Scenic A1A Byway Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

Ponte Vedra Beach, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (13 reviews)
Self-guided - entry to attractions not included

Included

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    Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
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    Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
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    Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
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    Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
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    Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
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    Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
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    One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
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    Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
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    Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
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    Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Excluded

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    No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Meeting Point

Begin from 7JQ5+67R, Jacksonville Beach, FL, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Meeting point

End point

What to expect

1
Mickler's Landing Beach

It’s dotted with beautiful beaches. The first one we can visit isn’t far: Mickler’s Landing, coming up soon on the left. There’s surfing, seashells, and shark teeth! Note: The tour is over 44 miles long, with more than 38 audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Duration 10 minutes
2

Old Jail Museum

Why is a former jail so pretty? Well, financier Henry Flagler didn’t want any ugly buildings in St. Augustine. So the old jail was built to look like a Victorian manor!

Duration 10 minutes
3
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Spanish Governor decided to do something about it. He ordered the construction of the fort, which began in 1672. It took a whopping 23 years to build!

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4

Mickler's Landing

It’s dotted with beautiful beaches. The first one we can visit isn’t far: Mickler’s Landing, coming up soon on the left. There’s surfing, seashells, and shark teeth!

Duration 10 minutes
5

Guana Reserve Middle Beach

Whew, that’s quite a mouthful! Let’s just call it the Guana Reserve, like the locals do. Scientists come from all over the world to study the animals and plants in this expansive estuary.

Duration 10 minutes
6

Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve

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The ocean flowed into other parts of the Timucua lives. They understood the moon to be a symbol of water. Since water was associated with life, the Timucua saw the moon as the goddess of all mothers. And because water held such an important place in Timucuan society, that meant mothers did too! Family lines were traced matrilineally through mothers rather than fathers.

Duration 10 minutes
7

St. Augustine

We’re approaching the city of St. Augustine. Founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. Yes, even older than Jamestown! But, arr me mateys, did ya know that St. Augustine was once where pirates hunted for gold?

Duration 10 minutes
8

North Beach Park

When you see the big stone house on the right, look for the parking lot just beyond and turn in if you’d like to visit.

Duration 10 minutes
9

Bluebird of Happiness Statue

We’re cruising through the community of Vilano Beach, home to a very peculiar landmark. Here, we’ll find the Bluebird of Happiness!

Duration 10 minutes
10

Old Jail Museum

Unsurprisingly, locals say the Old Jail is haunted. Guests often feel a cold, clammy hand rest on their shoulders. Some have smelled the foul stench of sewage even though none was found on site. Creepy!

Duration 10 minutes
11
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

When engineers and stone masons arrived from Spain, they didn’t know how to build a fort out of the rocks found on this coast. The coquina stones were porous and the Spanish didn’t know how well they’d hold up against a cannonball. So just to be safe, they built the walls almost 20 feet thick!

Duration 10 minutes
12

Bridge of Lions

Former St. Augustine mayor Andrew Anderson donated the lions, who are named Fiel and Firme, or Faithful and Firm. They’re an homage to the city’s founder, Pedro Menendez de Aviles. His coat of arms bore two lions!

Duration 10 minutes
13

St. Augustine Lighthouse

The current one dates back to 1871, but earlier iterations have stood on this spot since 1589! Lighthouse keepers have kept watch here for hundreds of years… and in some cases, they never left.

Duration 10 minutes
14
Anastasia State Park

Besides offering some splendid scenery, this park is also a positively fabulous place for birdwatching. It’s home to 195 different species of birds! For context, that’s almost a quarter of all bird species in the United States! While the park is home to some common bird species like robins and herons, it also sees a few found nowhere else in the country.

Duration 10 minutes
15

Crescent Beach Park

Named for its sweeping coastline that forms the shape of a crescent moon, this beach is known for its “old Florida vibe.” And if you visit between May and October, you might see a few nesting sea turtles!

Duration 10 minutes
16
Fort Matanzas National Monument

In 1740, the Governor of Georgia, a British colony, decided to make a play for St. Augustine, a Spanish one. Luckily, the St. Augustine mayor had a feeling that the Brits were up to no good. So he sent a courier to Havana to get some supplies.

Duration 10 minutes
17

Matanzas River

Now, Matanzas is a Spanish word that translates to “killings” or “slaughter.” So why does such a beautiful river have such a violent name? It dates back to 1565, when this river ran red with blood. Here’s what happened:

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
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    Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
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    Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
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    Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
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    Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
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    Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
  • Additional information
    More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
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    Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
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    Public transportation options are available nearby
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    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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    Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
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    The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
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    Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Provided by Drive with Action

What our experts say

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    Visit Castillo de San Marcos first!
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    Check out local seafood spots in St. Augustine.
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    Bring snacks for the drive along A1A.
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    Download the app before your trip.
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    Look for sea turtle nests on the beach!

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the beauty and history of Florida's A1A Scenic Highway with the Scenic A1A Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. Starting in Jacksonville Beach and ending at Fort Matanzas, this tour promises breathtaking views, fascinating stories, and unforgettable memories along the way.

What to expect?

Embark on a journey filled with expansive white sand beaches, historic architecture, and intriguing audio stories about Florida's flora, fauna, and history. Learn about the state's past as the Winter Film Capital and discover the impact of a devastating fire on Saint Augustine. With this driving tour, you'll immerse yourself in the best of Florida's scenic beauty and rich heritage.

Who is this for?

This self-guided driving tour is perfect for travelers who crave flexibility and freedom in exploring new destinations. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a scenic drive, this tour caters to a wide range of interests and preferences. Anyone looking to uncover hidden gems and unique stories will find this experience truly captivating.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Florida's A1A Scenic Highway with the convenience of a self-guided driving tour. With the Action Tour Guide App, you'll have access to engaging storytelling, offline maps, and a perfect narrator to guide you through the journey. This tour offers great value as you can explore at your own pace, making multiple trips over an entire year. Don't miss the opportunity to uncover the treasures of the A1A Scenic Byway with this immersive experience.

Good to know

Before starting the tour, make sure to download the Action Tour Guide App and access your unique password for a seamless experience. Remember that this tour does not include entrance tickets to attractions along the route, so be sure to check opening hours beforehand. Enjoy the flexibility of going at your own pace, pausing for breaks, and capturing memorable moments along the way.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Scenic A1A Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour rave about the engaging storytelling, comprehensive route, and the convenience of exploring at their own pace. The combination of stunning scenery, fascinating history, and the ease of using the app has left visitors thrilled with their experience. Don't miss the chance to embark on a memorable journey along Florida's iconic A1A Scenic Highway.

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