The St. Augustine: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour with Museum Entry offers a practical way to explore Florida’s oldest city at your own pace. For $38 per person, this tour provides either a 1-day or 2-day ticket, allowing visitors to see all the key sights without the hassle of parking or navigating busy streets. The narrated trolley makes it easy to learn about the city’s 500-year history, while the 22 stops give you plenty of options to customize your experience.

A highlight is the entry to the St. Augustine History Museum, where you uncover the secrets of the city’s earliest settlements. The tour is especially suited to history enthusiasts and those who want a flexible, guided overview with the option to explore landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth on your own time. While the hard seats and high step for boarding are minor inconveniences, the overall convenience and engaging narration make this a worthwhile experience.

Key Points

Flexible 1-day or 2-day tour with hop-on hop-off access at 22 stops
Includes admission to the St. Augustine History Museum
Narrated tour with fun trivia and stories from knowledgeable guides
Stops at major sites like Castillo de San Marcos and Mission of Nombre de Dios
Avoid parking and traffic, as the trolley takes care of navigation
The tour is wheelchair accessible and runs frequently between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at Stop 1: 167 San Marco Ave.

The tour begins at Stop 1, where ticket redemption also grants access to the St. Augustine History Museum. You can choose to start your journey here or at any of the other 21 stops, which are conveniently located close to popular attractions. The flexibility allows visitors to tailor their day, hopping off at sites that interest them most.

The redeeming process is straightforward, and the museum entry is included just by showing your trolley ticket at Stop 1. This setup makes the start seamless, with trolleys running every 15-20 minutes.

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Exploring the Sights: Castillo de San Marcos and the Fountain of Youth

One of the tour’s main highlights is the visit to Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish fort built in the 17th century. The guide narrates its story as you pass by, providing context for this national monument. You also have the chance to sample water from Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, an iconic spring believed to hold the secret to eternal youth. This stop offers a blend of history and fun, with the opportunity to drink from the spring.

Travelers appreciate how the narration brings these landmarks to life, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Discovering the Oldest Sites in the City

The tour takes you to the Mission of Nombre de Dios, the site of the first mass in America. The historical significance of this location is highlighted through engaging stories from guides. Nearby, the Old St. Augustine Village features houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, giving a glimpse into early life in the city.

Another notable stop is the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, which is the oldest documented colonial house in Florida. Its history reflects the various colonial powers that have occupied the city, from British to Spanish, and finally American.

The Full 90-Minute Trolley Tour and Hop-On Hop-Off Flexibility

The full guided tour lasts about 90 minutes, providing a rundown of the city’s main landmarks. Afterward, you can hop on and off at any of the 22 stops to explore sites in more depth, such as Old Town, Colony Quarter, or the Lightner Museum.

This flexibility means you can spend more time at attractions like the Pirate & Treasure Museum or Whetstone Chocolate Factory, and then rejoin the trolley when ready. Most reviewers praise this aspect, highlighting the convenience of not having to wait long for the next trolley.

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Guides, Narration, and Commentary Style

The guided narration is a standout feature, with guides sharing fun trivia, historical facts, and stories about St. Augustine’s past. Multiple reviews mention guide personalities like Kevin, Alexia, Victor, and Trevor as knowledgeable and engaging.

While some find the seats hard after a while, generally the entertaining commentary and timely stops make the ride enjoyable. The guides add a personal touch, making the city’s history feel alive and accessible.

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Accessibility and Practical Considerations

The tour is wheelchair accessible, though most regular-sized strollers are accommodated if they are collapsible. The boarding step can be high, which might be a challenge for mobility-impaired passengers. A portable stair is available at the main starting point but not at all stops, so travelers with mobility issues should plan accordingly.

The trolleys run daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with short intervals between departures. On special holidays like July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve, the tours close at 3:00 PM, and they do not operate on Christmas Day.

Stops and Attractions in Detail

The 22 stops are strategically positioned to cover many points of interest in St. Augustine. Some highlights include:

167 San Marco Ave: Starting point, includes the Old Town Trolley, Old Jail, and Spice & Tea Exchange
10 W. Castillo Dr.: Visitor Information Center
31 Orange Street: Potters Wax Museum and Old Drug Store
1 St. George Street: City Gates and the historic walking mall
20 S. Castillo Dr.: Sites like the Colonial Quarter and Pirate & Treasure Museum
6 Avenida Menendez: Shipwreck Museum and Bay View

Additional stops feature churches, museums, historic houses, and shops, providing a well-rounded experience of the city’s character.

The Value of This Tour Package

The all-inclusive price of $38 per person covers the hop-on hop-off trolley ticket and museum admission. This setup offers excellent value for money, especially given the flexibility and comprehensive narration.

Many reviews mention the convenience of the multiple stops and the ability to see the city’s highlights without renting a car or paying for parking. The frequent trolley service ensures you can customize your visit and spend as much time as you like at each site.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour

This tour is perfect for visitors looking for a relaxed, informative, and flexible way to explore historic St. Augustine. It suits history buffs, families, and first-time visitors who want an overview of many landmarks in a single day or over two days. The guided narration adds depth to the experience, while the hop-on hop-off feature offers freedom to explore at your own pace.

While the seats can be uncomfortable for long stretches and boarding steps may challenge some, these are minor issues compared to the overall convenience and richness of the experience. If you value easy navigation, local stories, and access to major landmarks, this tour remains a highly recommended way to see St. Augustine.

Ready to Book?

St. Augustine: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour with Museum Entry

4.6

(838)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a time limit for each stop?
No, you can hop on and off at any of the 22 stops during your ticket validity, allowing for flexible exploration.

Does the tour include access to the main attractions?
The tour includes entry to the St. Augustine History Museum, and stops like Castillo de San Marcos and Mission of Nombre de Dios are accessible via the trolley.

Are there options for a 1-day or 2-day ticket?
Yes, you can choose between a 1-day or 2-day hop-on hop-off tour, depending on how much you want to see and explore.

What is the starting point?
The tour departs from Stop 1 at 167 San Marco Ave, where you also redeem your ticket and gain museum entry.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, guides are praised for their friendly and informative narration, often sharing fun trivia and stories about the city.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?
Most regular-sized strollers are accommodated if collapsible, and the tour is wheelchair accessible. However, boarding steps are high, which might be challenging for some.

What are the tour operating hours?
Tours run every 15-20 minutes from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily, with early closures on certain holidays.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour. Visitors can find options at stops or nearby attractions.

Is parking free?
While parking is not included, the trolley helps avoid costly parking and city traffic, making navigation easier.

What should I consider before booking?
The hard seats may be uncomfortable for long rides, and mobility issues might require extra planning due to boarding steps. Check the schedule for holiday closures if visiting during special dates.