Last year we listed Florida’s historic city of St. Augustine as one of the most charming beach destinations in the United States. Part of that charm comes from its remarkable Old Town region. Founded in 1565 by a Spanish Conquistador, St. Augustine is littered with historic buildings, many being among the oldest surviving colonial structures in the country. As such, the best way to experience the Old Town is in an appropriately old-timey way, such as on a trolley tour.
You might be surprised to discover that there is more than one way to explore St Augustine’s Old Town on a trolley tour. Different options are designed to suit different needs, such as day tickets for those who want to use it to get from one sight to another, and themed tours that accentuate the city’s history and legends. Here are three of the best Old Town trolley tours based on factors like the itinerary, value for money and the reviews of past guests.
From $31/per person
Operating much like the traditional hop-on hop-off buses that can be found in major cities around the world, the St Augustine trolley is without doubt a far more whimsical version. Hop aboard the little green and orange trolley at one of 22 stops around the city center and ride for as long or short as you’d like. The trolley runs daily from 9am to 4.30pm and your ticket, which includes free admission to the St Augustine History Museum, is good for the whole day. Trolleys run roughly every 20 minutes from each stop.
From $23/ per person
True to any historic settlement, the past is littered with stories of people who lost their lives in unfortunate and untimely ways and have become stuck between worlds as a ghost. St Augustine has plenty of its own ghosts and this fun guided trolley tour is even led by a ghost. You’ll hear all about the creepy goings on at the Old Jail, the city’s cemetery and various other haunted buildings. Tours depart three times every day at 6:30pm, 8pm and 9:30pm. Tours last around 80 minutes.
From $52/ per person
Old Town St Augustine’s old timey charm makes for some excellent and informative museums. This combo tour is the perfect way to blend them with the hop-on hop-off trolley, which runs to 22 stops in Old Town and around. This option includes a guided tour of the Old Jail, where you see the cells and a collection of old weapons. You can also visit the Old Store, set up just like it would have looked in 1900. Finally, you can explore the exhibits of the St Augustine History Museum. Your ticket also includes a free second day on the trolley.
