St Augustine: Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour

If you’re visiting Florida’s oldest city and craving a mix of spooky tales, historic sights, and a fun, relaxed pace, then the Riding with the Ghosts tour might just hit the spot. This guided ghost tour takes you on a comfortable electric golf cart across some of St. Augustine’s most haunted landmarks—all without breaking a sweat or winding up with sore feet. We’re here to tell you what makes this tour a unique way to explore the city’s eerie side, what to expect, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

One of the standout features of this experience? The expert guides, who are not only storytellers but also historians, making the ghostly tales both chilling and informative. Plus, the included photos give you a lovely souvenir of your spooky adventure. That said, since it’s a tour on wheels, it’s not for those who prefer walking tours, and you’ll want to be comfortable stepping in and out of the cart at various stops. This tour suits history buffs, ghost story aficionados, or travelers who want a quick, entertaining glimpse into St. Augustine’s haunted past—all in a fun, small-group setting.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation in an electric golf cart makes for a relaxed experience.
• Expert guides with storytelling flair and good historical knowledge.
• Includes complimentary photos, perfect for sharing or keepsakes.
• Limited to small groups, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.
• Duration of 75 minutes offers a concise, yet immersive glimpse into the city’s haunted spots.
• Ideal for those who prefer not to walk but still want an authentic, spooky experience.

A Deep Dive into the Haunted Tour Experience

An Unconventional Way to Experience St. Augustine

This tour stands out because it lets you see more in less time. Instead of walking through narrow, cobblestone streets, you’ll cruise past them in a cozy, electric golf cart. This means you avoid the fatigue that can come with long walking tours, while still catching all the highlights. The 75-minute duration is perfect for fitting into a busy schedule or giving first-timers a taste of the haunted side of the city.

You’ll meet your guide on the corner of Cathedral and St. George Streets, right across from the Governor’s House on the Plaza. From here, the adventure begins. The guides are experienced storytellers, as previous reviews highlight: “Robert was very informative and a great story teller,” says one reviewer, emphasizing that you’ll learn about the city’s haunted sites with lively commentary and historical context.

What Makes the Tour Special?

Unlike many ghost tours that focus solely on storytelling, this experience adds visual elements with complimentary photos taken at different stops. This is a big plus—especially if you want to remember your spooky night without lugging around a camera or phone. Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and humor, making the experience both fun and informative.

The Itinerary – Haunted Landmarks and Stories

The tour takes you past some of St. Augustine’s most iconic and haunted landmarks:

• Former Ponce de Leon Hotel: You might hear tales of ghostly apparitions and historical mysteries linked to this grand building.
• Alcazar Hotel: Known for its spooky stories and historic ambiance, the Alcazar adds a layer of intrigue.
• Castillo de San Marcos: The oldest masonry fort in the continental US, rumored to be haunted by soldiers from the past.
• Huguenot and Tolomato Cemeteries: These cemeteries have long-standing tales of ghost sightings and spiritual activity.
  Each stop is an opportunity for the guide to share eerie stories, historical anecdotes, and local legends, making the experience both spooky and educational.

The Small-Group Advantage

With groups limited to 10 participants, the tour feels personal and engaging. This setup allows guides to tailor their storytelling and answer questions more comfortably. It also creates a more immersive atmosphere—you’re less likely to feel lost in a crowd.

Authentic Insights from Past Guests

Guests consistently praise the guides’ storytelling abilities. One reviewer, Allyson, mentioned, “Our tour guide was awesome! He had a great speaking voice and was very funny.” Another, Theresa, appreciated the informative nature of the guide Robert, noting that he knew his history and was an excellent storyteller. Several reviews highlight that guides make or break the experience, and this particular tour excels thanks to guides like Bob, who combine humor, knowledge, and a genuine passion for ghost stories.

Reviews also point out that the timing around Halloween or when people are in costume adds to the fun, but the stories are just as captivating on any night. The visual ambiance of the narrow streets and historic buildings enhances the spooky vibe, even in the daylight.

The Value of the Experience

At $39 per person, the tour is reasonably priced considering the personalized experience, expert storytelling, and included photos. It’s an affordable way to add some supernatural intrigue to your trip without spending a fortune. Plus, the no-hassle booking and flexible cancellation policies give peace of mind, making it easy to plan around other activities.

Practical Details and Tips for Visitors

• Duration: About 75 minutes, so plan accordingly.
• Starting Point: Meeting at the corner of Cathedral and St. George Streets.
• Group size: Limited to 10, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Accessibility: Participants should be able to step in and out of the vehicle comfortably.
• What to Wear: While not necessarily spooky, comfortable shoes if you want to explore stops on foot later.
• Best time to go: Evenings are ideal for a spooky atmosphere, but reviews suggest it’s enjoyable any time.

What’s Not Included?

The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation to the meeting point. Food and drinks are also not included, so bring water or a snack if needed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is a great pick for history lovers who enjoy a spooky twist, families with children who are comfortable with ghost stories, or travelers seeking a fun, relaxed, and informative night out. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a less physically demanding way to explore haunted landmarks, thanks to the golf cart.

However, if you’re looking for a more immersive walk or a full-day haunted tour, this shorter, on-the-move experience might not satisfy you entirely. But for a quick, engaging ghostly adventure in historic St. Augustine, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour offers a charming, convenient way to explore St. Augustine’s haunted past, combining historical insights with spooky stories in a small-group setting. The guided storytelling is a definite highlight, with guides like Robert and Bob earning glowing reviews for their humor and knowledge. The included photos are a nice touch, allowing you to capture the memories of your ghostly adventure.

The experience’s value for money is clear, especially considering the personalized service and the chance to see several haunted landmarks without tiring yourself out. It’s perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a lighthearted, spooky night in a beautifully historic city.

While it may not satisfy those seeking a full-length walking tour or an all-day ghost adventure, it’s an ideal choice for a quick, entertaining glimpse into St. Augustine’s ghostly lore. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, you’ll likely walk away with a smile—and maybe a little chill up your spine.

FAQ

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if plans change.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While children who enjoy spooky stories will likely have fun, the tour involves stepping in and out of a golf cart, so be sure your kids are comfortable with that.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts at the corner of Cathedral and St. George Streets, directly across from the Governor’s House on the Plaza. It ends back at the same spot.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the ghost tour, your guide, and complimentary photos taken during stops.

Is this tour accessible?
Participants need to be able to step in and out of the vehicle, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. Since it’s an indoor/outdoor experience, be prepared for the weather, but the tour mostly takes place under cover.

Overall, if you’re after a fun, atmospheric, and educational ghost tour that’s easy to fit into your schedule, the Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour is a solid choice. It balances entertainment with authentic storytelling, making it a memorable part of your visit to historic St. Augustine.