Day 1 You'll See:
Day 2 You'll See:
- Castillo de San Marcos
- Colonial Quarter
Experience St. Augustine, past and present, as you and your group, embark on an informational and entertaining two-day tour of the "oldest city in America"!
1
Red Train Trolley Tour - All aboard for Ripley’s famous Red Train Tours, St. Augustine’s original sightseeing train tour. This step-on, step-off tour line has over 20 convenient stops throughout the city highlighting the most famous attractions, historic sites, restaurants, and shopping opportunities all throughout the "nation’s oldest city." Learn the history of the yellow, blue, black, and finally, red colored trains that have delighted and educated visitors for over 60 years before you embark on your very own city tour! Take an 80-90 minute fully-narrated historic tour, an amazing open-air sightseeing opportunity that stretches over seven miles and includes over 22 city locations, tours start every 15-20 minutes at each location and run as early as 8 am and as late as 5 pm. See some of the oldest and most popular attractions in St. Augustine, including such places as the Castillo, the City Plaza, Spanish Quarter, Fountain of Youth Archaeological Site, the Old Sugar Mill, the Old Jail, and even the Dow Museum.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park - Welcome to Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the fascinating, informative, and entertaining park that is the original site of the "nation’s oldest city." In 1513, 55 years before Plymouth Rock and 42 before Jamestown, Juan Ponce De Leon started colonial America by discovering this site, and in turn making it the oldest successful European settlement in the United States. Here you will enjoy a rich history alongside 15 gorgeous waterfront acres full of local wildlife and beautiful Florida scenery. Explore the Spanish Watchtower, the 1565 Menendez Settlement Field, the 600 foot Founders Riverwalk, reconstructed First Mission Church from 1587, and even authentic examples of Timucuan structures. The serene beauty, seaside scenery, and lush green space is worth the stop, not to mention all the educational opportunities left and right!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum - Your last stop of the day is located on San Marco Avenue and is the premier stop of the Red Train Trolley Tour you still may be taking advantage of, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. This museum was actually the first permanent Ripley’s attraction, set inside a beautiful local historic castle. Here you will actually find a portion of Robert Ripley’s original collection, set alongside kitschy oddities on display, including such items as shrunken human heads and rare animal skeletons. While here you will have the opportunity to explore the three total floors of fun, in which there are over 800 interactive and truly bizarre exhibits. This is the only place in St. Augustine where you’ll find shrunken heads, a bone motorcycle, a car part pirate, and the largest operational erector set Ferris wheel, all under one roof. This is one seriously fun, entertaining, and amazing St. Augustine attraction!
2
Castillo de San Marcos - Castillo de San Marcos is the absolute oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, a monumental historic stop opportunity in St. Augustine located right off the Western Shore of Matanzas Bay. The 21 acres of fortress land was first built due to an obvious strong need for protection and defense for the Spanish claims in the New World in the late 1500s. With over 315 years of history, this area has been owned by the National Park Service since 1933 and provides not only an excellent learning opportunity but some of the greatest city and seaside views of the Matanzas Bay in St. Augustine. While here your group can explore numerous rooms that used to belong to various prisoners and soldiers, the large interior courtyard, and the gun deck and drawbridge. Check to make sure you aren’t missing any of the regular daily programs or ranger-led tours while here, including daily exciting cannon firings and weapon demonstrations on the weekends!
Colonial Quarter - Welcome to the Colonial Quarter, oftentimes more formally called the Colonial Spanish Quarter. This historic colonial village provides an immersive and informative journey through over three centuries of St. Augustine history through costumed craftsmen demonstrating old world skills, an overall amazing re-creation of the first Spanish colonial village. Your group will enjoy exploring the sights, sounds, and smells of the past on this two-acre historical attraction, in truly amazing shape after the recent 2013 spring multi-million dollar renovation. Explore the leather shop, onsite musket demonstration, 17th-century watchtower replica, historic colonial oak, and even the gorgeous coastline before heading over to the Taberna del Caballo or Bull and Crown Publick House for some delicious pub far or traditional Spanish tapas. There is also a fun mercado/gift shop full of educational and fun souvenirs if your group is interested!