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A1A Scenic Highway audio driving tour from Jacksonville to Fort Matanzas

4.8· 12 reviewsFrom INR 1668
A1A Scenic Highway audio driving tour from Jacksonville to Fort Matanzas — Cultural & heritage things to do in Jacksonville

Self-guided audio tour along A1A Scenic Highway — Jacksonville Beach to Fort Matanzas, featuring stories of Florida's history and ecology, available for offline use.

This self-guided driving tour covers the picturesque A1A Scenic Highway, stretching from Jacksonville Beach to Fort Matanzas, just south of Saint Augustine. As you navigate the route, you'll encounter expansive white sand beaches and historic architecture while listening to engaging audio stories about Florida's flora and fauna, as well as its rich history, including its time as the Winter Film Capital and a major fire that impacted Saint Augustine.

Following your booking, you’ll receive instructions to download the Action Audio Tour Guide App, allowing for offline access. Simply enter the provided password, and you're ready to start the tour anytime, with no expiry. Note that this is an audio experience and does not include entrance tickets; please check any site-specific opening hours beforehand.

FAQ

Good to know

What's included in this experience?+
• Audio narration transcripts available in text format & designed for self-paced use (start/pause/resume at your convenience) • Pre-recorded audio commentary that can be downloaded or streamed • A GPS-enabled self-guided audio tour that operates via an app • Permanent access (no expiration) along with customer support (chat/email) • This does NOT serve as an entry ticket to any attractions or sites • Recommended walking/driving itinerary with detailed stop-by-stop directions • Offline map with GPS capabilities for route guidance • No in-person guide or physical equipment provided (participants should supply their own device & headphones)
What's NOT included?+
• Admission costs, personal guide, audio equipment, transportation, parking fees, meals, Wi-Fi or mobile data, and rental services are not included.
What should I know before booking?+
• Nearby public transport options are accessible. • Appropriate for individuals of all fitness levels. • After booking, you will receive an email and text with setup instructions and a password (search for “audio tour” in your emails and texts). • Download the specific tour application by Action. • Input the password provided via email and text. • It is essential to download the tour while connected to strong Wi-Fi or cellular data. • The app functions offline once downloaded. • To begin touring, open Action’s dedicated audio tour guide app when you arrive at the location. • If there is only one tour available, simply launch it. • If there are multiple tour options, select the one based on your starting location and direction. • Proceed to the starting location—no guide will greet you at the beginning. This is a self-guided tour. Enter the first story's location to activate the audio automatically. • Follow the audio instructions to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy exploring hands-free. If you encounter audio difficulties, reach out to support. Adhere to the tour route and speed limits for optimal enjoyment. • Travel confidently: The tour app can be utilized any time, on any day, and over several days. You can start and pause at your convenience, taking breaks and exploring alternate routes at your own rhythm. Skip sections that do not interest you or delve into additional content that piques your interest. • Cost-saving tips: For driving tours, buy a single tour for all participants in the vehicle. • New, lifetime access with no expiration. Use it at any time and on any journey, as many times as desired. • Audio Setup: Connect your smartphone to your vehicle’s audio system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience during walking tours, headphones are recommended. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation functionalities to be introduced soon. Support for Android Auto is also forthcoming. • A compatible mobile device is necessary for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or newer, or an iPad/tablet equipped with GPS and cellular service.
What's the cancellation policy?+
To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure.
What's the itinerary?+
• The route features numerous scenic beaches, with Mickler’s Landing being the first stop on the left. Opportunities for surfing, shell collecting, and finding shark teeth are available. Note: The journey spans over 44 miles, includes more than 38 audio narratives, and typically takes around 2-3 hours to finish. New, with lifetime access and no expiration. Use it whenever you wish, on any trip, multiple times. • A former jail, once an eyesore, was designed by financier Henry Flagler to resemble a Victorian mansion, improving the aesthetic of St. Augustine. • The Spanish Governor initiated the construction of a fort in response to threats, starting in 1672 and taking 23 years to complete. • The first beach stop is Mickler’s Landing, just ahead on the left, known for its surfing, seashells, and shark teeth. • Locally called the Guana Reserve, this expansive estuary attracts scientists globally who study its diverse flora and fauna. • The Timucua culture revered water, associating it with the moon and motherhood, tracing lineage matrilineally. • Approaching St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles, it is recognized as the oldest city in the United States, predating Jamestown. Known historically for pirate activity, it has a rich past. • Upon noticing a large stone house on the right, a parking lot will be visible just beyond it, allowing for a visit. • The community of Vilano Beach uniquely features the Bluebird of Happiness as a notable landmark. • Reports of hauntings at the Old Jail include visitors feeling an unexplained cold sensation and smelling sewage without any apparent source. • Early Spanish engineers faced challenges when building the fort from local coquina stones, leading them to construct walls nearly 20 feet thick for safety against artillery. • The lions named Fiel and Firme, or Faithful and Firm, were donated by former mayor Andrew Anderson, honoring the city's founder, whose coat of arms featured two lions. • The existing lighthouse was established in 1871, with earlier versions on the same site dating to 1589, showcasing a long history of lighthouse keepers. • This park not only offers beautiful views but is also an exceptional spot for birdwatching, hosting 195 bird species, nearly 25% of the U.S. total, including both common and rare species. • Recognized for its crescent-shaped coast and “old Florida vibe,” this beach may reveal nesting sea turtles if visited between May and October. • In 1740, the British Governor of Georgia attempted to seize St. Augustine from the Spanish, but the St. Augustine mayor preemptively gathered supplies from Havana, anticipating trouble. • The name Matanzas, translating to “killings” in Spanish, refers to historical events in 1565 when the river ran red, marking a violent episode.

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What travellers say4.8 · 12 total

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