Nights of Lights Private Golf Cart Tour for up to 5 people!

Experiencing the Nights of Lights Private Golf Cart Tour in St. Augustine: A Friendly, Honest Review

If you’re visiting St. Augustine during the holiday season, chances are you’ll hear about the Nights of Lights, a stunning display of over 3 million shimmering lights decorating this historic city. The idea of exploring the illuminated streets in a private golf cart sounds like a cozy and memorable way to experience the magic. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, a thorough look at the reviews and details suggests it’s a cozy, light-filled adventure that many find worth the price.

What we really like about this experience is how intimate and flexible the private tour feels—it’s tailored to just your group, up to five people, meaning no crowded trolley or bus. Plus, the knowledgeable guides seem to make a real difference, sharing interesting tidbits about the city’s history and sights as you cruise through. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the short duration—just 45 minutes—which might leave some wanting a bit more after such a long wait to book.

This tour seems best suited for small groups or families who want a relaxed, personal way to admire the lights without the hustle of larger tours. If you’re after a romantic evening, a fun family experience, or simply want to see the highlights with some local insights, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Small group experience up to five people offers a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge, making the ride both scenic and educational.
• Timing is flexible, but earlier tours (like 9 or 10 pm) may offer more lights and less traffic.
• Cost per group is $200, which many see as reasonable for a private, exclusive experience.
• The route covers main spots like Flagler College and the Old Fort, plus decorated private houses.
• Weather and traffic can impact the experience, sometimes requiring route adjustments.

Why This Tour Might Be Perfect for You

If you’re someone who values personalized attention, or you’re traveling with a small group who wants to avoid crowds, this private golf cart tour could be just what you need. The 45-minute ride is short enough to fit into an evening plan but packed with sights and stories that can make your night special. Whether you’re a holiday lover who wants to revel in the lights or a history buff eager to see the city illuminated at night, the tour offers a blend of festive cheer and local knowledge.

That said, if you’re expecting a long, comprehensive exploration or want to see every inch of the city lit up, you might find the tour a bit limited in scope. Some reviews note that the route can be affected by traffic or late-hour lights being turned off, especially if you book late at night. It’s worth considering booking earlier in the evening for the best light displays and less congestion.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

The tour begins at 21 Spanish St and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Your private group is whisked through St. Augustine’s most iconic spots, all decked in vibrant lights, with holiday music playing in the background to set the cheerful mood.

Stop 1: Starting Point in Historic St. Augustine

The ride kicks off in the heart of the city, giving you a chance to absorb the ambiance of America’s oldest city decorated for the holidays. Many reviews highlight that the lights are impressive even towards the tail end of the season—”still an impressive amount of lights” (Thomas_S). The guide’s local insights seem to add a lot, providing historical context and fun facts about the city’s landmarks.

Sights and Landmarks

During your short trip, you’ll see Flagler College, one of the most recognizable landmarks with its grand architecture illuminated beautifully at night. The Old Fort is also on the route, offering a glimpse into the city’s historic defenses, all glowing under holiday lights. Plus, the tour passes through the historic district and private houses, which are decorated with vibrant, colorful lights—creating a festive glow that captures the spirit of the season.

The Experience

Many reviewers praise the friendly guides for their local knowledge, making the ride both informative and enjoyable. Comments like “Our guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and educated us about so much we didn’t even know” (Vincent_G) illustrate how guides add value beyond just showing sights. Blankets are offered during cooler nights, which many travelers appreciate, especially if the wind picks up.

Route and Traffic Considerations

Some guests mention that the route can be somewhat influenced by traffic, especially late at night. Jessica_P notes disappointment about not seeing certain areas like the river—highlighting that traffic can impact the route, and sometimes the tour might be cut short. Planning your tour earlier or on less busy nights could help maximize your viewing.

What the Experience Feels Like

Imagine cruising comfortably in a cozy golf cart, the city’s historic facades shining with thousands of twinkling lights. The holiday tunes set a joyful tone, while the guide shares stories about the city’s rich past and its holiday traditions. The intimate setting means you can ask questions and hear stories that larger tours often can’t offer.

The reviews underscore how enjoyable and scenic this ride is. “It was all about the tour guide,” says Michael_G, “the entire trip he shared stories of how St. Augustine was such an important part of the history of the United States.” This makes it more than just a light show; it’s a mini cultural tour wrapped in holiday cheer.

Is It Good Value?

At $200 per group, the price might seem high for just 45 minutes, but considering it’s a private experience, many guests find it offers good value—especially if you’re traveling with friends or family who want a personalized, relaxed way to view the lights. The reviews suggest that guides go out of their way to provide a warm, informative experience, which many feel adds to the value.

Compare this to larger trolley tours, which might be less personal but longer and possibly more crowded. The privacy and flexibility seem to be a major selling point here, making it a worthwhile splurge for a special night.

Practical Details and Tips

• Booking in advance is highly recommended—most guests book about 24 days ahead, which speaks to its popularity.
• Timing matters—earlier evening tours (around 9 or 10 pm) tend to see more lights, according to reviews, and are less impacted by high traffic or lights being turned off.
• Weather can affect the experience, so check the forecast and be prepared for chilly nights—blankets are provided, which helps.
• Meeting point is at 21 Spanish St, conveniently located in the historic district.
• Cancellation policy is flexible—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a lower-risk booking.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private golf cart tour is perfect for small groups who want an intimate, personal way to enjoy St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. If you love holiday displays but dislike large crowds, the private ride offers a peaceful, cozy alternative. The knowledgeable guides make it more than just a sightseeing trip—they turn it into a mini history lesson with festive flair.

It’s also suited for those who want a flexible, short outing that fits into a busy evening schedule. If you’re after a longer, more extensive tour, or want to explore more off-the-beaten-path areas, you might prefer other options.

Overall, if you’re looking for a charming, relaxed, and informative way to see the city lit up at night, this tour delivers. It’s not the cheapest way to explore, but the personalized experience and friendly guidance make it a memorable holiday treat.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 45 minutes, giving you a quick but scenic glimpse of the lights.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the reviews don’t specify if children are particularly encouraged or discouraged. It’s a private tour, so you could tailor it to your needs.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 21 Spanish St, in the historic district of St. Augustine.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers private transportation on a golf cart for your group. No additional tickets are needed.

Are blankets provided?
Yes, blankets are offered, which many guests appreciate on cooler nights.

Is it a guided tour?
Definitely. The guides are praised for their friendly demeanor and local knowledge, making the experience much richer.

Will I see the river or specific neighborhoods?
Some reviews mention that certain areas like the river aren’t included, possibly due to traffic or route adjustments.

What if the weather is bad?
If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for small groups, but keep in mind the short duration and the nature of the ride.

In the end, this Nights of Lights private golf cart tour in St. Augustine offers a cozy, light-filled way to enjoy one of the city’s most beloved events. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, it’s a charming way to soak in the holiday magic with a little local insight along the way.