Best Ghost Tours in St. Augustine
Are you a thrill-seeker looking for a spooky adventure in the nation’s oldest city? St. Augustine, Florida, is known for its rich history and haunting tales that will send shivers down your spine. If you’re eager to explore the paranormal side of this charming town, embarking on a ghost tour is a must.
In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best ghost tours in St. Augustine, where experienced guides will lead you through dimly lit streets and share chilling stories of the city’s past inhabitants. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer in the supernatural, these tours promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you questioning what lies beyond the realm of the living.
Why St. Augustine is Known for Ghosts and Hauntings
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the nation. It attracts ghost hunters because of its rich history and haunted spots. The city has narrow brick streets and many local legends. This makes it a great place for ghost tours.
Places like Castillo de San Marcos and the Casablanca Inn have years of history and folklore. This helps St. Augustine be one of the most haunted cities in America. The best way to explore these spooky locations is with a knowledgeable tour guide, and you can reserve your spot here.
What to Expect from a Ghost Tour in St. Augustine
If you’re considering taking a ghost tour in St. Augustine, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. But what exactly can you expect when you book one of these spooky adventures?
Types of Tours
There’s no shortage of ways to explore St. Augustine’s haunted history. You’ll find a variety of tours that cater to different interests and energy levels.
- Walking Tours: The classic ghost tour experience involves strolling through the historic streets of St. Augustine, visiting haunted landmarks, and hearing chilling tales from local guides. Join a walking tour here. These tours are often more intimate, with smaller groups, which makes it easier to connect with the guide and other guests. Plus, walking through the streets at night, with only the glow of lanterns or flashlights, adds to the spooky atmosphere.
- Trolley Tours: For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, trolley tours are a great option. These tours are perfect for those who want to cover more ground without the physical effort of walking. Book your trolley tour here. You’ll get to sit back, enjoy the ride, and still hear plenty of ghostly stories as the trolley takes you to some of the most haunted spots in the city.
- Paranormal Investigation Tours: If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a ghost hunter, there are tours that let you use actual ghost-hunting equipment, like EMF detectors and infrared thermometers. Investigate some of St. Augustine’s most haunted locations by booking a paranormal tour here. These tours give you the opportunity to investigate some of St. Augustine’s most haunted locations, hoping to catch a glimpse of the supernatural.
What You’ll Learn
One of the most fascinating aspects of St. Augustine’s ghost tours is how they blend history with the paranormal. These tours don’t just focus on spooky tales and ghost stories—they also dive deep into the historical events that have shaped the city and its haunted past. You’ll learn about the people who lived, fought, and died in St. Augustine, and how their spirits may still be lingering today.
Expect to hear stories about the early Spanish settlers, the pirates who roamed the coasts, the soldiers who defended the city, and even the victims of illness and war who passed away under tragic circumstances. The guides often share first-hand accounts, local legends, and personal experiences that really bring these stories to life.
And of course, as you visit these haunted sites, you’ll hear about the spooky happenings that have been reported over the years—things like ghostly apparitions, eerie sounds, and objects that seem to move on their own. Many of these tours even have photos from previous guests who’ve captured strange, unexplained images, adding an extra layer of thrill to the experience.
Duration, Pricing, and What to Bring
Most ghost tours last around 60 to 90 minutes, though some can go a bit longer, especially if you’re on a paranormal investigation tour. As for cost, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $40 per person for a standard tour, depending on the type of tour and any special features it might offer (like equipment or a visit to exclusive haunted locations).
Before you head out, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Dress comfortably: You’ll likely be walking for a while, so wear good shoes (you’ll appreciate it, trust me!).
- Bring a camera: Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you’ll want to snap some photos of the historic sites and, who knows, maybe even catch something unusual on film.
- Bring a jacket: St. Augustine can get chilly in the evenings, especially during the cooler months, so it’s always a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater.
Top 5 Best Ghost Tours in St. Augustine
St. Augustine offers a variety of ghost tours that cater to different tastes, from those looking for light-hearted fun to serious paranormal investigations. Let’s take a look at five of the best ghost tours in St. Augustine:
1. Haunted Trolley Tour by Historic Tours of America
Ghosts and Gravestones is St. Augustine’s original “frightseeing” tour, giving you a spine-tingling ride through the city’s sinister past. You will board the Trolley of the Doomed and hear ghost stories tied to the town’s haunted landmarks.
Duration: 1 Hour
Highlights:
- Visit iconic haunted spots like The Old Jail, Castillo de San Marcos, and Tolomato Cemetery.
- Hear chilling tales of the ghosts and ghouls said to haunt these locations.
- The open-air trolley offers a unique perspective for photos and ghost sightings.
Unique Features: The Trolley of the Doomed takes a dramatic, eerie spin on traditional ghost tours. The open-air trolley allows for a thrilling ride while you hear firsthand accounts of paranormal encounters. Expect a spooky experience with plenty of suspense.
Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for a thrilling, heart-pounding experience, this tour delivers. The mix of real history, chilling ghost stories, and a darkly atmospheric ride makes it perfect for those who want to experience St. Augustine’s haunted history in a fun, eerie way.
2. A Ghostly Encounter
A Ghostly Encounter offers a lighter, family-friendly version of a ghost tour. Your guide, dressed in period costume, leads you through haunted cemeteries and historic sites with a mix of humor and eerie storytelling.
Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Highlights:
- Visit local cemeteries, The Old Fort, and other spooky sites around St. Augustine.
- Listen to both humorous and spooky stories, making it ideal for families and lighter audiences.
- Explore Huguenot Cemetery and Tolomato Cemetery, which are home to restless spirits.
Unique Features: This tour strikes the perfect balance between spooky and fun. It’s not all scares—your guide adds in light-hearted humor to balance out the creepiness, ensuring a memorable experience for people of all ages.
Why It’s Great: This tour is fantastic for families or anyone looking for an approachable, fun way to experience the supernatural side of St. Augustine. The small-group format allows for a more personal experience, and the blend of humor with ghostly tales keeps it entertaining without being overwhelming.
Reserve your family-friendly ghost tour here.
3. St. Augustine Haunted History Ghost Tour by Spyglass Tours
Led by a seasoned paranormal investigator, this no-frills ghost tour is perfect for those who want to hear true stories of St. Augustine’s haunted past. You’ll visit some of the city’s most notorious locations while your guide shares personal paranormal experiences.
Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Highlights:
- Visit Huguenot Cemetery, Tolomato Cemetery, and St. George Street.
- Hear stories based on actual paranormal investigations.
- Learn about the paranormal tools and techniques used during investigations.
Unique Features: This tour is led by a professional paranormal investigator, ensuring you hear only the most credible stories based on documented evidence and personal experiences. You’ll also receive a ghost map to explore more of St. Augustine independently after the tour.
Why It’s Great: If you prefer history over fluff and want a no-nonsense experience, this tour is perfect. It’s ideal for those who appreciate factual accounts of ghost sightings and paranormal research, offering a deeper dive into the city’s eerie past.
Book this no-nonsense ghost tour here.
4. Golf Cart Ghost Tour by Land and Sea Tours
For a unique twist on the classic ghost tour, St. Augustine Land and Sea Tours takes you on a golf cart ride through the city’s most haunted spots, offering a comfortable, small-group experience while uncovering St. Augustine’s supernatural past.
Duration: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Highlights:
- Ride around in a golf cart to explore haunted locations like Flagler College, Castillo de San Marcos, and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum.
- Visit the oldest cemeteries in the city: Tolomato Cemetery and Huguenot Cemetery.
- Learn about the dark history of St. Augustine, from battles to yellow fever outbreaks.
Unique Features: The golf cart tour is a refreshing change from the typical walking tours, giving you a comfortable vantage point to explore the city while you hear ghostly tales. It’s perfect for those who want to explore more without the physical effort of walking for long distances.
Why It’s Great: This tour is ideal for those looking for a more relaxed and fun experience. It’s especially great for anyone who wants a deeper historical context combined with ghost stories but doesn’t want to walk through the entire city. Plus, the golf cart adds a fun and unique element to the experience!
Reserve your golf cart ghost tour here.
5. 8pm Beyond The Grave by Afterlife Tours
For the truly adventurous, Afterlife Tours is a creepy, spine-chilling experience that explores St. Augustine’s most haunted locations. This includes cemeteries and buildings with documented paranormal activity. It’s the perfect tour for thrill-seekers and fans of the supernatural.
Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Highlights:
- Visit locations famous for paranormal activity, including cemeteries and historic buildings.
- Hear real stories of ghost sightings and supernatural encounters.
- Explore sites investigated by professionals like the Savannah Ghost Research Society.
Unique Features: The Afterlife Tours experience dives deep into the real-life paranormal investigations and sightings in St. Augustine. Your guide will separate the myths from the facts, focusing on locations made famous by ghost shows and the true stories behind them.
Why It’s Great: This tour is perfect for those who want a deep dive into St. Augustine’s most notorious haunted spots. If you’re looking for a tour that combines both paranormal exploration and historical storytelling, Afterlife Tours is an absolute must-do. It’s great for thrill-seekers and fans of ghost-hunting!
Sign up for the Afterlife Tour here.
Special Considerations Before Booking a Ghost Tour
When you plan your ghost tour adventure in St. Augustine, keep a few things in mind for a great time. First, look at how long the tour is. Check if it is a walking tour, a trolley tour, or a tour that uses other kinds of transport. This will help you choose one that fits your likes and how much you can walk.
Next, read reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. This will show you what other guests thought. You can find tours that match your interests, whether you want one that is good for families, just for adults, or focuses on specific things like cemeteries or pub crawls. Lastly, think about booking early. This is especially important during busy seasons and weekends because tours can fill up fast.
Conclusion
St. Augustine’s ghost tours mix history and mystery in an exciting way. They attract both local people and visitors. You can choose from many thrilling experiences and explore the city’s haunted history. There are walking tours and trolley rides, and each one offers a memorable journey into the unknown.
Before you start your ghostly adventure, check for any special rules or restrictions. This will help you have a smooth experience. If you are ready to see the spooky side of St. Augustine, book your ghost tour today. Get ready for a unique encounter. Feel free to share your own spooky tales or questions in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most haunted place in Saint Augustine?
Many people have different thoughts, but the Castillo de San Marcos, built in the 17th century, is often named one of the most haunted locations in Saint Augustine, Florida. It has a rich history of battles and imprisonment. Many believe it is home to several ghostly figures. This makes it a must-see on any ghost tour.
What happens at a ghost tour?
On a ghost tour, a tour guide takes a group to places said to be haunted. They share creepy stories, local legends, and facts about each location. This experience helps people learn about the spooky history of the area. It offers a fun and exciting adventure.
How long does the St. Augustine trolley tour take?
A St. Augustine trolley tour usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The time may change based on the company and the tour route. This ride is a nice way to see and learn about the historic streets of the city.
How much is the Old Jail in St. Augustine?
Admission prices for the Old Jail in St. Augustine change based on age and group discounts. Adult tickets usually cost between $15 and $20. They provide an interesting look at the building’s history and some spooky stories connected to it.
