lined with centuries-old buildings, quaint shops, and local eateries.

Feature	Description
Street Layout	Narrow, winding path lined with historic structures
Architecture	Spanish colonial and Floridian styles from 16th-19th centuries
Shops & Dining	Local boutiques, art galleries, and authentic restaurants
Atmosphere	Vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, transports guests to another era

Visiting Historic Landmarks

After exploring the historic Aviles Street, the tour proceeds to visit some of St. Augustine’s most iconic landmarks.

Key sites include the Bridge of Lions, a picturesque bridge crossing the Matanzas River, and Flagler College, a former luxury hotel transformed into an acclaimed university.

Guests also visit the Cathedral Basilica, the oldest Christian congregation in the United States, and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, an impressive 17th-century fortress.

Throughout the tour, the guide shares the real events and legends that have shaped the city’s rich history, providing visitors with a diverse overview of St. Augustine’s past.

Learning About Real Events and Legends

Throughout the history and legends tour, the knowledgeable guide brings to life the real events and captivating stories that have shaped St. Augustine’s rich past.

Visitors learn about the city’s founding by the Spanish in 1565 and the pivotal role it played in early colonial America.

The guide also shares local legends, such as the tale of the "Fountain of Youth" and the haunting stories associated with the Castillo de San Marcos.

Discovering the Flagler Hotel’s Transformation

The tour also explores the transformation of the iconic Flagler Hotel into the renowned Flagler College.

Henry Flagler, a wealthy industrialist, built the hotel in the late 19th century as part of his vision to develop St. Augustine as a winter resort destination.

In 1968, Flagler College acquired the former hotel and adapted it for use as an educational institution.

Today, the grand Mediterranean Revival-style building houses classrooms, administrative offices, and student dormitories, preserving the architectural history and grandeur of Flagler’s original design.

This unique conversion offers insight into the city’s evolution from resort town to thriving college community.

Accessibility and Comfort

The History and Legends tour of Saint Augustine prioritizes accessibility and comfort for all travelers. The tour is wheelchair, stroller, and service animal accessible, with a restroom on board.

The tour group is capped at a maximum of 40 travelers, providing a more intimate experience. The meeting and ending points are conveniently located near public transportation, and the surfaces along the tour route are wheelchair accessible.

These features ensure that guests with mobility challenges can fully participate and enjoy the rich history and legends of the oldest city in the United States.

• Wheelchair, stroller, and service animal accessible
• Restroom on board
• Maximum of 40 travelers
• Near public transportation
• Wheelchair accessible surfaces

Traveler Feedback and Reviews

How do past travelers rate the History and Legends tour of Saint Augustine? The tour is rated 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 16 reviews.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling, highlighting the personal touch and flexibility of the experience. Guests appreciated the tour’s ability to accommodate those with mobility issues and provide an enjoyable outing despite weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Tour Group Size?

The average tour group size for this tour is a maximum of 40 travelers. This allows for a comfortable and personalized experience while ensuring accessibility for guests with various needs, such as wheelchair users and those with mobility limitations.

Do Guides Offer Recommendations for Dining or Additional Sightseeing?

The tour guides often provide recommendations for dining options and additional sightseeing activities in the area to enhance the visitors’ experience. This helps travelers maximize their time and discover more of what the historic city has to offer.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions and is suitable for all ages. Children are welcome to join the tour. The tour accommodates families and can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

This tour can be customized for private groups. The tour provider offers flexible arrangements to accommodate the specific needs and interests of private parties. Group sizes and tour content can be tailored upon request.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours prior to the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a 50% refund.

The Sum Up

The "History and Legends Tour of Saint Augustine" offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the rich history and captivating stories of the nation’s oldest city. Highly recommended by previous travelers, the tour’s focus on accessibility and expert guidance ensures a memorable and educational experience for all. Explore the city’s historic landmarks, uncover its legends, and marvel at its architectural beauty on this comprehensive walking tour.