Welcome to the Florida State Road A1A Tour
Embark on an unforgettable journey along Florida’s A1A Scenic Highway with this self-guided driving tour. You’ll start in Jacksonville Beach and end at Fort Matanzas, just south of Saint Augustine. Along the way, get ready for expansive white sand beaches, historic architecture, and so much more. As you drive, you’ll hear fascinating audio stories about flora, fauna, and Florida’s history, from its days as the Winter Film Capital to a devastating fire that nearly destroyed Saint Augustine. This driving tour of A1A is the best way to make the most of your scenic drive!
About the Tour
Your journey begins in Jacksonville Beach, near 7 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach. As you drive south, you’ll hear all about Jacksonville’s history, from its founding to its days as the Winter Film Capital of the world.
Then you’ll have the chance to visit Mickler’s Landing Beach, renowned for its unique pink sands and tranquil seaside views. Then you’ll cruise out along a narrow spit of land through the Guana Reserve, home to some seriously fascinating wildlife.
As you drive, you’ll pass a trio of perfect white sand beaches, which you can choose to skip or visit for as long as you like!
Next, you’ll spot an unusual local landmark before crossing a bridge into historic Saint Augustine, the oldest city in the United States! Here, you’ll see historic architecture like the Old Jail and have a chance to visit the Castillo de San Marcos, an imposing castle built to ward off attacks by the English.
After that, you’ll learn all about gators and crocs, then come to a couple of optional detours to visit the picture-perfect Saint Augustine Lighthouse and yet another gorgeous beach!
Finally, you’ll end up at Fort Matanzas, once an important strategic fortification along Florida’s coast. Your tour concludes here.
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Highway A1A Florida Map
Starting Point
You can begin the tour at the suggested starting location provided below.
The tour begins on 3rd St South near Burrito Gallery on your right. Drive south towards Saint Augustine, Florida, enjoying the scenic route along the way.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Florida State Road A1A Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Welcome
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Jacksonville Beach
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Early Days
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Cow Crossing
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Camp Cuba Libre
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The Intracoastal Waterway
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Winter Film Capital of the World
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World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party
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Mickler's Landing & Beach
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Coconut Conundrum
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North Beach
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Hurricane Dora
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Middle Beach
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Gopher Tortoise & Guana Reserve
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Sea Oats & Beachside Flora
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Breton, the Artistic Shark
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Bottlenose Dolphins
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The Timucua
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The Sacking of St. Augustine
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North Beach Park
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The Bluebird of Happiness
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Birdwatching
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St. Augustine Fire of 1914
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The Old Jail
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Castillo de San Marcos
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Bridge of Lions
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St. Augustine Lighthouse
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Anastasia State Park & Beach
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Gator Country
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Wade-Ins
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The St. Augustine Four
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Crescent Beach Park
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Save the Manatees
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Matanzas River
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Fort Matanzas National Monument
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Conclusion
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Visitors can enjoy stunning coastal views, beautiful beaches, and iconic landmarks along the scenic route.
It typically takes 2-3 hours to drive the entire route without stopping.
Yes, many parks, beaches, and outdoor attractions along the route welcome pets, but it’s always best to check individual rules and regulations beforehand.
The best time is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the stunning coastal views in optimal lighting conditions.
Visitors should bring essentials such as water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and any snacks or picnic supplies they may need.
Yes, there are plenty of dining options available in towns and beachside communities along the route, offering a variety of cuisine to choose from.
Visitors are welcome to take photographs for personal use, but commercial photography may require permits in certain areas.
Yes, there are restroom facilities available at various stops along the route, including parks, beaches, and rest areas.
Yes, keep an eye out for local events and festivals happening in beachside communities and towns along the route, as they may affect traffic and accommodations availability.
Yes, there are several scenic overlooks, parks, and beaches along the route that offer stunning photo opportunities of the coastline and natural beauty of Florida.
Yes, there are plenty of dining options available in towns and beachside communities along the route, offering a variety of cuisine to choose from.
Late fall to early spring is ideal for a self-guided drive tour along Florida State Road A1A, as the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists crowding the route.


