St Augustine Side Streets and Secrets Tour

Exploring St. Augustine’s Hidden Side Streets and Secrets: A Down-to-Earth Review

If you’re heading to St. Augustine and want to go beyond the usual tourist spots, the St Augustine Side Streets and Secrets Tour might just be what you’re after. It’s a laid-back, approximately 90-minute journey into the lesser-known corners of this historic city, promising to reveal some stories and sights even locals might not know.

What really draws us in about this tour is its focus on off-the-beaten-path locations and the promise of uncovering stories that make the city’s history come alive in a new way. We’re also fans of how it combines a bit of history, culture, and quirky surprises without feeling rushed or overly commercial.

That said, a possible consideration is that with a focus on hidden spots, the tour doesn’t include lengthy visits or deep dives into any one place—think of it as a quick peek rather than an in-depth exploration. This makes it ideal for travelers who enjoy a quick, curated taste of the city’s secrets rather than a comprehensive historical seminar. If you love discovering small details and stories off the guidebooks, this could be a perfect fit.

This tour seems well suited for curious travelers, history buffs, or anyone interested in seeing St. Augustine from a more insider’s perspective. It also works well if you’re tight on time but still want a memorable experience that adds a new layer to your understanding of this charming city.

Key Points

• Unique perspective: Focuses on lesser-known sites and stories, offering a different view of St. Augustine.
• Concise tour: Lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes—perfect for fitting into a busy day.
• Affordable: At $33 per person, it provides good value for a curated experience with several stops.
• Variety of stops: Includes historic sites, cultural spots, and quirky surprises.
• Small group feel: Limited to 14 travelers, so it’s more personal and less crowded.
• Accessible: Near public transportation and welcoming to service animals, making it easy to join.

A Closer Look at What You’ll Experience

Starting Point: Cuna Street

Your adventure begins at 2 Cuna Street, right in the heart of historic St. Augustine. From here, the guide kicks things off with a warm welcome and some context about what’s ahead. The meeting spot’s central location means you’re already immersed in the city’s vibe, with shops and cafes nearby to explore before or after the tour.

Stop 1: Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The first stop is the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., built in the 1600s to guard against pirates and enemies. Made of coquina stone, this fortress is not just a pretty historic relic but a marvel of construction—especially because it’s built to absorb cannon fire.

While the fort itself is well-known, the tour doesn’t dwell long here—about 15 minutes—so it’s more of a quick introduction. You can enjoy views of the fort’s sturdy walls and imagine the cannon fire that once echoed here. It’s a good way to set the scene for the city’s military past, even if you’ve seen the fort before.

Stop 2: Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

Next, you’ll head to Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, tucked away in the historic district. This spot is a bit of a hidden gem, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling tourist areas. Here, the guide highlights the stunning Byzantine frescoes and shares stories about the Greek community’s role in the city’s history.

The fact that admission is included makes it a nice, cost-effective stop. It’s small, but the artwork and cultural significance make it worth a quick visit, especially if you’re interested in religious history or just looking for a peaceful break.

Stop 3: Ronnoc’s Trading Post

One of the more quirky stops is Ronnoc’s Trading Post. It’s a true treasure chest of oddities—antique curiosities, vintage odds and ends, and local legends. It feels like stepping into a time capsule, where each item has a story.

This stop is about 15 minutes long, giving you time to browse, ask questions, and maybe pick up a little souvenir or two. It’s not a place you’d spend hours in, but it adds character and a sense of discovery. As one reviewer said, it’s a “quaint, off-the-radar treasure” that adds a fun twist to the tour.

Stop 4: The Spanish Military Hospital Museum

If you’re into colonial medicine or just curious about how people coped with health issues centuries ago, this site is a highlight. The Spanish Military Hospital Museum offers a rare glimpse into the past, with live surgical demos, herbal remedies, and reconstructed hospital rooms.

This stop’s about 15 minutes long, so it’s more of an overview, but it’s engaging thanks to the live demos and detailed exhibits. For those interested in the everyday lives of early colonials, this provides a fascinating peek.

Final Stop: Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum

The tour wraps up at the Governor’s House, which was once home to colonial governors. Today, it’s a peaceful spot featuring exhibits and a charming courtyard. It’s a calm, reflective way to end the journey, and the building’s architecture lends a sense of history that’s tangible.

This final stop also includes admission, making it a nice value addition. It’s a quiet spot to soak in the atmosphere before heading back into downtown, which is just a short walk away.

What It All Means for You

This tour is less about seeing every famous site and more about uncovering the stories behind the scenes. The stops are thoughtfully curated to show you both the big and small, historic and quirky, sides of St. Augustine. With a small group, you’ll find it easier to ask questions and get more personalized insights.

The price, at $33, offers a solid deal considering the variety of stops and the inclusion of several admission fees. It’s an easy way to get an overview of some hidden corners, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a guided experience that highlights local secrets rather than the standard tourist trail.

One thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a deep-dive into history—more like a brisk walk through some of the city’s lesser-known stories and spots. If you’re after an in-depth historical lecture, you might want to supplement this with other tours or visits. But for a fun, engaging introduction to St. Augustine’s hidden layers, it hits the mark.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who:

• Enjoy short, curated tours that focus on stories and secrets rather than exhaustive history.
• Appreciate quirky, offbeat spots that aren’t on every tourist map.
• Want a cost-effective way to see a variety of sites in a relaxed manner.
• Are comfortable with small groups and a brisk pace.
• Are curious about the less obvious stories that shape the city’s character.

It’s also good for those interested in culture, architecture, and unique local legends. If you’re traveling with kids, the stops may be engaging enough, but it’s primarily aimed at adults or older children who can appreciate the stories.

FAQ about the St Augustine Side Streets and Secrets Tour

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable window for most travelers.

What’s the starting point?
The tour begins at 2 Cuna Street, in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district.

How many stops are included?
There are five main stops, each offering a different glimpse into the city’s hidden stories and sites.

Is admission included?
Yes, the tour includes admission to Saint Photios Greek Orthodox Shrine, the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Governor’s House Museum.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the focus on history and small group size makes it well-suited for adults and older children. It’s not explicitly family-oriented.

What’s the group size?
Limited to 14 travelers, so you’ll get a more personal experience.

Is this tour accessible?
It’s near public transportation and service animals are allowed, which helps with accessibility.

Can I cancel?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for changing plans.

How much does it cost?
$33 per person, which is quite reasonable given the stops and insights involved.

Will I get to see the best views?
Absolutely—stunning views of historic sites and hidden corners are part of the experience.

To sum it up, the St Augustine Side Streets and Secrets Tour offers a breezy, engaging way to see some of the city’s lesser-known sights. It’s perfect for those who love uncovering stories off the usual path, and who appreciate a small, relaxed group setting. While it’s not a deep dive into every corner of St. Augustine’s past, it provides a memorable snapshot filled with surprises and character. If you’re curious to see a different side of this historic city, it’s definitely worth considering.