Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour

Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: A Practical Look at the Haunted City’s Unique Nightlife Experience

If you’re visiting St Augustine and are intrigued by its haunted reputation, the Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl offers a different way to experience the city’s eerie charm. Rather than the typical walking ghost tour, this experience combines storytelling, local drinks, and a relaxed electric vehicle ride that covers much more ground—perfect for those who prefer to sit back and soak in the haunted sights without breaking a sweat.

What we particularly like about this tour is its blend of history, humor, and local flavor. The inclusion of a complimentary beer at the start sets a friendly tone, and the intimate group size (up to 10 travelers) ensures a more personalized experience. However, one aspect to consider is that the overall rating stands at 3.5/5, based on just three reviews, which suggests it might not be for everyone—especially if you’re seeking a highly polished, widely praised experience. Still, if you’re curious about the city’s darker stories and want a casual, fun night out, this tour could be just your thing.

This pub crawl is best suited for those who enjoy local storytelling, are comfortable riding an open-air electric cart, and don’t mind a little spooky history mixed with a drink or two. It’s also ideal for visitors short on time but eager to see key haunted spots around town in a laid-back, social setting.

Key Points

• Unique transportation: Ride in an open cabin electric vehicle, minimizing walking but maximizing exposure to the sights.
• Authentic stories: Guided by a city-certified storyteller with a sense of humor, delivering engaging ghost tales.
• Multiple haunted sites: Visit some of St Augustine’s most paranormal-active locations with rich histories.
• Included drinks: Your first beer is free, and additional drinks can be purchased at select stops.
• Short and sweet: The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it an easy addition to your evening plans.
• Limited group size: Max of 10 travelers—more intimacy and personalized attention.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Start at Plaza de la Constitución

The tour kicks off at this central square, a perfect spot to gather and get a quick briefing about what’s to come. The guide, who has received praise for being knowledgeable and hilarious, sets a lively tone, sharing some ghostly tales and local lore. Right after, you head across the street to Ancient City Brewing, where your first beer is on the house. This is a lovely touch, giving you a chance to kick off the experience with a cold one while soaking in the historic surroundings.

The advantage here is the combination of storytelling and socializing in a relaxed environment, which sets the scene for the haunted tales ahead. The brewery visit is brief—around 20 minutes—but provides a nice introduction to the city’s ghostly reputation, with some reviewers noting it’s a great way to start the evening.

Flagler College and Historic Landmarks

Next, your guide takes you around the former Ponce de Leon Hotel—now part of Flagler College—to share some spooky stories linked to its past. The guide’s knowledge shines during this part, with one reviewer commenting on their guide’s engaging storytelling and humor.

From there, the cart rolls by other notable sites—the Alcazar, The Murat House, and St. Francis Inn—each with their own tales of ghostly activity or mysterious legends. The visit to the Surprise Store area gives you a chance to hydrate again before moving on.

Bridge of Lions and Paranormal Hotspots

The tour pauses at the Bridge of Lions, where you can explore an area rich in history—originally the site of the first Catholic church in the U.S., which burned in 1702, and a Spanish Military Hospital. Here, you’re given a choice of two bars, allowing for some flexibility to get another drink. This site is noted as being one of the most active paranormal areas in the city, so keep those cameras ready—especially for orb phenomena reported at the City Gates.

Castillo de San Marcos and Nearby Cemeteries

Moving north, your vehicle stops at the Castillo de San Marcos, North America’s oldest masonry fort. The guide shares ghost stories tied to ships and the devastating 1821 yellow fever epidemic, which claimed many lives and left a ghostly legacy. Cemeteries close by also add to the spooky atmosphere.

Tolomato Cemetery and Haunted Bars

The final stops include Tolomato Cemetery—claimed as the oldest planned cemetery in the U.S.—and the White Lion Bar, reputed to be one of the most haunted in town. The guide’s storytelling continues to impress, with one reviewer noting the guide’s ability to keep everyone engaged and laughing. This cemetery, with its long history, naturally stirs up eerie tales, and the bar offers a chance to process the spooky stories over another drink.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

The electric cart is a key feature, allowing you to cover many sites without much walking, which is especially convenient if you’re not keen on extensive foot travel or have mobility concerns. The open-air aspect of the vehicle enhances the atmosphere, though it does mean you’ll want to dress appropriately for the weather—cool evenings, or rain, could impact the experience. Group size is kept small, ensuring that you get personalized attention and a more engaging storytelling session.

Cost and Value

At $39 per person, this tour offers a good value, especially considering the inclusion of the first beer. The price covers not just transportation and storytelling but also access to some of the city’s most haunted locations. While some might wish for a longer or more in-depth experience, the concise 1.5-hour format makes it a perfect evening activity, particularly if you’re already exploring other parts of St Augustine.

Reviewer Insights and Tips

One reviewer praised Chance as “probably the best tour guide in St Augustine,” highlighting his mix of humor and historical knowledge. Others appreciated the stories, noting they enjoyed the local pubs and haunted sites, although one mentioned a weather cancellation which isn’t directly related to the tour but serves as a reminder to check the forecast.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for visitors who enjoy storytelling, local legends, and a relaxed social atmosphere. If you’re someone who appreciates humor and light-hearted ghost tales, you’ll find the guide’s engaging style a highlight. It’s also a good choice if you want to see many haunted sites without much walking, making it suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those short on time.

However, if you’re after a deeply immersive, highly polished ghost tour, or if you prefer walking tours that cover more ground, this might not hit all your marks. The overall rating indicates some inconsistency, but for the right crowd—those looking for a fun, spirited night out—it can be quite enjoyable.

The Sum Up

The Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl offers a casual, social way to explore some of the city’s most haunted locations. With knowledgeable guides, a fun group atmosphere, and the opportunity to enjoy local drinks, it balances entertainment with cultural insight. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want a low-pressure, lighthearted experience that combines history, mystery, and a bit of nightlife.

If you’re after a small-group, relaxed way to discover St Augustine’s haunted lore while sipping a local brew, this tour provides good value and a memorable evening. Just remember to check the weather, wear suitable clothing, and come prepared for some storytelling and spooky surprises.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, as long as you can climb on and off the electric cart, which involves a single step. The small group size also helps make the experience manageable.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a compact evening activity without feeling rushed.

Does the tour include drinks?
Your first beer is included at the start, and at certain stops, additional drinks can be purchased at your own expense.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and engaging experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, and returns to the same point after completion.

What kind of stories are shared?
The guide shares ghost stories tied to historic landmarks, haunted sites, and local legends, all delivered with humor and insight.

Are the sites visited open to the public?
Yes, all locations are accessible to tour participants, some of which include famous landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos and Tolomato Cemetery.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case of weather or schedule conflicts.

Is this a good choice for solo travelers?
Absolutely, with small groups and a friendly guide, solo travelers can easily join and enjoy the experience.

In summary, the Ghosts and Spirits Pub Crawl offers a lively, relaxed way to explore St Augustine’s haunted past. Combining storytelling, local drinks, and scenic transportation, it’s a fun option for those seeking a casual night of spooky tales and ghostly legends in America’s oldest city.