St Augustine History and Cheesecake Golf Cart Tour

A Unique Way to Explore St. Augustine: The History and Cheesecake Golf Cart Tour

If you’re visiting St. Augustine, one of the oldest cities in the U.S., you’ll find a treasure trove of historic sights packed into a charming, walkable district. But instead of wandering on foot or hopping on a crowded trolley, why not enjoy a more personalized experience? The St Augustine History and Cheesecake Golf Cart Tour offers a 1.5-hour private ride around the city’s most iconic landmarks, with the bonus of delicious desserts and local wine at the end. For $69 a person, it’s a surprisingly good value for an intimate, flexible, and engaging way to see the Ancient City.

What we love about this tour is its relaxed pace and the chance to get close to several not-to-miss sites, like the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos, the ornate Flagler College, and the historic Lincolnville neighborhood. Plus, the inclusion of tasting samples—from cheesecake to wines—adds a flavorful touch that makes the experience memorable. Another big plus: the private setting means fewer crowds and more personalized attention, ideal for families, couples, or small groups.

A potential consideration is that this tour requires a minimum of four participants, so it’s not suitable if you’re traveling solo or in a smaller group. Also, since the tour takes place in the late afternoon starting at 4 p.m., it’s best for those who prefer sightseeing later in the day rather than early morning.

This tour suits travelers who want a comfortable, in-depth look at St. Augustine’s highlights without the hassle of large groups, especially if you appreciate local history, charming streets, and a sweet ending.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private golf cart tour allows for a more intimate exploration.
• Rich Sights & Stories: Pass by iconic landmarks like Flagler College, Lightner Museum, and Castillo de San Marcos.
• Tasty Finale: Enjoy three cheesecake flavors paired with wine samples at the end.
• Comfort & Convenience: Compact, 1.5-hour tour with a friendly, knowledgeable guide.
• Ideal for Specific Groups: Best suited for small groups, families, or couples; not recommended for children or those with medical conditions.
• Value for Money: Combines sightseeing, snacks, and drinks at a reasonable price.

Exploring the Tour in Detail

Starting Point at Plaza de la Constitución

Your adventure kicks off right in the heart of St. Augustine at the Plaza de la Constitución. Here, your guide introduces you briefly before you hop into your golf cart. The small group size means you can ask questions and hear stories that bring the city’s history alive — something larger bus tours just can’t offer.

Driving Down St. George Street

Next, you’ll cruise along St. George Street, the city’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. It’s lined with beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture, giving you a real sense of the city’s colonial past. The gentle breeze and lively street scenes make this a delightful way to soak in the atmosphere without walking miles.

Flagler College and Villa Zorayda Museum

Your guide provides snippets of history as you pass Flagler College, once the luxurious hotel of the Gilded Age and now a prestigious university. We loved the way your driver described the opulence of the era, making this stop both visually impressive and educational.

Just a bit further, the Villa Zorayda Museum stands as a testament to Moorish Revival architecture, once the winter residence of a local sugar merchant. Seeing its ornate details from the comfort of your golf cart is a treat, and you’ll hear stories about its architecture and history.

Lightner Museum and Lincolnville

Driving past the Lightner Museum, housed in the former Alcazar hotel, you’ll glimpse the grandeur of the Gilded Age. It’s fascinating to learn that it once served as a hub for high society, and today it’s a cultural treasure.

Next, the tour takes you through Lincolnville, a neighborhood central to the Civil Rights movement. Your guide shares stories about Martin Luther King Jr. and the significance of streets named after him, adding a layer of social history to your sightseeing.

Scenic Stops: San Sebastian Winery and Castillo de San Marcos

While you don’t stop for a full tour at the San Sebastian Winery, passing by it is a chance to appreciate the local wine culture. Later, you’ll get up close to the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S., completed in 1695. Seeing this imposing structure from your golf cart makes it easy to appreciate its strategic location and sturdy construction.

Religious and Legends Sites

You’ll pass by the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, the site of the first Thanksgiving in the U.S., and the legendary Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park—famous for the Ponce de Leon legend. Though you don’t enter these sites, viewing them from your vehicle provides context and atmosphere.

The Delicious Finale at Bar Harbor Cheesecake Company

After the sightseeing, the tour concludes back at the original starting point, where you’ll visit Bar Harbor Cheesecake Company. Here, you’ll indulge in three different cheesecake flavors, paired perfectly with wine samples. Reviewers rave about the quality and flavors—one called the snack “delicious” and appreciated the pairing with wine, making for a sweet and satisfying end.

The Experience from Our Perspective

When we first read about this tour, we appreciated the combination of history, local flavor, and comfort. The small group aspect makes it more engaging than large bus or trolley tours. We also valued that you get a personalized narrative from your driver, who seems both knowledgeable and friendly — much appreciated by past travelers.

Driving past landmarks like Flagler College and Castillo de San Marcos offers a flexible, less hectic way to see the city’s highlights, especially for those who find walking tours exhausting or prefer to avoid the crowds. The timing at 4 p.m. means you get to enjoy a late afternoon atmosphere—soaking in a beautiful cityscape while the sun begins to set.

The dessert and wine tasting at the end is a standout feature, transforming a sightseeing tour into a relaxed, indulgent experience. The cheesecake flavors are described as “exquisite,” and the pairing with wine elevates the tasting.

Considerations

While the tour offers a charming, private experience, the minimum of four participants could be a barrier for solo travelers or very small groups. It’s worth booking in advance to secure your spot. Also, because it runs in the late afternoon, it might not suit those looking for a daytime sightseeing experience or early starters.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves small-group experiences, historic stories, and local food and drink, this tour will hit the mark. It’s perfect for couples, small families, or friends who want a relaxed, insightful look at St. Augustine without the chaos of larger tours. It’s less suitable for young children, especially if they’re not keen on history or wine tastings, and those with medical issues should consider the physical demands.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This St Augustine History and Cheesecake Golf Cart Tour offers a personalized, comfortable way to explore the city’s most recognizable sites. The combination of informative narration, scenic drives, and tasty treats creates a well-rounded experience that balances history, culture, and indulgence.

For travelers who enjoy small-group intimacy, want an easy way to see key landmarks, and love local culinary delights, this tour is a great option. The value lies in the personalized experience and the chance to taste authentic cheesecake and wine—all within a manageable time frame.

If your goal is to maximize sightseeing with minimal walking and enjoy a charming, relaxed atmosphere, you’ll find this tour both fun and enriching. Just be sure to book ahead, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons or with a smaller group.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not specifically recommended for children, especially since it involves wine tasting and is designed for small groups of adults.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering key sights and neighborhoods in a relaxed pace.

Does the tour include entrance tickets to sites?
No, most stops such as Flagler College, Lightner Museum, and Castillo de San Marcos are viewed from outside or pass-by, with no entrance fees included.

What is the starting time?
The tour begins at 4:00 pm, making it ideal for late afternoon sightseeing.

Is this tour private?
Yes, it’s a private tour, limiting the group to your party, with a maximum of 9 travelers.

Are there any medical restrictions?
It’s not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions due to the nature of the activity.

What should I do if I have food allergies?
Please indicate any food allergies at the time of booking so arrangements can be considered for the cheesecake tasting.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

In summation, this golf cart tour blends history, comfort, and gourmet treats into a memorable way to experience St. Augustine. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, it offers a relaxed, insider’s view of the city’s most captivating sights.