Why Choose North Florida Tours

     Because North Florida Tours gives you more history, more stories and more down home knowledge than you ever imagined. Partners Karen Harvey and Willet Boyer come armed with an abundance of knowledge. Willet is a seventh-generation Floridian and a Ph.D. candidate in archaeology. Karen is an author of seven in-print books and numerous publications about the history of St. Augustine and northeast Florida.

     All guides are trained to conduct tours of St. Augustine or of specific areas of interest in and around St. Augustine. Select a location or a theme and we can find a guide to suit that interest. We can provide guides for tours conducted in German, Spanish, French or Greek.

Call North Florida tours and ask for information about customized or specialty tours. We’ll do our best to meet your needs.

St. Augustine – Spain’s Colonial Empire

     Few historic statements are questioned more than St. Augustine’s claim to the title “the nation’s oldest city.” It is indeed the oldest permanently established settlement and more importantly it is Spain's Colonial Capital. Standing in stark contrast to the understated Spanish structures are the luxurious hotels built by Standard Oil Tycoon Henry Morrison Flagler during the Victorian era. Flagler’s own life change from money maker to community developer forever altered the face of St. Augustine and ultimately Florida. Visitors can absorb new-found knowledge on the walking stretch of St. George Street where hundreds of shops beckon and numerous restaurants are available.

St. Augustine Tours

      The most conspicuous historical landmark in St. Augustine is the Castillo de San Marcos, more commonly referred to as “The Old Fort.” About a half mile north of the fort is the area where the earliest documentation of events began in the US, The Mission of Nombre de Dios. In contrast to the open spaces of the Mission grounds, St. George Street, with its cobblestones and Spanish style balconies, hosts many unique points of interest including the city gates.

Fort Caroline

     The replica of the French fort built in 1564 overlooks the St. Johns River. The Ribault Column nearby tells a story of heroism and the Timucuan Indian preserve upon which it all rests reminds us of the value of conservation.

Fort George Island

     A small salt marsh island reflects hundreds of years of history spotlighting an early Indian settlement, a plantation from the 1700s and 1800s, and a 1920s era golf club. It’s a step back in time and an extended lesson in history.

Jacksonville

     Jacksonville is the oldest “American” city in Florida, a southern town developed where the Indians once crossed the St. Johns River. Named for Andrew Jackson in 1822 the year after Florida became a territory, it grew up in spurts and starts trying to be a winter haven for the wealthy, a film capital, and an insurance center. The skyline is post modern although architectural style reflects Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie school style. It’s the Bold New City of the South that developed a roar with the Jacksonville Jaguar’s football franchise.

Specialty Trips

     We have theme tours that include railroads, Black History, cemeteries, old Florida, plantations, Mission Trail and Flagler. Furthermore, we offer luxury tours featuring total comfort that only a stretch limousine provides. Imagine, touring our old Spanish town in total privacy.

 
      Nights of Lights is a brilliant display of illumination outlining the splendid architecture of St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city. Now in its 13th season, the Nights of Lights exhibit clearly brightens the dark winter nights.

      Tour the city with North Florida Tours and learn more about the history of the Spanish Renaissance architecture of the Flagler buildings. Trace the lines of Moorish battlements as seen with lights while a North Florida Tours guide explains the historic relevance of the buildings.

     Join North Florida Tours for an hour tour with historic narration. Our tour will take you across the decorated Bridge of Lions to the luminaries of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum.

     Reservations required. Call 904-823-1492. North Florida Tours will meet you at a convenient location and provide an evening of beautiful sights.

Motor coach Tours

     In the air conditioned comfort of our up to date tour buses, visitors have always enjoyed the history and sites of St. Augustine. North Florida Tours plans the entire route at a comfortable pace allowing for stops to accommodate your wishes and needs.

Small Group Tours

     Share the intimacy of historic St. Augustine with your family and friends. As with any learning experience, you may choose to take it all in as a part of a small tour group.