St Augustine Side Streets and Secrets Tour

If you’re planning a trip to St. Augustine, you’re probably familiar with the major sights like the Castillo de San Marcos or the historic downtown. But what if you could go beyond the typical tourist trail and uncover the city’s lesser-known stories and secret spots? That’s exactly what the St Augustine Side Streets and Secrets Tour promises. We haven’t taken it ourselves, but based on the detailed itinerary and traveler feedback, it looks like a fascinating way to deepen your understanding of this ancient city.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it focuses on hidden locations and undiscovered stories that even many locals might not know. Second, the small group size (max 14 people) ensures a more personal experience, perfect for curious travelers. Third, the mix of historic sites, quirky stops, and cultural gems offers a well-rounded, engaging adventure. One consideration to keep in mind is that the tour’s 1.5-hour duration may leave some wanting more of St. Augustine’s secrets. It’s best suited for travelers who love uncovering stories off the usual tourist path and are happy to walk through charming streets with a knowledgeable guide.

Good To Know

• Authentic hidden gems: Little-known sites like Ronnoc’s Trading Post and the Greek Orthodox Shrine.
• Cultural insights: Learn about colonial, pirate, and religious history from local guides.
• Unique experiences: Ring ancient church bells, see relics from the Vatican, and explore historic architecture.
• Value for money: At $33 per person, it offers a compact, intimate deep dive into St. Augustine’s secrets.
• Accessible: The tour is suitable for most travelers, with near public transportation options and service animals allowed.
• Limited group size: Up to 14 travelers ensures a more engaging, personalized experience.

The Tour Breakdown

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour begins at 2 Cuna Street at 10:00 am, a central spot in the historic district, making it easy to incorporate into a full day of exploring. The group then heads out on foot, walking through some of the city’s quieter, less-traveled streets. With a duration of around 1.5 hours, it’s a short but immersive journey into St. Augustine’s “secret side.” The small group size ensures you get plenty of personalized attention and can ask questions freely.

Stop 1: Castillo de San Marcos

Your adventure kicks off at the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. Constructed in the 1600s from coquina stone, this structure was built to withstand cannon fire and defend against pirates and invaders. It’s a familiar sight but with a twist — you’ll learn about its role from a different perspective, plus enjoy the fact that entrance is included and free. Expect to spend about 15 minutes here, enough to appreciate its formidable structure and appreciate its historical significance.

Traveler Tip: While many visitors stroll through the fort, this tour provides a deeper commentary, often revealing little-known facts or stories behind its construction and use.

Stop 2: Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

Next, you’ll step into the Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, tucked away in the historic district. Despite its central location, it remains somewhat under-the-radar. Inside, you’ll find stunning Byzantine frescoes and learn about the Greek community’s history in St. Augustine. The admission is included, and the guide will likely share fascinating tidbits about the shrine’s cultural importance and the stories behind its art.

Traveler Insight: A review mentions being surprised by the shrine’s beauty and the depth of its history, making it a highlight for those interested in religious and multicultural stories.

Stop 3: Ronnoc’s Trading Post

For a taste of eccentricity, Ronnoc’s Trading Post offers an authentic peek into the quirky side of the city. This eclectic shop is crammed with antiques, curiosities, and vintage oddities. It’s like stepping into a time capsule, with stories whispered by the owner about local legends and rare finds. The tour includes a 15-minute stop here, and admission is free.

Traveler Feedback: Visitors love this spot for its “like a treasure hunt,” with some describing it as “a hidden gem that feels like discovering a secret.” It adds a layer of playful discovery to the tour.

Stop 4: The Spanish Military Hospital Museum

Another intriguing stop is the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, offering a glimpse into colonial medical practices. The museum features reconstructed hospital rooms, herbal remedies, and live surgical demos. It’s a rare chance to see how medicine was practiced centuries ago, with informative narrations that balance the gruesome and the fascinating.

Note: Some reviews mention that this stop adds a tangible sense of history, making the past feel vividly real.

Final Stop: Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum

Your journey concludes at the Governor’s House, once home to colonial governors and now a peaceful museum. Its architecture and historic courtyard offer a calm, reflective space to wrap up the tour. Admission is included, and the setting provides excellent photo opportunities, especially for those interested in colonial architecture.

Traveler Tip: The final location is close to many shops, cafes, and the historic city center, making it easy to extend your exploration afterward.

What Travelers Will Love

The small group size and local guides are frequently praised for creating an engaging, intimate setting. Many mention how the guides share little-known stories and personal anecdotes that bring the city’s history to life. The stops at quirky shops and religious sites make the experience more than just sightseeing – it’s about uncovering secrets and stories often missed by standard tours.

The value for $33 is evident when considering the mix of free admission sites, exclusive insights, and the personalized experience. Plus, with most stops being just 15-minute visits, the pace is brisk but manageable, making it suitable for travelers who want a meaningful yet time-efficient tour.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour begins at 10 am, which is perfect for morning explorers wanting to beat the midday heat and crowds. The duration of 1 hour 30 minutes makes it easy to slot into a busy itinerary or as part of a broader day in St. Augustine. Because it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes are recommended, especially on uneven streets.

The group size cap of 14 ensures a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for asking questions and getting personalized stories. It’s also wheelchair accessible, and service animals are welcome, making it inclusive for travelers with different needs.

You should note that the tour is weather-dependent; in case of rain or bad weather, a full refund or rescheduling is offered. Most travelers find the pace manageable, and the stops are well-paced to keep interest high without feeling rushed.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is best suited for history buffs, curious explorers, and those who appreciate discovering hidden stories. It’s ideal if you’ve already seen the major sights and want to go deeper into St. Augustine’s lesser-known corners. Travelers who enjoy interactive, authentic experiences with local guides will find this tour particularly rewarding.

It’s also a good choice for small groups or families, thanks to the intimate setting and flexible pace. If you’re short on time but want a meaningful taste of the city’s secret side, this tour offers a compact yet rich adventure.

Final Thoughts

The St Augustine Side Streets and Secrets Tour offers a unique way to experience the city beyond the well-trodden paths. Its focus on hidden gems, quirky stops, and local stories makes it stand out from typical sightseeing options. With a small group, knowledgeable guides, and a mix of cultural, historic, and playful experiences, it’s a memorable way to uncover St. Augustine’s lesser-known stories.

While it’s a quick tour, the depth of insights and the variety of stops make it well worth the price. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path exploration that makes the city’s past feel alive.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable and engaging experience for most visitors.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 2 Cuna Street and finishes at the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum, both located in the historic district.

Are admission fees included?
Yes, admission to sites like the Saint Photios Greek Orthodox Shrine, Ronnoc’s Trading Post, and the Governor’s House is included.

Is the tour accessible for all travelers?
It is suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. The tour involves walking on potentially uneven streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations due to weather also qualify for a full refund or rescheduling.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Most travelers of all ages can participate, especially those interested in history and quirky stories. The short duration makes it suitable for families.

In the end, if you’re eager to see a different side of St. Augustine—one packed with secrets, stories, and surprises—this tour could be just the ticket. It’s a compact, thoughtfully curated experience that transforms the city from a familiar destination into a treasure trove of lesser-known wonders.