Twisted History of St. Augustine: Audio Tour

St. Augustine , United States

Twisted History of St. Augustine: Audio Tour

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About this experience

On this self-guided audio tour, you will dig up the good, bad, and ugly stories buried under St. Augustine's historic streets. St. Augustine is the oldest, continuously occupied city in the United States. On this walking tour, you’ll follow the journey of founding father Pedro Menendez de Aviles, and the many others who gave everything they had to settle this hostile land. From the original city gates to Plaza de la Constitución in historic downtown St Augustine, I’ll show you the scars around every corner. Along the way, you’ll hear good, bad, and ugly tales about what it took to build a perfect fort, and how it was attacked many times but never taken. St. Augustine’s history is long, and its twisted tales are endless. This is a storytelling adventure into the lives and times of those who built this city. Whether you’re visiting St Augustine for the first time or are a curious local, this tour will give you a greater appreciation for the city and its rich cultural heritage.

Available options

Twisted History of St. Augusti

What's included

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour.

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it.

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Old City Gates, 2 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Begin your journey at the Old City Gates, the historic entrance to St. Augustine, where you'll trace the footsteps of Pedro Menendez de Aviles and the city's founding fathers.

Stop 2 Pass by

Oldest Wooden School House, 14 Saint George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084-3667
Walk along St. George Street to visit the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, an iconic landmark that offers insights into the early education system and daily life in colonial St. Augustine.

Stop 3 Pass by

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, 12 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084-3650
Pass by the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, where you'll hear tales of pirates and privateers who once roamed the waters of Matanzas Bay.

Stop 4 Pass by

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084-3252
Marvel at the imposing Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a fortress that bears witness to the city's tumultuous history and strategic importance.

Huguenot Cemetery, Orange Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Stroll past the Huguenot Cemetery, a tranquil burial ground that reflects the diverse cultural heritage of St. Augustine's early settlers.

Stop 6 Pass by

Potter's Wax Museum, 31 Orange St, St. Augustine, FL 32084-3634
Pass by Potter's Wax Museum, where lifelike wax figures bring to life the characters and events that shaped St. Augustine's past.

Tolomato Cemetery, 14 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084-3619
Catch a glimpse of Tolomato Cemetery, a historic cemetery dating back to the colonial era, and hear stories of the souls laid to rest within its sacred grounds.

Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast, 20 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Admire the charming architecture of Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast, a historic inn that offers a glimpse into St. Augustine's Victorian era.

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, 41 Saint George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084-3607
Pass by St. Photios Shrine Greek Orthodox National Shrine, a place of worship and pilgrimage that honors the city's Greek heritage.

Monson Motor Lodge Pool - Civil Rights Monument, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Reflect at the site of the Monson Motor Lodge Pool, now a Civil Rights Monument, commemorating the struggle for equality led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Pena-Peck House and Woman's Exchange of St Augustine, 143 Saint George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084-3642
Learn about the Peña-Peck House and the Woman's Exchange, institutions that preserve and promote St. Augustine's historic legacy and cultural traditions.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, 38 Cathedral Pl, St. Augustine, FL 32084-4417
Admire the grandeur of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, a symbol of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.

Father Pedro Camps Memorial Monument, 38 Cathedral Pl, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Pay tribute to Father Pedro Camps at his memorial monument, honoring his contributions to the Catholic community and religious heritage of St. Augustine.

Villa Zorayda Museum, 83 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084-4382
Pass by the Villa Zorayda Museum, a unique architectural gem inspired by the Moorish heritage of southern Spain.

Ponce De Leon Hall, 74 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Marvel at Ponce De Leon Hall, a historic building that once housed the luxurious Ponce de Leon Hotel, a testament to Henry Flagler's vision for St. Augustine.

Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, 95 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Admire the elegance of the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, a luxurious hotel that reflects the opulence of St. Augustine's Gilded Age. Note that you will pass by and will not visit the spa as part of this tour.

St. George Street, St. George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Continue your stroll along St. George Street, a vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare teeming with shops, galleries, and cultural attractions.

Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum, 48 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Pass by the Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum, a historic landmark that offers insights into the political and social history of St. Augustine.

Plaza de la Constitución, 170 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
End the tour at Plaza de la Constitución, the historic heart of St. Augustine, where you'll soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant public square.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Available languages

Audio guide

EN ES

Written guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

22 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

26 reviews

5★

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

After checking in at A Ghostly Encounter, 12 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA. The tour begins at the City Gates located at the very north end of St. George Street. If, like most visitors, you parked at the Visitors Center parking garage, you have probably seen the City Gates.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States, founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers. It's a city rich in history, culture, and charm, offering a unique blend of colonial architecture, scenic waterways, and vibrant arts. Visitors can explore centuries-old fortifications, stroll through historic streets, and enjoy the sunny Florida weather.

Top Attractions

Castillo de San Marcos

This is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, built by the Spanish in 1672. It offers a glimpse into the city's colonial past and stunning views of the bay.

Historical 1-2 hours $10 (adults), Free (children under 15)

St. George Street

A pedestrian-only street in the heart of the historic district, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore (costs vary for shops and restaurants)

Flagler College

A former hotel turned college, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Guided tours are available.

Historical 1 hour $10 (adults), $5 (children under 12)

Fort Matanzas National Monument

A lesser-known fort built by the Spanish in 1742, offering a quieter and more secluded historical experience.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (park entry), $3 (ferry to the fort)

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

A unique zoo featuring a variety of animals, including alligators, birds, and reptiles. It's also one of the few places where you can see all 24 species of crocodilians.

Nature 1-2 hours $25 (adults), $15 (children 3-12)

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

A historic park that claims to be the site of the legendary Fountain of Youth. It offers a mix of history, archaeology, and natural beauty.

Historical 1-2 hours $15 (adults), $10 (children 7-12)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Conch Fritters

Deep-fried fritters made from conch meat, often served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Appetizer Contains seafood

Grouper Sandwich

A fresh grouper fillet served on a bun, often with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy sauce.

Lunch Contains seafood, gluten (if served on a bun)

Spanish Bean Soup

A hearty soup made with white beans, sausage, and a variety of spices, reflecting the city's Spanish heritage.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Key Lime Pie

A classic Florida dessert made with key lime juice, egg yolks, and condensed milk, served in a graham cracker crust.

Dessert Contains dairy, gluten (if served with a graham cracker crust)

Popular Activities

Kayaking Paddleboarding Hiking Beach lounging Spa treatments Scenic walks Historic site tours Art gallery visits

Best Time to Visit

February to May

This period offers pleasant weather with warm days and cool nights, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with various festivals and events.

15-29°C 60-85°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

St. Augustine is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates in most areas. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use reputable tour operators and taxi services.
• Be cautious when walking alone at night, especially in less crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Jacksonville International Airport • 40 miles (64 km)
St. Augustine Airport • 5 miles (8 km)

By bus

Greyhound Station in St. Augustine

Getting around

Public transport

The local bus service is affordable and convenient for getting around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic District Lincolnville Anastasia Island

Day trips

St. Johns River Cruise

10 miles (16 km) north of St. Augustine • Half day

A scenic cruise along the St. Johns River, offering wildlife viewing and beautiful landscapes.

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

15 miles (24 km) south of St. Augustine • Full day

A nature reserve offering hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in a pristine coastal environment.

Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

City center • Half day

A historic park that claims to be the site of the legendary Fountain of Youth, offering a mix of history, archaeology, and natural beauty.

Festivals

St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival • November Night of Lights • December to January St. Augustine Film Festival • April

Pro tips

Visit historic sites early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Explore the city on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and scenic spots.
Try local cuisine at historic restaurants and cafes for an authentic experience.
Check for special events and festivals during your visit for a unique and memorable experience.
Respect the environment and follow guidelines when visiting natural areas and protected sites.