St. Augustine’s Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl

A spirited night in St. Augustine: The Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl

This review takes a detailed look at the St. Augustine Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl, a tour that combines the city’s mysterious past with its lively bar scene. Priced at around $37 per person and lasting just under two hours, it’s designed for those who love ghost stories, history, and a good drink — with a spooky twist. The tour is led by local guides, who share chilling tales rooted in actual experiences that have haunted the city for centuries.

One aspect we really appreciate is the focus on authentic storytelling. The guides don’t just spin ghostly tales; they incorporate well-researched history and documented events that add a layer of credibility and intrigue. Plus, the inclusion of local wine and cocktail insights gives an extra flavor to the experience. However, some travelers have noted that the tour can be shorter than initially advertised, and the number of pub stops may vary. Overall, it’s a fun, slightly spooky way to explore St. Augustine’s secret side—ideal for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, and those looking for a lively evening in a city brimming with stories.

Key Points:
– Authentic Haunted Stories: Real accounts and local legends bring the city’s spooky history to life.
– Variety of Venues: From historic bars to eerie buildings, each stop has its own story.
– Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts add depth and personality to the tales.
– Flexible Drinking Options: While drinks are not included, you’re free to choose your favorites at each stop.
– Tour Duration and Flexibility: The tour is around 1 hour 45 minutes, but some reviews mention it ending early.
– Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 20 travelers, expect intimacy and personal attention.

An in-depth look at the Haunted Pub Crawl in St. Augustine

Starting Point and Timing

The tour kicks off at 8 Carrera St in the early evening, with a start time of 5:45 pm. This timing makes it perfect for those who want to combine an evening of exploring with dinner or drinks afterward. The 1 hour 45 minutes duration keeps it manageable but packed with stories and visits. It ends back at the starting point, making logistics a breeze for travelers staying nearby.

The Venue Stops – What’s Special About Each?

Stop 1: Sangrias Wine and Tapas Bar
Our journey begins at a historic building turned modern wine bar. Here, the guide shares stories of strange happenings and ghostly sightings linked with this location. It’s a great way to ease into the spooky theme while enjoying a glass of wine or tapas. The guide’s narrative is praised for being engaging and rooted in real events, creating a genuine sense of place. Expect about 30 minutes here, with free admission, which is nice since it leaves room for a drink or snack before the ghost stories.

Stop 2: Cas de la Paz
This is one of the city’s most haunted houses, and the guide dives into its eerie history. The tales of actual hauntings, including a bank worker who tragically fell to the ground, are both chilling and believable, especially when supported by documented accounts from employees. Visitors often find this stop to be the highlight, as it combines history with the supernatural in a captivating way.

Stop 3: The Tini Martini Bar
Next, we move to a stylish cocktail spot, where the tour takes a slight detour into the art of mixology. The guide, a knowledgeable “drinkologist,” offers tips on crafting the perfect cocktail, making this a fun and interactive moment. While sipping on your drink, you’ll hear stories about how drinks have influenced the old city’s nightlife and ghostly encounters. This stop is also around 30 minutes and free from admission charges, giving guests freedom of choice regarding their beverages.

Stop 4: Cathedral Place Office Building
Though inconspicuous from the outside, this building’s history is filled with haunting tales. An account of a bank worker who supposedly fell from the upper floors adds a layer of real-life tragedy to the ghost stories. Reviewers mention that actual stories are documented by those working inside, which makes these tales more tangible and spine-tingling.

Stop 5: A1A Ale Works
The final stop is at a lively taproom where stories from the 1600s are woven into the narrative, emphasizing the long history of the site. Personal stories of unexplained encounters shared by the guides lend authenticity to the tales. This is a relaxed setting to cap off the evening, with the chance to enjoy local brews and reflect on the spooky stories.

The Experience and Authenticity

What sets this pub crawl apart is the emphasis on well-researched history intertwined with actual experiences of locals. The guides, including Holly and Scott as mentioned in reviews, seem genuinely invested in sharing authentic tales. Holly, in particular, received praise for her friendly and engaging demeanor, making the tour more personal and enjoyable. Guests appreciated how she kept the stories interesting without overdoing it.

The stories aren’t just ghost tales told for fun; they’re supported by documented occurrences and eyewitness accounts that lend credibility. For example, accounts of hauntings in the historic buildings and stories of unexplained events involving staff or visitors make the supernatural elements feel more tangible.

Value for Money
For $37, you get a guided walk through some of the most haunted sites in St. Augustine with a knowledgeable host, a mix of historical insights, and a fun social atmosphere. Since drinks are purchased separately, you have the flexibility to enjoy your preferred beverages — whether wine, cocktails, or a craft beer — which adds to the overall experience. For those interested in history, spirits, and a touch of the supernatural, this tour offers good value, especially considering the personalized touches and local expertise.

What Some Travelers Wish Worked Differently
A recurring critique from reviews is that the tour sometimes runs shorter than advertised or includes fewer stops. One reviewer, Joseph, pointed out that the tour was cut about 30 minutes short and only visited two pubs instead of three. Another, Sandra, mentioned a frustrating experience of the tour being canceled upon arrival, which emphasizes the importance of confirming bookings and expectations beforehand.

Practical Tips
– Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early, especially during peak season.
– Be prepared for potentially chilly evening weather — layers are a good idea.
– Since drinks aren’t included, budget for a few beverages at each stop.
– The tour is suitable for most travelers, including service animals and those using public transportation.
– Keep in mind that group size is capped at 20, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Who is this tour best suited for?

If you’re someone who loves stories of hauntings, has an interest in local history, or simply wants a fun, atmospheric evening in St. Augustine, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy a good drink and engaging guides who know their stuff. The small group setting makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a more personal experience rather than large crowds. However, if you’re seeking a full-fledged ghost-hunting adventure with multiple locations and longer duration, this might feel a little brief.

For families or groups with varied interests, it’s worth noting that the tour is adult-focused — the emphasis on alcohol, history, and ghost stories may not suit children or those looking for a purely sightseeing experience.

Final thoughts

The St. Augustine Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl offers a spirited way to explore a city that’s as much about its dark past as it is about lively gathering spots. The guide’s storytelling is engaging, and the combination of historic sites with local legends creates a memorable experience. Its value lies in the authenticity of the tales, the intimate group setting, and the chance to enjoy some of the city’s best bars in a unique context.

While the tour may occasionally run shorter than expected or visit fewer stops than advertised, the quality of storytelling and local insights more than compensate. It’s perfect for those who appreciate history, ghost stories, and creative cocktails, all wrapped into one intriguing evening.

In summary: This experience is ideal for travelers craving a mix of spooky stories and socializing in a cozy, small-group atmosphere. It’s best suited for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, and those looking for a different way to experience St. Augustine’s charming (and haunted) streets.

FAQ

Is drinks included in the tour?
No, drinks are not included. You are free to purchase your own beverages at each stop, giving you the freedom to choose what you like.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, although some reviews mention it can end about 30 minutes early.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 8 Carrera St, St. Augustine, and ends back at the same spot for easy access and planning.

Are children allowed on the tour?
The tour is adult-oriented, focusing on alcohol and ghost stories, so it’s best suited for travelers 18 and older.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, the tour operates with a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What is the cost of the tour?
It’s priced at $37 per person, which is reasonable given the guide’s storytelling and the unique stops.

What do I do if the tour is canceled?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. Confirmations are sent within 48 hours of booking.

Can I bring a service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

Can I join the tour if I don’t drink alcohol?
Absolutely — since drinks aren’t included, you can bring your own or simply enjoy the stories and sightseeing.

To sum it up, the St. Augustine Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl offers a unique blend of history, ghost stories, and local spirits in a relaxed, intimate setting. While it may not be the longest or most extensive ghost tour, it excels in storytelling quality and the charm of its venues. Perfect for those who want a lively yet spooky night out, it’s a memorable way to experience some of St. Augustine’s hidden stories.