Saint Augustine Day Trip from Orlando

Planning a day trip from Orlando that balances history, scenery, and a touch of adventure? The Saint Augustine Day Trip from Orlando offers just that. As one of the most popular excursions, this tour combines the allure of America’s oldest city with convenient transportation and optional add-ons that cater to a variety of interests. While we haven’t personally tried it, reviews and details paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect.

What we love about this experience? First, the expert guides and drivers who make the journey both informative and fun. Second, the diverse attractions—from historic forts to charming cobbled streets and scenic boat cruises—that deliver a well-rounded taste of St. Augustine. Third, the flexibility of optional upgrades like trolley tours and boat cruises, allowing you to customize your visit.

A potential consideration is the long duration—roughly 10 hours—so it’s best suited for those who enjoy full-day outings and are prepared for a bit of travel. Ideal for history buffs, food lovers, and anyone wanting to explore beyond Orlando’s theme parks, this trip is a good pick for curious travelers seeking authentic experiences.

Key Points

• Convenient round-trip transportation from Orlando and nearby areas makes it easy to focus on the sights.
• Flexible options like a scenic cruise or trolley tour enable a personalized experience.
• Historic landmarks such as Castillo de San Marcos and the Old Wooden School House are highlights.
• Authentic local dining opportunities, including waterside eateries, add flavor to the day.
• Experienced guides and drivers help bring the history to life and keep the day flowing smoothly.
• Value for money is evident, especially with options to upgrade for more immersive sightseeing.

What’s Included and What to Expect?

This tour is designed to give a comprehensive yet relaxed exploration of St. Augustine, with many details carefully considered to maximize your experience. For $99 per person, you receive transportation, and you can choose to add a boat cruise or trolley tour to enhance your visit.

Transportation and Meeting Points

The journey begins early, with a 7:30 am pickup from select Orlando hotels, including Kissimmee, Disney Lake Buena Vista, and Universal. The coach ride is approximately three hours each way, but reviews suggest this is generally comfortable, with friendly drivers setting the tone for the day. One reviewer noted that the bus was cozy, but most found the trip smooth and the driver Kevin or Ishmel to be engaging and full of local insights.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Old St. Augustine Village
This is the heart of the city, where the pedestrian-friendly St. George Street is lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Many structures date back to the 1700s, giving you a real sense of stepping back in time. A visit here offers a mix of souvenir shopping, historic architecture, and lively street life. An especially popular sight is the Oldest Wooden School House, located at the entrance to St. George Street, which many reviewers mention as a favorite.

What travelers say: Several visitors appreciated the free time to explore at their own pace, with one reviewer highlighting the charm of strolling past the schoolhouse and wandering down cobbled streets full of shops and eateries.

Stop 2: Fort Matanzas National Monument
For those who opt for the upgrade, a scenic 75-minute cruise aboard the Victory III boat offers a unique view of the city’s natural setting and landmarks. The cruise is narrated, providing insights into the area’s history and ecology, with the added thrill of possibly spotting dolphins—a favorite among travelers. The boat tour is especially appreciated for its relaxed pace and beautiful vistas.

What travelers say: Many enjoyed the cruise, with one reviewer mentioning that seeing dolphins during the trip made it even more memorable. The narrated commentary by the captain added an educational touch.

Stop 3: Historic Trolley Tour
Another optional upgrade is a 90-minute hop-on hop-off trolley ride. Conductors add humor and stories, making it a fun way to see the city’s key sights without the hassle of walking. Multiple reviewers found the trolley an excellent way to cover more ground comfortably, with some noting the guides’ lively and engaging personalities—adding humor and local lore to the sightseeing.

What travelers say: Several rave about the trolley, recommending it as a highlight, especially because of the flexibility to hop off at sites like Flagler College or the Fountain of Youth.

The Charm of Historic Landmarks

The Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S., is prominently featured. Its star-shaped structure and well-preserved ramparts offer fantastic photo opportunities and a tangible connection to early American history. Visitors mention that exploring the fort is both educational and fun, especially when guided by knowledgeable staff.

Other notable sites include the Spanish Colonial architecture and the picturesque bayfront, which offers panoramic views of Matanzas Bay. Several reviews mention how the sights evoke a sense of stepping into history—something that keeps the experience memorable.

Dining and Authentic Flavors

While food and drinks are not included, the tour’s stop in the historic district presents numerous options. Many reviewers recommend sampling seafood at waterside restaurants or grabbing a sweet treat from local bakeries. A few even highlight the European-inspired cafes like Parfait, which offers a delightful blend of French and Spanish flavors.

Additional Considerations

The tour’s length—about 10 hours—means it’s a full day out, but most travelers agree that the experience offers good value considering transportation, sightseeing options, and guided insights. That said, the tour can be lengthy, so if you’re not a fan of long days, it’s worth considering your stamina beforehand.

One review mentioned a last-minute change in pick-up times, which caused a missed opportunity for a historic tour. It underscores the importance of confirming details closer to your date to avoid logistical mishaps.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip works best for those who enjoy history, scenic views, and a relaxed pace. If you love exploring charming old towns, appreciate storytelling guides, or want a flexible way to see key sights without the stress of planning, this tour will suit you well. It’s also ideal for travelers who want to combine a bit of adventure—like boat cruises and trolley rides—with cultural enrichment.

However, if your day is tight or you prefer shorter excursions, consider the full-day length and the travel time involved. Also, those seeking a more in-depth or exclusive experience might find the optional upgrades to be worth the extra cost.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Saint Augustine Day Trip from Orlando offers a well-balanced taste of history, scenery, and culture, all wrapped in a convenient package. The combination of engaging guides, scenic transportation options, and historic landmarks creates a memorable day out that’s suitable for a broad range of travelers.

The value is particularly noticeable when you consider the optional upgrades like the boat cruise and trolley tour, which transform a basic sightseeing trip into a richer, more interactive experience. The reviews reflect consistent praise for the knowledgeable guides—Kevin, Ishmel, Ron, and Davy Jones—who make the journey lively and informative.

It’s a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to explore beyond Orlando’s theme parks, especially if you’re curious about America’s earliest settlements and enjoy a leisurely pace. The overall positive feedback, with a high rating of 4.5/5, underscores its popularity and dependable quality.

For those who enjoy history, scenic views, and flexible sightseeing options, this tour delivers a hearty dose of what makes St. Augustine special—without the hassle of organizing logistics yourself.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides round-trip coach transportation from select Orlando hotels, making travel hassle-free.

Can I customize my experience?
Absolutely. You can choose to upgrade with a scenic boat cruise through Matanzas Bay or a trolley tour, both adding to your sightseeing options.

What attractions will I see in St. Augustine?
Key sights include the Castillo de San Marcos, historic cobbled streets, shops, restaurants, and possibly the Fountain of Youth. You’ll have free time to explore the historic district.

How long is the boat cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and offers narrated commentary, with a chance to see dolphins.

What’s the duration of the entire tour?
The full trip is about 10 hours, including travel time and sightseeing. Most of that is spent exploring and relaxing at your own pace.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the price, but there are plenty of dining options during your free time in the historic district.

Is this suitable for children or families?
Yes, most reviews suggest that families enjoy the trip, especially with the optional sightseeing upgrades. The relaxed pace and interesting landmarks appeal to a wide age range.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended. If you plan to do the trolley or cruise, bring a hat or sunglasses for sun protection.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, according to the policy.

In all, this guided day trip to St. Augustine offers a convenient, engaging way to step into one of America’s most historic cities. Whether you’re fascinated by colonial architecture, eager to see dolphins on a boat, or just want to enjoy a leisurely stroll through charming streets, this tour delivers on many fronts—making it a worthwhile addition to your Orlando itinerary.