St. Augustine: Guided Historical Sightseeing Tour by Cart

Discover St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights on a Guided Tour

Imagine gliding through the historic streets of St. Augustine, illuminated by millions of sparkling white lights during the city’s celebrated Nights of Lights. For around $39, you can hop into a comfortable golf cart for approximately an hour of festive sightseeing. This tour takes you past iconic landmarks like Aviles Street, Plaza de la Constitución, Flagler College, and the Lightner Museum, all glowing with holiday cheer.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see the city’s most photogenic spots lit up at night — perfect for capturing memorable holiday photos. Plus, the guides often share lively stories and tidbits that bring the city’s Spanish colonial past and Christmas traditions to life. On the downside, traffic delays or parking issues might occasionally impact your timing, so arriving early could be wise.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy relaxed sightseeing with a festive twist. If you’re seeking a cozy, intimate way to experience St. Augustine’s holiday spirit and don’t mind the shared nature of the ride, this could be just the ticket. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a quick, cheerful overview will find it particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Inexpensive way to enjoy the Nights of Lights in a short, 1-hour tour
• Guides often share engaging stories and historical insights
• Comfortable golf carts with a small group for an intimate experience
• Photogenic landmarks like Flagler College and Lightner Museum at their best
• Parking challenges during peak season can affect timing
• Not a detailed historical tour — focused on holiday views and light displays

A Detailed Look at the Experience

What the Tour Includes and How It Works

This guided sightseeing tour takes place on a mobile ticket, meaning you’ll meet at 5 Cordova Street in St. Augustine. The tour lasts about 60 minutes, during which a friendly guide will navigate through the city’s most illuminated streets. With a maximum group size of 7 travelers, it feels more like a cozy, personalized outing than a large bus tour.

While parking isn’t included, the meeting point is near public transportation and the historic heart of the city. Keep in mind, bookings are usually made about 18 days in advance, reflecting its popularity during the holiday season.

Itinerary Breakdown

Aviles Street is your first stop. This is the oldest street in the U.S., with cobblestone lanes and a storybook feel—perfect for a holiday evening walk or snaps of the historic architecture. Many reviews highlight its charm, with one traveler noting it “captures the city’s Spanish colonial past.”

Next, the tour visits Plaza de la Constitución, the historic core of St. Augustine. Here, the glowing plaza is breathtaking at night, and it’s a favorite spot during Nights of Lights. Visitors often comment on its beauty, with some noting it’s “one of the most beautiful stops during the lights display.”

Across from Flagler College, the guide points out the reflecting pool and courtyard, shimmering with festive lights, providing a great photo op. Travelers frequently mention how the illuminated façades and bell towers of local churches create a spectacular backdrop.

The tour also passes through a pedestrian-only street filled with boutiques and eateries, giving a taste of the city’s lively holiday atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to pause briefly, soak in the lights, or browse window displays.

What Travelers Say About the Guides

Many reviews praise the guides — especially Kelly and Preacher — for their knowledge, friendliness, and sense of humor. One reviewer wrote, “Kelly was awesome,” and another appreciated “Preacher’s Christmas spirit and full knowledge,” making the experience engaging and personable.

However, some reviews point out inconsistencies; a few mention issues like poor audio quality or guides without microphones, which can make hearing stories challenging, especially on busy nights. Still, most agree that the guides’ enthusiasm and local tips add value to the tour.

The Pros and Cons

Advantages include the chance to see key landmarks beautifully lit, small group intimacy, and informative storytelling. The lights themselves are the star, transforming the city into a winter wonderland, especially at spots like Flagler College and Lions Bridge, which some tour guides take across to view the city from a different perspective.

Drawbacks involve traffic delays during busy nights, which can make the tour feel rushed or cause delays. Parking in downtown St. Augustine during the holiday season is notoriously limited, so arriving early or opting for rideshare might be best. Also, a few guests found the shared cart experience less private, and some experienced exhaust fumes or seating discomfort.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

One reviewer shared, “Loved being in a golf cart with just a few other people to see the lights and not be on the big trolley,” highlighting the personalized feel. Conversely, another said, “We had trouble hearing the guide,”—it’s worth noting that audio clarity can vary.

Some guests appreciated the scenic drives over Lions Bridge, especially seeing the city lights from across the river — a unique perspective. Others noted that the routes mostly focus on popular, well-lit spots, so if you’re after a more comprehensive or historical tour, this might not satisfy that need.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

• Arrive early to secure parking, or consider using rideshare services
• Dress warmly — it can get chilly at night, and a blanket might be helpful
• Be prepared for a shared ride, so manage expectations about privacy
• If exhaust fumes bother you, sit in the front or avoid the rear-facing seats
• Keep in mind, it’s more about scenery and festive fun than detailed history

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour best suits those who want a quick, festive overview of St. Augustine during the Nights of Lights. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to capture beautiful photos and enjoy the holiday magic without a long or strenuous outing. If you’re looking for a deep dive into history, you might prefer a different tour, but if your goal is to soak in the visual splendor and holiday atmosphere, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is parking included in the tour?
No, parking is not included. The meeting point is near public transportation, but downtown parking can be limited during the Lights season, so plan accordingly.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour. It’s a quick but scenic ride through key illuminated spots in the city.

Can I book this tour last minute?
It’s recommended to book about 18 days in advance since it’s popular during the holiday season, but last-minute availability may vary.

Are the tours private or shared?
Most tours operate with a small group of up to 7 travelers. If you want a private experience, you need to book the entire cart specifically.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll see Aviles Street, Plaza de la Constitución, Flagler College, the Lightner Museum, and the streets filled with seasonal lights.

Is this a historical tour?
No, it’s primarily a scenic light viewing experience. The guide shares stories, but the main focus is on the lights and holiday atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially since it’s outdoors at night. Bringing a blanket is a good idea if you tend to get cold.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Most reviews highlight that guides like Kelly and Preacher are friendly and informative, though some have experienced audio issues.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. Many guests find this a fantastic opportunity for holiday photos with beautifully lit landmarks.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?
You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if the tour is canceled because of poor weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting St. Augustine during the holiday season and want a quick, festive way to see the city’s iconic lights, this guided golf cart tour offers an enjoyable, intimate experience. The small group size and friendly guides make it feel personal, and the illuminated landmarks make for memorable photos.

However, be prepared for parking challenges and the possibility of traffic delays, especially on busy nights. It’s not a comprehensive historical tour, but it’s perfect for those who want to relax and soak in the holiday cheer while enjoying some beautiful scenery.

This tour is great value for money if you’re looking for a fun, cheerful, and scenic way to celebrate the season in historic St. Augustine. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to experience the magic of the Nights of Lights without the fuss of large groups or long walks.

Enjoy the lights, the stories, and the joyful atmosphere — this tour might just become a holiday tradition.