St. Augustine Premium Golf Cart Tour: An Honest Review

Looking for a fun way to soak up the historical charm of St. Augustine, Florida? The Premium Golf Cart Tour, especially one that comes with the added convenience of pick-up, well, it might be just what you’re looking for. I gave one of these tours a go recently, and I thought I would give you the scoop on what it’s really like. Getting around on a golf cart, it seems, is becoming quite a trend in many cities, so this St. Augustine experience has an interesting angle to it. What should you expect, and is this tour, in a way, the top option for viewing the nation’s oldest city? Let’s get to it.

What Makes This Tour Special?

So, what’s the deal with golf cart tours anyway? First of all, let’s discuss what makes them unique. Instead of being stuck on a big bus or having to deal with the headache that is finding parking in St. Augustine’s busy historic streets, golf carts are really a much easier option to consider. They’re small and maneuverable, meaning they can squeeze down narrow lanes where larger vehicles simply cannot go. The ‘Premium’ label, though, usually means you will get some extras, like maybe a more knowledgeable guide, nicer seating, or potentially even complimentary drinks or snacks. Then, of course, a pick-up service takes away all the bother of even getting to the tour’s starting point. That, in itself, is a great bonus, you see.

Plus, these tours often go a bit beyond the regular tourist spots. As your cart putters around, your guide – they are typically someone who knows the city very well – will likely share some local legends, maybe some ghost stories, and interesting bits of history that you probably wouldn’t find in just any guidebook. It’s like getting a peek behind the curtain, like I did, seeing a side of St. Augustine that many visitors tend to completely miss. These little gems make it something special. I think it is anyway.

My Personal Experience on the Tour

From the start, things went smoothly, as the pick-up was prompt and the golf cart was, indeed, quite comfortable – much nicer than the basic models. The seating was cushy, and there was plenty of room. Our guide, whose name was, I think, Michael, was great at once. His knowledge of St. Augustine wasn’t just academic – you know, dates and names – he really seemed to love the city, which made the trip more engaging. As we went along brick-paved streets, he told stories that stretched across time, linking the past to the present in a really fascinating way. I was completely engrossed.

The tour covered all the important sights like the Castillo de San Marcos, the Lightner Museum, and the Cathedral Basilica, but it wasn’t only about these, for sure. We took detours down smaller streets, driving past charming houses, and got an up-close glimpse of the local architecture. I particularly liked how Michael pointed out the little things – the coquina walls, the intricate ironwork, and the hidden gardens that, I suppose, give St. Augustine its unique character. These were the parts I don’t think I would have spotted by myself. They really brought the city to life in an entirely different way.

The Pros and Cons

Like any experience, there are going to be both good and, well, maybe not-so-good points about the golf cart tour. Here is what I thought: On the plus side, the convenience is a massive win. Not having to stress about parking or directions made for a much more relaxing time, really. The golf cart itself was very comfortable and gave a great vantage point for seeing everything. Our guide’s personal approach was, of course, excellent. His stories were well researched, interesting and also kind of funny, and he seemed very open to questions. I’d rate him as a major asset.

Now, on the downside, the weather could actually be a factor. Because the golf cart is open, it is less enjoyable on a day that is either really hot or when there’s rain. This may seem obvious, but do try to think about the forecast ahead. The price can be a bit steep when you consider that you could technically see some of these sights by just wandering around on your own. But I do believe you do miss all the insights you gain from a good guide. Also, keep in mind that while the golf cart can go down pretty narrow streets, it’s still restricted to roadways, so you can’t just zip through pedestrian areas. I do think, though, that the pros outweigh the cons, if you’re prepared.

Is It Worth the Money?

Okay, so here’s the big question: is this golf cart tour something you might consider parting ways with your money for? Honestly, I feel it is, particularly if you really value convenience and appreciate getting a deeper experience. The pick-up service means your tour starts in a completely stress-free kind of way. Being driven around allows you to relax and pay attention to all of St. Augustine has to offer. A knowledgeable guide, it seems to me, brings the city’s history and culture to life in a way that just isn’t possible if you are relying only on your own guidebook. For those with any sort of mobility issues, or families with young children, I think this tour is a particularly smart way to see St. Augustine, but it seems appropriate for anyone.

But if you’re more of a budget traveler who enjoys uncovering places on your own, or someone who prefers a completely unstructured visit, I feel that you might not find the tour to be worth the extra cost, I suppose. The freedom to move around, linger at will, or decide on a whim might be more to your liking. I totally get that. In my case, however, the tour added a significant amount of enjoyment and depth to my understanding of St. Augustine. I am very happy that I went, that is for sure. So if that sounds like you, you might enjoy it too.

Tips for Booking Your Tour

If you think a premium golf cart tour with pick-up is the right option for your adventure, there are a couple of things you should know ahead. For one, book in advance. I found this out after asking some more questions to the tour provider I eventually went with. Tours that have pickup, they can, in fact, fill up quickly, specifically in the busy season, and this means you can’t be as flexible. Reading reviews for multiple providers might also be in your best interest. All guides and services are not the same, in the way that there will always be better ones. So, doing your research helps you find one that comes really highly recommended.

Then there is always the matter of asking a great deal of questions. Before completing your booking, make sure to confirm some important information, that include things such as the specific route, the length of the tour, and the type of golf cart they have. Some have covers if the weather is not great. Speaking of weather, clarify the cancellation policy in case there is something bad, in the way of storms and you need to change your plans. The pick-up logistics are really vital: confirm the exact pick-up time and location so you don’t end up running late.

Wearing comfy clothes and shoes is always a must. Be certain you bring water, more often than not, because St. Augustine can get really hot, really fast, and staying properly hydrated is also, if not more, important than taking it all in. It should seem very obvious that you take sun protection in the shape of things such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. The tour, they do usually run in the daytime when the sun is beaming at its brightest. Lastly, you must remember that you can tip your guide should they go above and beyond. Like I stated before, my guide really impressed me. It can be just a nice way of expressing gratitude.