To make the most of your St Augustine day, we recommend using a very useful tool Old Town Trolley provides free for you to plan ahead of time, and discover even more once you get there.
Their easy-to-use interactive map helps you maximize your Trolley Tour experience, so you won’t miss all the excitement that St Augustine has to offer! You can access this interactive map by clicking here. When you want to move the map around on your phone, use two fingers at the same time instead of one. Click onto any of the stops with one finger for details on each stop. It works great on mobile devices, so you'll have all the information you need during your trip, right in your pocket.
Here is a summary explanation of each attraction you can stop at and explore on your own:
Fountain of Youth
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park offers a blend of history, legend, and natural beauty. It is a 15-acre waterfront historical attraction that combines historical education with the allure of the Fountain of Youth legend It is a location that highlights the meeting of Timucuan and Spanish cultures.
Black History: Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center
The center focuses on the contributions and struggles of African Americans in St. Augustine and the broader region, sharing the rich history and cultural heritage of the Lincolnville neighborhood. The museum is located in the heart of Lincolnville, a historic neighborhood established after the Civil War by freedmen and formerly known as "Africa." Lincolnville was a crucial site for Civil Rights activism in the 1960s, and the museum highlights the events and individuals involved in the local movement. The museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase: The history of the Lincolnville neighborhood, the lives and achievements of prominent African American figures in St. Augustine, The local Civil Rights Movement including photographs, documents, and personal accounts, Aspects of African American culture, art, and community life.
Visitor Information Center
Provides information about attractions, events, and services available to you during your trolley tour experience. This is one of the first trolley stops, allowing you to best plan the day of your choice accordingly. Here you can purchase tickets for different attractions, get maps, brochures, and advice. The information Desk is Staffed with knowledgeable individuals who can answer questions and provide recommendations
St. George Street
St. George Street is the vibrant heart of historic St. Augustine, Florida. It's a pedestrian-only street, making it ideal for leisurely strolls and exploration.
This allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere without the distraction of traffic. As one of the oldest streets in the nation's oldest city, St. George Street is steeped in history. Its architecture and landmarks reflect the city's diverse cultural influences. The street is lined with a diverse array of shops, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, offering something for everyone. It's a popular destination for shopping, dining, and simply soaking up the historic ambiance.
Potter’s Wax Museum
See life-like wax figures of historical figures, celebrities, and characters from movies and literature. It was established in 1949, making it one of the oldest wax museums in the United States, featuring over 160 wax figures. The museum was founded by George Potter, who was inspired by wax museums he saw in Europe. Visitors can take photos with their favorite wax figures.
Lightner Museum
eclectic museum housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, a grand Gilded Age structure built by Henry Flagler in 1888. It offers a unique glimpse into late 19th-century American life and culture. Lightner Museum boasts a diverse and often quirky collection of artifacts from the Gilded Age, including Victorian Era decorative arts, musical instruments, Scientific instruments, toys, and dolls. Lightner Museum offers a captivating and often surprising journey into the past.
Old Jail
Known for its distinctive Victorian-era architecture, it was built in 1891 and served as the St. Johns County Jail until 1953. It housed both male and female prisoners, as well as those awaiting trial. The Old Jail offers guided tours led by knowledgeable guides who share stories of former inmates and the jail's history. Visitors can see the original jail cells, including those for maximum-security prisoners. The tour includes a look at the sheriff's living quarters, providing insight into the life of the jail's administrator
Ripleys Believe It Or Not
Part of the worldwide chain of museums founded by Robert Ripley, showcasing odd, unusual, and bizarre artifacts, stories, and exhibits from around the globe. Interactive elements designed to engage visitors and make the experience more hands-on. These might include optical illusions, puzzles, and challenges. Life-sized wax figures of unusual individuals or in bizarre scenarios are often part of the exhibits. The exhibits are typically organized into themed galleries to create a more cohesive experience.
City Gates
The City Gates of St. Augustine is a significant historical landmark that provides a tangible connection to the city's past. They served as the primary entrance to the city, acting as a crucial defensive point. The gates are constructed of coquina, a shellstone material that is characteristic of many historic structures in St. Augustine. Walking through the City Gates provides a sense of stepping back in time. They mark the northern end of St. George Street, a popular pedestrian thoroughfare in the historic district.
Colonial Quarter
Colonial Quarter is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the city's rich and varied history. The Colonial Quarter isn't just a museum; it's a living history experience. Encounter historical reenactments, demonstrations of colonial-era crafts, and interactive exhibits that bring the past to life. It showcases several distinct periods of St. Augustine's history, reflecting the influence of Spanish and British rule.
Villa Zorayda Museum
A unique and fascinating attraction that showcases an impressive collection of antiques and art within a distinctive Moorish Revival architectural setting. The building itself is a work of art. The museum's atmosphere is both elegant and intriguing, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of a bygone era. It was built in 1883 by Franklin Smith as his winter residence. The interior features intricate details, including decorative tile work, stained glass, and ornate ceilings. The museum houses an eclectic collection of antiques and art from around the world. Notable items include: Hand-knotted Oriental rugs, including the "Sacred Cat Rug," believed to be over 2,400 years old, Antique furniture, paintings, and decorative arts, and a collection of rare Egyptian artifacts.
St. Augustine Distillery
More than just a place to sample spirits; it's a vibrant attraction that combines history, craftsmanship, and local ingredients to create a unique visitor experience in St. Augustine, Florida. Housed in a beautifully restored ice plant built in 1907, the distillery is a testament to adaptive reuse and architectural preservation. The building itself has a fascinating history. Its central location makes it easily accessible within the historic district of St. Augustine. The distillery offers free, informative tours that guide visitors through the entire distillation process, from grain to bottle.
You'll learn about the history of the building, the ingredients used, and the art of distilling. After the tour, visitors can enjoy complimentary samples of their various spirits in a stylish tasting room. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer questions and provide recommendations. The distillery has a well-stocked gift shop where you can purchase their spirits, cocktail ingredients, merchandise, and local artisanal products.
San Sebastian Winery
Offering a taste of Florida wines and a relaxing atmosphere. Founded in 1996, San Sebastian Winery is a relatively newer addition to St. Augustine's historical landscape, but it has quickly become a well-regarded local establishment. It's owned and operated by the Cox family, who also run Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont, Florida. The winery is situated in a former FEC Railway Ice Plant, a historic building that has been beautifully renovated, similar to the St. Augustine Distillery. This gives the winery a unique and charming setting. San Sebastian offers free, guided tours of their winemaking facilities. These tours provide insights into the grape growing process in Florida, the winemaking techniques used, and the history of the building. After the tour, visitors can enjoy free wine tastings of a selection of their wines. This is a great opportunity to sample different styles and find your favorites. The Cellar Upstairs Rooftop Restaurant is a popular restaurant offering delicious food with scenic views of the St. Augustine skyline and the Matanzas Bay. It's a great spot for lunch or appetizers while enjoying a glass of San Sebastian wine.
Oldest House
Significant historical landmark that offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's long and diverse past. The house is believed to be the oldest surviving Spanish colonial dwelling in St. Augustine and, by extension, in the United States. While the exact construction date is unknown, historical records and architectural analysis suggest that portions of the house date back to the early 18th century, possibly even earlier. It has been continuously occupied for over 300 years, weathering numerous historical events and changes in ownership.
Castillo de San Marcos
a magnificent and historically significant fort that stands as a powerful reminder of the city's long and often turbulent past. Visitors can explore the fort at their own pace or join ranger-led tours that provide historical context and insights. Throughout the day, park rangers often conduct demonstrations of historic cannon firings, offering a loud and dramatic glimpse into the fort's defensive capabilities. Costumed interpreters sometimes portray soldiers and civilians from different periods of the fort's history, bringing the past to life. Visitors can walk through the various rooms, imagining the lives of the soldiers who were stationed there.
The upper levels offer panoramic views of Matanzas Bay, the city of St. Augustine, and the surrounding landscape. The fort houses exhibits that detail its history, construction, and the lives of the people who were associated with it.
Mission of Nombre de Dios
Holds immense historical and religious significance as the site of the first Catholic mission in what is now the United States. For many, a visit to the Mission Nombre de Dios is a spiritual pilgrimage, offering a connection to the early roots of Christianity in the United States. History enthusiasts can learn about the early interactions between European settlers and Native Americans and the beginnings of Spanish colonization in Florida. The tranquil grounds provide a respite from the bustle of the more tourist-heavy areas of St. Augustine. The Great Cross and the shrine offer iconic photo opportunities.