St. Augustine: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

If you’re curious about exploring St. Augustine’s darker stories while enjoying a drink or two, the Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl might pique your interest. Offered by US Ghost Adventures, this two-hour experience promises to blend ghost stories, haunted histories, and a good dose of spirits—both literal and figurative. While some travelers have found it an entertaining way to learn about local legends, others have expressed disappointment with the execution.

What we appreciate is the effort to combine storytelling with socializing, giving visitors a chance to experience a different side of the city. The tour’s focus on local hauntings, pirates, and urban legends offers a more atmospheric and immersive experience than just a walk through bars. Plus, the inclusion of a martini-making session at Tini Martini Bar adds a fun twist. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that some reviewers felt the tour didn’t quite meet expectations, citing short durations and minimal storytelling. This tour will appeal best to adults who enjoy spooky tales, casual drinking, and a lively group setting.

Key Points

• Storytelling focus: Learn about haunted hospitals, pirates, and local legends like the “waiting bride.”
• Casual and social: The experience involves visiting multiple bars with a fun group and a knowledgeable guide.
• Short duration: Lasts about 2 hours, so it’s a quick but spirited adventure.
• Mixed reviews: Some guests experienced less than expected attention from guides and minimal storytelling.
• Location and walking: Tours start and end at Grace United Methodist Church and involve walking around historic streets.
• Age restriction: Adults only, with an emphasis on responsible drinking and respect for local regulations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at What the Tour Offers

Let’s start with what makes this tour potentially appealing. The itinerary includes stops at notable bars like Sangrias Wine and Tapas Bar and Harrys Seafood, where you can sip on drinks and hear stories about bootleggers, pirates, and hauntings that are woven into St. Augustine’s fabric. The tour also incorporates visits to landmarks such as Casa de la Paz and the Spanish Military Hospital, which adds a historical flavor to the ghostly tales.

The highlight for many is the chance to scan for the ghost of Bridget at Harrys Seafood—a local legend that sparks curiosity. At the Tini Martini Bar, you’ll even learn how to craft the perfect martini, making the experience more interactive. This mix of history, local legends, and cocktail making is a clever way to keep things lively and memorable.

However, some guests, like Andrea, felt that the tour was disappointing because their guide didn’t spend much time with them or take them to the promised destinations. She remarked, “Our tour guide spent less than an hour with us. She didn’t take us to any of the destinations listed,” highlighting that the quality may vary depending on the guide’s enthusiasm and organization. Another reviewer, James, pointed out that the tour was canceled altogether, noting poor communication from the provider. This inconsistency can be frustrating, especially when you’re counting on a structured experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off in front of Grace United Methodist Church—a central point easy to find. The guide, identified by a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and lantern, leads you through the streets of St. Augustine, a city famed for its cobblestone streets and centuries of history. You’ll first visit Sangrias Wine and Tapas Bar, where you can enjoy a good drink and get a quick intro to ghost stories rooted in the city’s past.

From there, the group strolls down Avenida Menendez, a scenic, historic street lined with colonial architecture, providing a picturesque backdrop for ghostly tales. Stops include the Casa de la Paz, a historic house with stories of unrest and tragedy, and the Spanish Military Hospital, reputedly haunted by past patients or staff. Each stop is intended to deepen the sense of place, blending local history and ghost stories.

The bars themselves vary in ambiance. Tini Martini Bar is known for its delicious martinis and offers a chance to learn cocktail making, which adds a fun, hands-on element. A1A Aleworks, another stop, provides a more relaxed, local pub atmosphere, perfect after hearing about pirates and bootleggers.

The experience concludes back at the starting point, leaving you with a pleasant buzz and plenty of stories to tell. The guide’s role is to entertain and inform, but as reviews indicate, the level of engagement can vary significantly.

Authenticity and Atmosphere

What makes a haunted pub crawl interesting is the balance of history and entertainment. We loved the way this tour integrates local legends with the city’s historic landmarks. The storytelling about pirates, bootleggers, and a haunted hospital gives a tangible sense of St. Augustine’s colorful past.

Yet, some travelers found the storytelling minimal and felt the focus was more on bar-hopping than ghost stories. Andrea’s comment about the guide double-booked herself and only taking them to three bars, with no explanation, highlights the importance of a well-organized tour. It’s worth noting that the experience takes place rain or shine, so be prepared with weather-appropriate clothing.

How’s the Value?

At around two hours, the tour’s price may seem on the higher side if you’re looking solely for storytelling—particularly if the guide’s engagement is minimal. However, if you enjoy combining drinking with local lore, and want a social outing that includes a cocktail-making lesson, it can be a fun way to spend an evening. The included drinks and access to various bars add to the value, provided the tour runs smoothly.

Nevertheless, the mixed reviews suggest that it’s not a guaranteed hit. The inconsistent execution means some groups might leave with more stories and fun, while others could feel disappointed or rushed.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This haunted pub crawl is best suited for adults who enjoy ghost stories and social drinking. It’s ideal if you’re curious about local legends and want to explore some of St. Augustine’s haunted spots, but don’t expect a deeply educational experience. It’s more about the atmosphere, stories, and the chance to sample some drinks while swapping tales.

Those with mobility issues should note that the tour involves walking between bars and landmarks, and may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re traveling solo or in a small group looking for a lively, informal night out, it can be a good choice—just keep your expectations in check.

Final Thoughts

The St. Augustine Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers an interesting mix of ghostly tales, local legends, and social fun. The best parts are the chance to learn about haunted sites like the Spanish Military Hospital and to enjoy a cocktail-making experience. The tour’s atmosphere can be lively and engaging, especially if your guide is enthusiastic, but inconsistency in execution can lead to some disappointment.

For those seeking an authentic, well-organized ghostly adventure, it’s wise to read recent reviews and confirm availability. Since some guests have experienced cancellations or minimal storytelling, it’s wise to approach this tour with flexible expectations.

In the end, this experience is a good fit for curious adults who love stories of the supernatural, enjoy relaxing with friends over drinks, and are open to a somewhat unpredictable evening. If you’re after more structured, in-depth tours, you might want to explore other options in St. Augustine. But if a fun, spirited night of ghosts and cocktails sounds appealing, this tour could add a memorable chapter to your visit.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this is an adults-only experience, focused on alcohol and mature ghost stories.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 2 hours, making it a quick but lively outing.

Where does the tour start and end?
All tours meet and finish in front of Grace United Methodist Church at 8 Carrera St.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring comfortable shoes, a valid ID for alcohol purchase, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour involves walking and is not recommended for those with mobility impairments.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes visits to multiple bars and some drinks, plus a cocktail-making lesson at Tini Martini Bar.

Will I get a lot of ghost stories?
The storytelling quality varies; some guests experienced minimal narration, so don’t expect a detailed haunted history from every stop.

Whether you’re a fan of spooky tales, a lover of local history, or just looking for a relaxed night out with drinks and stories, this tour offers a different way to experience St. Augustine’s charm—warts, ghosts, and all.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby