Holiday Scavenger Hunt in St. Augustine by Holly Jolly Hunt

If you’re looking to add some holiday cheer to your visit to St. Augustine, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful, interactive way to see the city. While we haven’t tried this experience ourselves, the reviews and details paint a picture of a fun, engaging activity that can turn your holiday trip into a memorable adventure. This scavenger hunt is especially appealing if you enjoy exploring on your own terms, combining a bit of friendly competition with holiday-themed challenges.

What we really like about this experience is its flexible, self-guided format—you can start anytime during their open season between late November and the end of December, and you get to explore wherever you want in the city. Also, the price point is quite reasonable for a group activity, coming in at just $20 for up to 10 people, which makes it accessible for families, friends, or even small work teams. One possible drawback might be that it relies heavily on your own smartphone and internet connection, so be prepared with a charged device and a bit of data.

In general, this experience seems best suited for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, fun challenges, and a dash of friendly competition—perfect for families, groups of friends, or coworkers looking for something different during the holiday season. If you’re after a traditional guided tour or a more structured activity, this might not be your best fit. But if you want to explore at your own pace with a dose of holiday spirit, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Flexible and self-paced: Play anywhere in St. Augustine, anytime during the holiday season.
• Affordable fun: At $20 per group, it offers good value for a unique, interactive experience.
• Team-oriented: Suitable for groups of up to 10, perfect for family, friends, or coworkers.
• Real-time scoring: See your progress on a leaderboard, adding a friendly competitive edge.
• Holiday-themed challenges: Both traditional and not-so-traditional items to find and photograph.
• Includes remote guidance: Chat support from a guide to help if you get stuck or need tips.

What to Expect from the Holly Jolly Hunt

First off, this is a mobile app-based scavenger hunt, which means all the action happens through your smartphone. To get started, you’ll meet at the central location — Plaza de la Constitución — and then you’re free to explore the city at your own pace. The activity runs from November 29th to December 31st, during typical daytime hours, so you can plan around your sightseeing schedule.

Once you begin, you’ll be given a list of holiday-related items to find. These could range from classic Christmas symbols to more quirky, unexpected items. The challenge? Take photos of these items using the app, which scores points for your team. The app also throws in fun holiday challenges that might involve performing silly tasks or taking creative photos, all designed to bring laughter and lightheartedness.

The scavenger hunt isn’t just about ticking boxes — it encourages interaction with the environment and adds a layer of friendly competition by showing your scores on a leaderboard. That little bit of extra motivation makes it engaging, especially for those who thrive on a bit of rivalry. The activity ends back at the starting point, so you can compare your final scores and share some holiday cheer.

What’s Included and Not Included

When you book this hunt, you’re paying for access to the app and all activities within it, plus a remote guide accessible via chat, should you need some extra help. All fees and taxes are covered, so there are no hidden costs beyond the initial $20 per group.

However, you’ll need to use your own smartphone—no rental devices are provided—and you’ll be responsible for your own transportation around the city. This means it’s best suited for visitors comfortable navigating on their own or with a little planning.

Meeting Point and Duration

You’ll start at the Plaza de la Constitución, right in the heart of St. Augustine. The entire activity lasts about an hour, which is ideal if you’re short on time but still want a fun, active way to experience the city during the festive season. Because it’s a private activity, only your group will participate, allowing for a more relaxed, personalized experience.

Is It Suitable for Everyone?

Most travelers can participate, since the activity is designed to be accessible and fun for a broad age range. The only real consideration is that you’ll need a smartphone with internet access. Also, service animals are allowed, so if you’re traveling with a furry friend, they can join you as well.

From the glowing review by Teri_H, we learn that the activity is great for families with kids and teenagers alike. She mentioned that everyone from ages 16 to 47 was engaged and able to participate, with plenty of laughs and exploration. It sounds like a perfect way to turn sightseeing into a memorable holiday adventure.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Imagine wandering through the historic streets of St. Augustine, your phone in hand, scanning for holiday items that might be traditional — like wreaths or ornaments — or more unique, like quirky decorations or local holiday surprises. The app guides you to seek out these items, encouraging observation and creativity.

The challenges are designed to be playful: perhaps taking a silly photo with a holiday icon or performing a quick festive task. These add a lively, spontaneous element that keeps everyone involved. The scoreboard adds a competitive vibe, pushing your team to be quick, clever, and sometimes a little silly.

One of the nicest touches is the remote guide support. If you get stuck or want ideas for challenges, you can chat with a guide in real-time. This ensures that even if you’re new to scavenger hunts, you feel supported and can keep the fun going.

Considering the Value

For $20, you’re getting an hour’s worth of entertainment with a chance to explore the city in an unexpected way. Compared to traditional tours, which might cost significantly more and follow a set itinerary, this scavenger hunt offers more freedom and interaction. It’s especially appealing for travelers who prefer to explore on their own but still want some guidance and structure.

Plus, the fact that it’s a private activity means you won’t be stuck in a large group. It’s just your team, allowing for a more personalized experience, and you can tailor your pace so you don’t feel rushed.

Final Thoughts: Who Would Love This?

If you’re visiting St. Augustine during the holiday season and want to incorporate some lighthearted fun into your sightseeing, this scavenger hunt is a solid choice. It works well for groups that enjoy a bit of friendly competition, like families, friends, or co-workers. The interactive challenges and the festive theme will bring smiles and laughs, making it a great way to create lasting holiday memories.

However, if you’re after a more traditional, guided tour or prefer not to rely on your smartphone, you might want to look elsewhere. But for those seeking a casual, enjoyable activity with a touch of holiday spirit, the Holly Jolly Hunt seems to hit the mark.

FAQ

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the tour is priced for groups of up to 10 people, making it ideal for small groups or families. Larger groups might need to split into multiple teams or inquire with the provider.

How long does the activity last?
The activity takes approximately 1 hour, giving you enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers access to the scavenger hunt activities, all fees and taxes, and remote guide support via chat.

Do I need to bring any equipment?
Just your smartphone with internet access. No additional equipment is necessary.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate; the review mentions engaging multiple age groups from 16 to 47. It’s suitable for anyone comfortable using a smartphone.

When is the activity available?
It runs from November 29th to December 31st, Tuesday through Sunday, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Is this activity accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed.

Do I need private transportation to start the hunt?
You will need your own transportation around the city, as it’s not included.

What is the meeting point?
The activity begins at Plaza de la Constitución, 170 St George St, St. Augustine.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

In the end, the Holly Jolly Hunt in St. Augustine offers a light, festive way to see the city through a playful lens. Whether you’re with family, friends, or colleagues, it promises laughter, exploration, and holiday cheer—all on your own schedule. If you enjoy interactive activities and holiday-themed fun, this could be the cheerful twist your trip needs.