Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine

Exploring the historic city of St. Augustine is an unforgettable experience, and the self-guided audio tour offers an immersive way to uncover its captivating past. Spanning 75 minutes, this expert-narrated guide takes visitors on a journey through the city’s architectural gems and intriguing stories. From the iconic Ximenez-Fatio House to the charming Gingerbread House, each stop along the tour offers a glimpse into St. Augustine’s enduring spirit. As you wander through the National Register of Historic Places-designated district, you’ll be transported to a time when pirates roamed the streets and the Cathedral Basilica stood as a testament to the city’s Spanish heritage. But the true highlight awaits at the end, where the oldest public space in the United States, Plaza de la Constitución, invites you to…

Key Points

• The self-guided audio tour explores the historic district of St. Augustine, offering captivating stories about the city’s past.
• The tour highlights architectural gems, including the Ximenez-Fatio House, Sanchez House, and Gonzalez Alvarez House, showcasing Spanish colonial architecture.
• The tour route begins at the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum and culminates at the Old City Gates and Plaza de la Constitución.
• The tour provides virtual options for those unable to visit, allowing a digital exploration of the National Register of Historic Places-designated historic district.
• The tour offers insights into the city’s battles, pirate attacks, and legendary tales, such as the ghostly legends of the Spanish Military Hospital.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Self-Guided Tour

This self-guided audio tour of St. Augustine provides visitors with a comprehensive 75-minute experience to discover the city’s rich history and architectural landmarks at their own pace.

The tour includes an expert-narrated audio guide in English, allowing you to explore the historic district at your convenience. You’ll hear captivating stories about the city’s past, from its early pirate attacks to the legendary tales of the Spanish Military Hospital and Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse.

The tour also features virtual options for those unable to visit in person. With lifetime access to the tour, you can learn about St. Augustine’s charm and uncover its secrets whenever you’re ready.

Highlights of the Tour Route

The tour begins at the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum, where visitors can explore the rich history of this iconic building.

From there, the route winds through St. Augustine’s Historic District, showcasing the city’s architectural gems listed in the National Register of Historic Places, including the Ximenez-Fatio House, Sanchez House, and Gonzalez Alvarez House.

Continuing up St. George Street, guests will see the Prince Murat Cottage and the Stanbury Cottage, also known as the Gingerbread House.

The tour then passes through the Old City Gates and leads to the Plaza de la Constitución, the oldest public space in the United States.

Throughout the journey, travelers will uncover captivating stories about St. Augustine’s past.

Discover St. Augustine’s Historic District

Step into the captivating Historic District of St. Augustine, where visitors can uncover the city’s rich past and admire its well-preserved architectural gems.

The self-guided audio tour takes you on a journey through this National Register of Historic Places-designated area. You’ll see the Ximenez-Fatio House, Sanchez House, and Gonzalez Alvarez House – all prime examples of Spanish colonial architecture.

As you stroll down St. George Street, you’ll come across the Prince Murat Cottage and the charming Stanbury Cottage, also known as the Gingerbread House.

The tour culminates at the iconic Old City Gates and the Plaza de la Constitución, the oldest public space in the United States. This immersive experience brings St. Augustine’s history to life.

Explore National Register of Historic Places

Visitors exploring St. Augustine’s Historic District uncover a treasure trove of National Register of Historic Places-designated sites, each brimming with captivating stories from the city’s storied past.

The Ximenez-Fatio House, Sanchez House, and Gonzalez Alvarez House are among the highlights, showcasing the region’s Spanish Colonial architecture and providing a glimpse into the lives of prominent families.

As you stroll along St. George Street, you’ll come across the Prince Murat Cottage and the charming Stanbury Cottage, also known as the Gingerbread House.

Capping off the tour is a visit to the Plaza de la Constitución, the oldest public space in the United States, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of this remarkable city.

More Great Tours Nearby

St. George Street and Old City Gates

As you stroll along the charming St. George Street, you’ll come across the Prince Murat Cottage and the captivating Stanbury Cottage, also known as the Gingerbread House. Nearby, the iconic Old City Gates stand as a poignant reminder of St. Augustine’s rich history, inviting visitors to step back in time and imagine the city’s storied past.

The Old City Gates were originally constructed in 1808 and served as the main entrance to the walled Spanish town. Today, they symbolize the enduring spirit of St. Augustine, a city that has weathered countless storms and invasions throughout its long and fascinating history. As you pass through the gates, you’ll be struck by a profound sense of awe and wonder.

Admire the intricate architecture and imagine the guards who once patrolled the walls.

Reflect on the city’s battles against pirates, British colonists, and Native American tribes.

Envision the bustling marketplace and vibrant social life that once thrived within the city walls.

Feel the weight of history as you step through the gates and into the heart of St. Augustine.

Plaza De La Constitución, Oldest Public Space

Nestled at the heart of St. Augustine’s Historic District, the iconic Plaza de la Constitución has long served as the city’s oldest public space, dating back to the city’s founding in 1565.

This vibrant town square is a hub of activity, where visitors can stroll along the brick-lined walkways, admire the historic monuments, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

As you explore the plaza, you’ll discover the Colonial Spanish architecture that surrounds it, including the striking Government House and the majestic Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.

Take a moment to appreciate the plaza’s rich history and its role in shaping the character of this remarkable city.

Relive Pirate Attacks and Cathedral Basilica

St. Augustine’s early days saw numerous pirate attacks, with the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine standing as a silent witness to these tumultuous times. Built in 1565, the cathedral is the oldest parish church in the continental United States and has endured through centuries of history, including frequent raids by infamous pirates like Sir Francis Drake.

As you explore the cathedral’s gothic architecture and intricate stained glass, imagine the roar of cannon fire and clash of steel that once echoed through its halls. The stories of survival, resilience, and faith that this sacred space has seen are truly awe-inspiring.

The tour highlights several key sights and stories, including:

1. Reliving the first pirate attacks on the city.
2. Exploring the cathedral’s rich history and architectural details.
3. Learning about the transformation of the Governor’s House.
4. Discovering the legendary tales of Biassou, the nation’s first Black general.

Ghostly Legends of Spanish Military Hospital

Along the historic streets of St. Augustine, the Spanish Military Hospital stands as a testament to the city’s complex past, whispers of ghostly encounters echoing through its hallowed halls.

Visitors to this remarkable site are often captivated by the legendary tales of otherworldly activity. Rumors abound of apparitions roaming the wards, the disembodied voices of former patients and staff, and unexplained shadows that flicker in the dimly lit corridors.

These ghostly legends add an eerie allure to the hospital’s storied history, inviting brave souls to uncover the mysteries that linger within its walls.

As part of the self-guided audio tour, explore this spooky chapter of St. Augustine’s past and see if you can sense the supernatural for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Access the Audio Tour on My Mobile Device?

Yes, you can access the audio tour on your mobile device. The tour comes with an audio guide that you can download to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to enjoy the tour at your own pace.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, as it involves walking around the historic district. Visitors can explore at their own pace and take breaks as needed. The audio guide provides flexibility for those with mobility challenges.

Can I Purchase a Physical Copy of the Audio Guide?

Unfortunately, the audio guide is only available in a digital format for download. There does not appear to be an option to purchase a physical copy of the audio guide for this self-guided tour of St. Augustine.

Does the Tour Provide Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not currently offer any discounted pricing for students or seniors. However, the tour can be purchased for $19.99 per person and provides lifetime access to explore St. Augustine at one’s own pace.

Are There Any Options to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The self-guided audio tour doesn’t offer customized itineraries. However, you can explore the historic district at your own pace and linger at stops that interest you most, allowing for a personalized experience.

Recap

The self-guided audio tour of St. Augustine’s historic district offers a captivating and immersive experience. Visitors can explore the city’s architectural gems, uncover its captivating stories, and enjoy the enduring spirit and history of this National Register of Historic Places-designated area.

The tour culminates at the Plaza de la Constitución, the oldest public space in the United States, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for St. Augustine’s rich past.

You can check availability for your dates here: