Why St. Augustine?

Florida is full of fascinating places, but St. Augustine is in a league of its own. If the walls of its old buildings could talk, they’d whisper stories of hidden pirate treasures, daring Spanish conquistadors, and the first American romantics. And the best part? All of this is just a few hours’ drive from sunny Miami!

St. Augustine proudly holds the title of the oldest city in the USA — founded way back in 1565. And that’s not just a fun fact for history books — it’s your personal invitation to walk the very same streets once trodden by Spanish soldiers and rum smugglers. Even by Florida’s high standards, this city stands out as a pocket of Spanish charm and laid-back living.

With American Butler, you can explore this cozy town, dive into fascinating excursions, relax with a swim in the warm harbor, and stroll the charming streets while uncovering a treasure trove of fascinating facts and legends.

Brief Historical Overview

What exactly is this amazing city — the very first city built in America?

Way back in the 15th century, maps already marked the location of a beautiful and eternally youthful settlement known as St. Augustine. Today, it’s the heart of tiny St. Johns County, a place with plenty of land but only around three thousand residents. It proudly holds the title of the first city in America.

In 1513, the explorer Juan Ponce de León landed here in search of the legendary Fountain of Youth. He named the land "La Florida" — meaning the flowering land — a name that eventually graced the entire state.

Then, in 1564, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, a Spanish admiral sent to defend the region from French encroachment, founded a fort here. This fort would soon grow into the city we now know as St. Augustine.

What Makes St. Augustine Special?

St. Augustine sits on an island near the coast, with safe and welcoming harbors that have historically offered shelter to ships fleeing Florida’s notoriously unpredictable storms and winds. Like many tropical cities, its streets are narrow — a smart adaptation to intense heat.

On weekends and holidays, the streets come alive with a colorful mix of Creoles, Native Americans, nuns and priests, mulatto women, and true English ladies and gentlemen. And let’s not forget the vibrant local markets, overflowing with fresh produce, tropical fruits, seafood, and meats — all so affordable that life here feels like a luxurious bargain.

Things to Do in St. Augustine

The main pleasure of visiting St. Augustine is simply walking around — and that’s no coincidence. The city is astonishingly beautiful. Its historic center feels like a little slice of Spain: iron grilles on every window, charming patios hidden behind walls, delicate columns, and intricate balconies competing with rooftops for the title of most elaborate decoration.

Many of the streets still preserve artifacts and the authentic atmosphere of Spain’s colonial era.

Top Attractions in St. Augustine

• Castillo de San Marcos
  The city’s ancient guardian, built in the 17th century, is a classic example of Spanish fortress design. Military experts might not be impressed, but archaeologists and history lovers will be thrilled by its towers, gun ports, ancient cannons, and mortars that were sometimes more dangerous to their operators than their targets.
• Ponce de León Hotel
  Open since 1888, this hotel was built alongside the famous Alcazar Hotel by Henry Flagler. Its standout feature? It was the first fully electrified hotel in the area — so modern that guests were afraid to touch the light switches, and staff had to turn off lights for them! Plus, the building was made from coquina, a unique shell-based material.
• Memorial Presbyterian Church on Valencia Street
  A stunning piece of architecture inspired by St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, making it a must-see for lovers of beautiful buildings.

Is St. Augustine Boring?

Are you kidding? St. Augustine is like colonial Florida on steroids — minus the dusty museum vibe. Every stone in this town has a pirate joke up its sleeve, and locals still believe in ghosts. Here, history comes with a twist — from ghost tours under the stars to lively reenactments with muskets and cannons.

Why Travel with American Butler?

Because we take care of everything. No need to spend hours googling routes, sifting through conflicting reviews, or wondering if your dog can tag along. We’ve already thought of it all — from comfortable transport to perfect time management, so you won’t miss a thing.

What’s Included:

• Private transfer in a comfortable car;
• Licensed guide who speaks like a human (not like a textbook);
• Flexible program tailored to your interests;
• Support from Russian-speaking concierge service.

Best Time to Visit

Honestly — anytime. But for the best weather, come in spring or fall, when the heat isn’t brutal and there are fewer tourists than there are seagulls at a beach café.

What to Expect on This Trip

Pack your comfiest shoes and charge your phones — you’ll want to capture every moment! Here’s just a taste of what’s in store:

• Castillo de San Marcos — the legendary fortress that survived sieges, battles, and time itself. And yes, it’s still standing tall.
• Historic streets lined with colonial architecture — perfect for movie scenes or at least a flood of envy-inducing Instagram Stories.
• The First Pharmacy Museum — a time capsule to when medicine started with rum infusions and a dash of rooster blood.
• The Famous Fountain of Youth — we can’t promise eternal beauty, but a selfie by this historic spring? Pure gold for your photo collection.
• Tastings of local wines and snacks — because what’s a great day without good food and drinks?

With American Butler, you don’t have to stress about planning, bookings, or timing. We handle all the logistics, leaving you free to enjoy the charm of St. Augustine — its history, seaside breeze, and the authentic vibe of this incredible town.

Discover St. Augustine the easy way — with American Butler by your side!

Terms and Conditions

General Provisions:

• The minimum tour price is calculated for a group of up to 3 people. To get an exact price tailored to your group and preferences, please contact us directly.
• The total tour time includes potential delays due to traffic, but the duration will not be shorter than stated.
• Tour prices may vary depending on the season.

Prepayment and Booking:

• 100% prepayment required if booking 1-7 days before the tour.
• 50% prepayment required if booking 8 days or more in advance.
• Accepted payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, American Express (Amex), PayPal, WIRE Transfers.

Additional Options:

• You can enhance your trip by adding a visit to the Kennedy Space Center.
• Entrance tickets for the guide, park entrance fees, and parking are charged separately.
• For your comfort, we recommend a group size of no more than 6 people per vehicle.
• Gratuities for the guide are optional and entirely at your discretion.