St Augustine, Florida, stands out as one of the oldest cities in the United States. Its streets echo with stories from Spanish settlers, pirates, and early American builders. What makes the city such a great destination for historical tours? Simply put, it offers a rich tapestry of history practically everywhere you look — from the Castillo de San Marcos to the lively historic streets. For art lovers, history enthusiasts, or families, there’s a tour that fits; for example, the St. Augustine: Guided History Walking Tour offers a detailed introduction to the city’s layered past. Meanwhile, the Sunset Golf Cart Tour combines scenic views with historical storytelling for a relaxed evening. We’ve also included lively experiences like the Pirates Tour, which makes history fun for all ages.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of ways to explore St. Augustine’s history — from walking tours and boat cruises to golf cart adventures and even craft brewery tours with a historical twist. Whether you prefer a small-group walking experience, a scenic boat ride, or the fun of pirates and beer, there’s something here for every traveler. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions to help you pick the perfect tour.
1. St. Augustine: Guided History Walking Tour
Starting with a classic, the Guided History Walking Tour is perfect for those who want to get a sense of the city’s layers of history in a short time. Priced at $33 per person and lasting about 1.5 hours, this tour takes you through St. Augustine’s Historic District, one of the most preserved colonial areas in the country. The guide shares stories about Spanish, British, and American influences over the past 450 years, making history come alive with anecdotes and local insights.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see iconic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest stone fort in the U.S. It’s not just about looking at old buildings — your guide will recommend places to eat and drink, making it easier to plan your day. The route also covers the scenic harbor views, perfect for snapping photos or soaking in the atmosphere. With a 4.8/5 rating based on 51 reviews, travelers praise the friendly guides and engaging storytelling.
Bottom line: If you want an affordable, comprehensive taste of St. Augustine’s history with personal recommendations, this tour is a no-brainer.
2. Saint Augustine: Bourbon History and Tasting Experience
At number 2, the Bourbon History and Tasting Experience offers a more specialized look into Florida’s bourbon production. For $37 per person, this hour-long tour takes you inside the Saint Augustine Distillery, where you’ll explore the production process and learn about what makes Florida bourbon unique. The highlight is a guided tasting, where you can sample the actual spirits and learn how local climate influences the flavor profile.
What makes this tour distinctive? It combines local history with spirits craftsmanship, giving you a behind-the-scenes look that’s both educational and flavorful. The distillery staff share stories about the history of bourbon and how Florida’s climate and water source shape their product. With a perfect 5/5 rating from 25 reviews, visitors appreciate the intimacy and expert guidance. The tasting is small, so you get personalized attention.
Bottom line: Ideal for lovers of spirits and history alike, this tour offers high-quality insights into Florida’s bourbon scene, making it both fun and educational.
3. St. Augustine: Dolphin and Wildlife Historical Boat Tour
For a unique perspective on St. Augustine’s history and natural beauty, check out the Dolphin and Wildlife Boat Tour, priced at $29 per person and lasting 1 hour. This scenic cruise takes you across Matanzas Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway, where you’ll have the chance to spot dolphins and other native wildlife.
But this isn’t just about wildlife; the boat tour covers historic sites like the Castillo de San Marcos and the St. Augustine Lighthouse from the water. The boat itself is a comfortable way to see the city’s coastline without walking, especially on warm days. The experience is praised for the ocean breeze and excellent views, with many reviewers noting how close you get to the historic waterfront. The tour is perfect for families or anyone who wants a relaxed way to learn about the city’s maritime history.
Bottom line: For a 1-hour scenic cruise combining wildlife spotting and historic sightseeing, this tour offers a pleasant and memorable experience.
4. St. Augustine: History Tour on Premium Golf Cart with Pick Up
Number 4 on our list is the History Tour on Premium Golf Cart, priced at $35 per person. This one-hour tour transports you through the city’s epic past on a sleek, custom-designed low-speed vehicle. What sets this apart? The pick-up service within Downtown or West King makes it especially convenient, and the pet-friendly policy (large animals require a seat) adds a welcoming touch.
Led by licensed guides with 25 years of experience, the tour covers key historic sites while offering personalized tips on where to eat, shop, or explore further. The premium lights and sound system elevate the experience, making it lively yet informative. Reviewers note the knowledgeable guides and the comfort of the vehicle. The tour’s focus on accuracy and breadth makes it ideal for travelers wanting a quick but thorough overview.
Bottom line: This golf cart tour is perfect for those who want to see the city’s highlights without walking too much, and the easy pickup makes it a hassle-free option.
5. St. Augustine: Sunset History Golf Cart Tour
Number 5 offers the Sunset History Golf Cart Tour, priced at $42 per person and lasting 1.5 hours. This evening excursion takes you around the oldest U.S. city as the sun sets, illuminating the historic landmarks with a warm glow. Your driver, a certified guide, shares stories of three different periods of history, making the tour both scenic and educational.
What makes this tour special is the open cabin design that lets you feel the breeze and see the city’s lighting up at dusk. The route includes the Bridge of Lions, Flagler College, and other iconic sites, all framed by the beautiful sunset. The tour is highly rated (5/5 from 5 reviews) and even includes complimentary photos—a nice touch for memories.
Bottom line: If you want to combine spectacular sunset views with cultural storytelling, this golf cart tour is an excellent choice.
6. St. Augustine: Beer & History Walking Tour
For those who love craft beer and local history, the Beer & History Walking Tour offers a lively, small-group experience for $149 per person. Over three hours, you’ll explore historic streets of St. Augustine and sample up to 12 different beers. The tour also features a food pairing at the second stop, making it a true tasting experience.
This tour is ideal for adults interested in the city’s cultural history and brewing scene. It’s limited to 8 guests, which fosters a more intimate experience. The guide shares insights into how beer brewing evolved in America and influences the city’s culture today. It’s a great way to combine history, local flavor, and social fun.
Bottom line: If you want a delicious, social way to learn about St. Augustine’s past, this tour offers a unique blend of beer tasting and history.
7. St. Augustine: World of Pirates History Tour
Pirate history comes alive at number 7 with the World of Pirates History Tour, priced at $35 per person and lasting 2 hours. Led by a pirate-loving guide, this swashbuckling adventure covers Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Anne Bonny, revealing their exploits in the area.
The tour includes a visit to the world’s oldest stone fort, where you’ll learn about pirate defenses and maritime warfare. You’ll even get a chance to visit the Pirate Store for some authentic buccaneer swag and explore a real pirate ship — The Black Raven. The guide shares pirate lore, pranks, and survival tips, making this a lively and engaging experience. Reviewers love the interactive storytelling and the authentic pirate ship.
Bottom line: Perfect for families or young adventurers, this tour combines history and fun with a splash of pirates’ daring life.
8. Saint Augustine: Walking Historic Tour
Last but certainly not least, the Walking Historic Tour offers a 1.5-hour deep dive into some of the lesser-known stories of St. Augustine. Priced at $30 per person, it focuses on secrets and surprises behind the city’s most important sites.
Highlights include learning what was the previous name of Cordova Street, where the Spanish buried their dead, and why Memorial Presbyterian Church was built. The guide also explains Henry Flagler’s connection to the city and the significance of Yellow Fever. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the usual tourist spots and uncover little-known facts about the city. Reviewers appreciate the personalized storytelling and the insider knowledge.
Bottom line: If you’re curious about hidden stories and local secrets, this tour is a wonderful way to deepen your understanding of St. Augustine.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your interests and schedule. If you’re short on time but want a solid overview, the Guided History Walking Tour or the Premium Golf Cart Tour are excellent choices. For a relaxing scenic experience, the Sunset Golf Cart Tour stands out, especially at sunset. If you’re into craft beverages and want to combine drinking and learning, the Beer & History Walking Tour is perfect. Families or pirate enthusiasts should enjoy the Pirates Tour, while nature lovers will appreciate the boat tour.
Think about your budget, time available, and specific interests — whether that’s history, local flavors, or pirate legends — to choose the best experience. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure spots on popular tours.
Final Thoughts
St Augustine offers a rich variety of history-focused tours to suit every traveler. From short walking tours that cover the essentials to scenic boat rides and immersive pirate adventures, you can tailor your experience to your interests. For those seeking a rundown, the guided walking tour or golf cart trip are excellent picks. If you’re passionate about spirits or craft beer, the bourbon and beer tours offer an authentic taste of local flavor.
No matter which tour you pick, early booking is recommended to ensure availability. Whether you want a quick glimpse or a deep dive into the city’s past, these tours will help you appreciate St. Augustine’s unique charm and historic significance. Pick a tour that matches your interests, and you’re sure to leave with stories to tell for years to come.