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Jacksonville
A1A Scenic Byway: Self-Guided Audio Tour - Explore Florida!
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Overview
Scenic A1A Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour invites travelers on an amazing trip along Florida's A1A Scenic Highway. The journey starts in Jacksonville Beach and ends near historic Saint Augustine, at Fort Matanzas. Get ready to see wide, white sandy beaches and old buildings with amazing stories.
As travelers drive, they'll hear interesting audio stories about plants, animals, and Florida's history. They'll learn about when Florida was the Winter Film Capital and a big fire that almost destroyed Saint Augustine. Key stops include Mickler's Landing, the Old Jail of St. Augustine, and the Castillo de San Marcos. Travelers will also see the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Vilano Beach, the Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine Lighthouse, Anastasia State Park, Crescent Beach, and the Matanzas River. This driving tour of A1A is the best way to see all the amazing sights!
With the Action Tour Guide App, see all the sights and hear all the stories! This tour includes an easy-to-use app, great value for the whole car, engaging stories, a perfect narrator, offline maps, a comprehensive route, and the freedom to go at the traveler's own pace. This tour doesn't include food and drinks, so pack a cooler! 
Highlights
Easy-to-Use App: Download the Action Tour Guide App onto a phone for easy navigation and audio.
Great Value: Purchase one tour per car, making it more affordable than bus or guided tours.
Engaging Storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey.
Go at Your Own Pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, and enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed this self-guided audio tour, praising its informative content and flexibility. Some users experienced minor technical issues or desired more detailed guidance.
Customers loved learning about the history and sights along the A1A.
Many found the audio tour very informative and easy to follow.
Families enjoyed the flexibility to stop and explore at their own pace.
The offline map feature was helpful for those with limited cell service.
Some users had initial difficulty downloading the app.
A few wished for more detailed instructions at certain stops.
The Journey
Mickler's Landing
Discover Mickler's Landing, a beautiful beach renowned for its dark, hard-packed sand perfect for surfing and treasure hunting. Search for unique seashells and the prized shark teeth that wash ashore, remnants of Florida's prehistoric past. As the first beach along the scenic route, it offers an immediate immersion into the coastal beauty of the A1A Byway.
Old Jail of St. Augustine
Step back in time at the Old Jail, a Victorian-era structure commissioned by Henry Flagler, who insisted on aesthetic appeal even for the city's correctional facilities. While its facade is charming, local lore whispers of unsettling paranormal activity, including cold spots and phantom odors. A testament to St. Augustine's dedication to beauty and a chilling glimpse into its past.
Castillo de San Marcos
Explore the Castillo de San Marcos, a formidable fort constructed by the Spanish starting in 1672. This imposing structure took 23 years to complete, a testament to the strategic importance of St. Augustine. Built from coquina, a unique shell-stone material, its thick walls have withstood centuries of storms and sieges, making it a vital landmark in American history.
Mickler's Landing
Discover Mickler's Landing, a beautiful beach renowned for its dark, hard-packed sand perfect for surfing and treasure hunting. Search for unique seashells and the prized shark teeth that wash ashore, remnants of Florida's prehistoric past. As the first beach along the scenic route, it offers an immediate immersion into the coastal beauty of the A1A Byway.
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (Guana Reserve)
Escape into the natural splendor of the Guana Reserve, a vast estuary teeming with diverse flora and fauna. This ecological treasure attracts scientists from across the globe, all eager to study the unique ecosystem. Known locally as the Guana Reserve, it's a haven for birdwatchers, kayakers, and nature enthusiasts seeking to connect with Florida's wild side.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Delve into the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where the rich history of the Timucua people intertwines with the natural landscape. Discover how the ocean held profound significance in their culture, influencing their beliefs about life, motherhood, and family structure. Understand the matrilineal nature of their society, reflecting the crucial role of women within their tribal structure and values.
St. Augustine
Step into St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States, founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles. Beyond its historical significance, uncover its swashbuckling past as a haunt for pirates seeking treasure, adding a thrilling layer to the city's already captivating story. Explore the streets where history and adventure collide.
Tolomato Cemetery
Visit the historic Tolomato Cemetery, recognizable by the large stone house nearby. This cemetery holds the stories of St. Augustine's past residents, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives and legacies that shaped the city's character. Take a moment to reflect amidst the aged tombstones and serene atmosphere.
Vilano Beach
Cruise through Vilano Beach and discover its quirky landmark: the Bluebird of Happiness. This unique roadside attraction adds a touch of whimsy to the coastal landscape. Stop and snap a photo with this iconic symbol of joy and good fortune.
Old Jail of St. Augustine
Experience the eerie atmosphere of the Old Jail, where ghostly tales abound. Hear accounts of clammy hands and unexplained odors. This former jail is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of past inmates, offering a chilling glimpse into the darker side of St. Augustine's history.
Castillo de San Marcos
Marvel at the ingenuity behind the construction of the Castillo de San Marcos. When Spanish engineers arrived, they had to adapt to the unique coquina stone found along the coast. Faced with its porous nature, they built walls nearly 20 feet thick to ensure the fort's resilience against cannon fire, a testament to their determination and resourcefulness.
Bridge of Lions
Admire the iconic Bridge of Lions, guarded by statues of Fiel and Firme. These lions, donated by former St. Augustine mayor Andrew Anderson, pay homage to the city's founder, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, whose coat of arms featured two lions. Symbolizing faithfulness and firmness, they stand as enduring symbols of St. Augustine's rich heritage.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse, a beacon that has guided sailors since 1589. While the current structure dates back to 1871, generations of lighthouse keepers have maintained watch here, with some said to have never truly left. Explore the haunted history and breathtaking views from this historic landmark.
Anastasia State Park
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Anastasia State Park, a birdwatcher's paradise boasting 195 different species. This park is home to some common birds and rare species that can't be found anywhere else. This park offers stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.
Crescent Beach
Relax on the shores of Crescent Beach, named for its unique crescent moon shape. Experience its "old Florida vibe" and, if you visit between May and October, witness the nesting sea turtles that grace its sands. This beach offers a tranquil escape and a chance to connect with nature.
St. Augustine
Uncover the history of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States, when it was fought over by the Spanish and British. Learn about the Governor of Georgia's failed attempt to seize the city in 1740 and the St. Augustine mayor's bold move to seek aid from Havana, highlighting the strategic importance of St. Augustine during that period.
Matanzas River
Reflect on the poignant history of the Matanzas River, whose name translates to "killings" or "slaughter" in Spanish. This name dates back to 1565, when the river ran red with blood following a tragic event, a somber reminder of the conflicts that shaped the region's past. Despite its violent origins, the river now flows serenely, offering a tranquil setting for reflection.
Know Before You Go
This self-guided driving tour includes access to the Action Tour Guide App with comprehensive route, offline maps, and engaging audio stories. The tour is purchased per car, not per person, and can be used for one year. Food and drinks are not included. After booking, check email to download the Audio Tour Guide App, enter the unique password, and access the tour using good internet/Wi-Fi access. This is not an entrance ticket; check opening hours before the visit.
Hot Tip
Download the tour app and audio content before starting the drive, especially if planning to travel through areas with limited cell service. Bringing snacks and drinks will allow travelers to stop and enjoy the sights along A1A.
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