Ghosts of St. Augustine Walking Tour

If you’re looking to add a dash of mystery and history to your visit to St. Augustine, this Ghosts of St. Augustine Walking Tour might be just what you need. Promising a mix of haunted tales, historic landmarks, and eerie legends, this tour offers an entertaining way to explore the city after sunset. The fact that it’s highly recommended by 93% of previous participants and has a solid 4.5-star rating from 83 reviews speaks to its popularity and value.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its balance of storytelling and history. You’ll hear local legends that bring the city’s past to life, all while walking through well-chosen historic sites. Plus, at just under $25, it’s a budget-friendly way to add some spooky fun to your trip. That said, keep in mind that the tour lasts about an hour and a half and is primarily suited for those who enjoy stories of ghosts and history — not necessarily those seeking a fright fest.

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, families, or anyone curious about the darker side of St. Augustine’s past. If you’re seeking a friendly, informative, and slightly spooky evening walk with lively guides, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Enjoy a 1 hour 30 minute guided walking tour through historic St. Augustine at night.
• Visit key sites like the Castillo de San Marcos, Huguenot Cemetery, and Tolomato Cemetery.
• Hear local ghost stories and learn about intriguing figures like Osceola and the “Exploding Bishop.”
• Tour groups are small, capped at 25 travelers, making for a personalized experience.
• The tour is family-friendly and suitable for most travelers, including service animals.
• It offers excellent value with all fees and taxes included for just $24.99 per person.

Exploring the Itinerary: A Closer Look

Start at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. It’s a compelling place to begin because it’s steeped in history and haunted tales. Your guide will share stories of the fort’s role in imprisoning the Seminole Tribe, and the ghost of Osceola might come up — a legendary figure whose spirit is said to linger. You’ll also hear about the ghostly lovers who met a tragic end here. Expect about 20 minutes at this site, with free admission, making it an accessible start to the evening.

From previous reviews, visitors mention the “great stories” and the “knowledgeable” guides, which really help bring the site’s ghostly tales to life. One reviewer noted, “Brook was our ghost tour guide. She was knowledgeable, sincere, and told great stories.”

Next stop: Huguenot Cemetery. This quiet graveyard is famous for the story of John Stickney, whose teeth were bizarrely stolen from his grave. The eerie tales of grave robbing and restless spirits make this site particularly intriguing. The tour spends about 20 minutes here, and visitors often appreciate the atmospheric setting and the local legends woven into the visit.

Then, on to Tolomato Cemetery — the oldest in the city. It’s home to the story of the “Exploding Bishop,” whose casket supposedly burst open, and the ghost of a young boy named “Little James,” who died across the street. The stories here are a mix of mystery and tragedy, adding depth to the haunted narrative. Expect another 20-minute stop, where you might find the haunting stories are as captivating as the historic graves themselves.

The Oldest Wooden School House follows, offering a glimpse into early education in St. Augustine. While less spooky, this site earns praise for its significance as the oldest wooden structure in the city. It’s a nice change of pace that combines history with a touch of local architecture charm. Tour duration at this stop is roughly 20 minutes, and visitors often comment on its historical importance.

Finally, the Old City Gates — the original entrance to the city, complete with historic tower pillars. Here, the guide shares stories of tragedy and woe tied to the city’s defenses and early days. This is a quick 10-minute stop but a fitting conclusion that emphasizes the city’s long history of conflict and resilience.

The Guided Experience: What You Can Expect

Guides are often highlighted as a major strength of this tour. Multiple reviews praise knowledgeable, engaging guides who bring local legends to life with sincerity and storytelling flair. One guest mentioned, “Corina was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and super sweet,” and another stressed, “Brook gave more details about various places than we had ever heard before.” This suggests that the guides are well-trained, enthusiastic, and skilled at balancing spooky tales with historical context.

The tour’s small group size, limited to 25 travelers, ensures that you won’t feel lost in a crowd. Instead, you’re likely to have a more personalized experience with plenty of opportunities for questions or to catch the little details that make each story memorable.

Timing and logistics are straightforward: the tour begins at the Ghost City Tours office on Charlotte Street, with a mobile ticket that makes check-in simple. It runs mostly in the evening, which enhances the spooky atmosphere, and is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals. The 1.5-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to explore key sites and stories without feeling rushed or overly lengthy.

Weather considerations are minimal, but since it’s an outdoor walk, good weather is ideal. If cancelled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, according to the policy.

The Experience’s Value and Atmosphere

For just $24.99, this tour provides a lot of value in terms of content and entertainment. All fees and taxes are included, which simplifies the booking process. Compared to other evening activities, this walking tour offers a combination of historical depth, local storytelling, and a dash of the supernatural — making it an engaging choice for a wide range of travelers.

While it’s not a fright fest, many reviewers mention how the guide’s storytelling can be quite engaging — “I don’t usually get spooked, but I did this time,” said one guest. For families or those who prefer fun over fright, the stories are presented in a welcoming, accessible manner.

The tour’s pace allows you to soak in the sights and stories without feeling hurried, and the stops are thoughtfully chosen to showcase the city’s layered past. The inclusion of landmarks like the Castillo and historic cemeteries means you’re experiencing St. Augustine’s haunted legacy up close, with plenty of opportunities for photos and reflection.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This ghost tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a blend of history, storytelling, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s family-friendly and accessible, making it ideal for a wide age range. If you’re curious about local legends or want a fun, engaging way to see the city by night, this tour fits the bill. Conversely, if you’re seeking a more intense or scares-only experience, you might want to look elsewhere.

It’s also perfect for those on a budget, given its affordability and the richness of the content. Plus, the small group size fosters a cozy, more intimate experience, which many travelers appreciate.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. This tour offers a well-balanced mix of haunted stories and historic landmarks that appeal to both history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike. The guides are often praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills, which greatly enhance the experience. The visit to key sites like the Castillo de San Marcos and the cemeteries feels authentic, and the stories give a glimpse into the city’s darker past.

While it’s not a spine-chilling scare-fest, it’s a fun, atmospheric walk that makes history come alive with a ghostly twist. It’s especially great for those who appreciate detailed storytelling and a personal touch, thanks to the small group format.

Overall, if you want a affordable, engaging, and atmospheric way to explore St. Augustine after dark, this tour is a smart choice. It’s perfect for curious travelers who aren’t afraid of a little ghost story or two, and who want to see the city’s historic sites with a spooky flair.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity without feeling too long.

Where does the tour meet?
It starts at Ghost City Tours of St. Augustine, located at 32 Charlotte St, with a mobile ticket for easy check-in.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, many reviews mention it’s family-friendly and suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals.

What sites are included?
Stops include the Castillo de San Marcos, Huguenot Cemetery, Tolomato Cemetery, Oldest Wooden School House, and Old City Gates.

What is the price?
Tickets cost $24.99 per person, with all fees and taxes included, representing good value given the number of sites and stories.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, numerous reviews praise the guides for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and storytelling ability.

What should I wear or bring?
Since it’s an outdoor walking tour in the evening, wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight if you like, though the tour generally takes place in well-lit historic areas.

In summary, the Ghosts of St. Augustine Walking Tour offers a memorable blend of history, local legends, and atmospheric storytelling. It’s a perfect way to turn an ordinary evening into an adventure filled with spooky stories and historic charm. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost story lover, or just curious to see St. Augustine from a different perspective, this tour delivers authentic fun at a very reasonable price.