St. Augustine Ghost Tour: A Ghostly Encounter

A Ghostly Walk Through Historic St. Augustine

If you’re looking for an experience that combines history, mystery, and a dash of the supernatural, the St. Augustine Ghost Tour offered by A Ghostly Encounter is a solid choice. For $30 per person, you’ll spend about an hour and a half wandering the dimly lit, narrow streets of America’s oldest city. Your guide, often dressed in costume, leads you to some of the most haunted spots—cemeteries, the grounds of the Old Fort, and historic city gates—while sharing stories that go beyond the usual tourist fare.

What we love most is how the tour manages to be both lighthearted and spooky, especially suited for families or those new to ghost stories. The guides are praised for their knowledgeability and engaging storytelling. Plus, visiting locations like the Old Fort and cemeteries under the cover of night adds an authentic, atmospheric touch that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a living ghost story.

That said, a potential consideration is that the tour runs rain or shine, so bad weather could cause delays or rescheduling. Also, it’s a walking tour limited to 25 people, which ensures a more intimate experience but could mean it’s busier during peak times. If you enjoy a mix of local history and haunted lore, this tour offers good value and plenty of memorable stories.

It’s best suited for travelers who love history, enjoy storytelling, and aren’t squeamish about a little spooky fun. Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, this ghost walk provides a unique way to experience St. Augustine after dark.

Key Points

• Authentic Historic Experience: The tour blends real history with ghost stories, making it both educational and entertaining.
• Engaged Guides: The guides are praised for their storytelling skills and knowledge, which enhances the experience.
• Family Friendly: The spooky stories are balanced with humor, making it suitable for kids and adults alike.
• Visit Haunted Sites: Stops include cemeteries, the Old Fort, and city gates, all reputed to be haunted.
• Weather Policy: Tours operate rain or shine, with delays or rescheduling if lightning strikes.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 25 participants for a more personal experience.

Exploring the Haunted Streets of St. Augustine

Walking through St. Augustine at night with a guide is like stepping back into a ghostly movie. The 1 hour and 30 minutes of this walking tour are packed with stories that have been vetted for authenticity and entertainment. Starting at 12 St. George Street—next to the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse—you’ll gather with a small group, walk along shadowy streets, and visit notable haunted spots.

The Itinerary in Detail

Your journey begins at the central meeting point, where your costumed guide immediately sets the tone. As you stroll through the historic streets, you’ll pass by landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, the City Gate, and the Hugenot and Tolomato Cemeteries. These are the focus of many ghost stories, and your guide will share tales of ghost sightings and restless spirits associated with each location.

The cemeteries are among the most intriguing parts of the tour. Two cemeteries are included in the route, and guests are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled—some visitors report feeling a presence or seeing unexplained movements. One reviewer remarked, “You might find restless souls in two cemeteries,” which adds a real thrill to the walk. The Old Fort, with its centuries-old walls, is also shrouded in legends of hauntings and unexplained noises.

The Atmosphere and Storytelling

A major highlight is the storytelling style of guides like Jennifer, who combine historical facts with ghostly lore. Reviewers often praise guides for their enthusiasm and ability to answer questions, making the stories lively and engaging. For example, one guest exclaimed, “Jennifer combined her best knowledge of St. Augustine with ghostly lore. She knows her stuff!”

The tour is designed to be entertaining without being overly frightening, making it suitable for families with children or those new to ghost stories. The right balance of humor and spookiness keeps everyone engaged, while the dimly lit streets create an authentic haunted atmosphere.

The Experience and Its Value

The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, who sometimes shares personal ghost photos—adding a layer of authenticity and fun. A small fee ($5) for renting ghost hunting tools is optional but not necessary. The guide will answer questions, share local legends, and sometimes even point out wildlife like dolphins and birds, which adds a natural charm to the experience.

Considering the price point of $30, many guests agree this offers good value, especially given the small group size and the quality storytelling. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many raving about the guide’s skills. One guest noted, “Dion’s witty humor made the experience even better,” which highlights how a charismatic guide can elevate the experience.

Practical Considerations

Given Florida’s unpredictable weather, the tour operates rain or shine. If lightning strikes, the tour might be delayed by 20 minutes or rescheduled. Guests are encouraged to bring their vouchers and are informed about policies for rescheduling or refunds. The tour is limited to 25 guests, which helps keep the experience intimate and personal.

Getting to the meeting point is straightforward, as the starting location is near public transportation and central to downtown St. Augustine.

Why This Tour Works

If you’re fascinated by history and ghost stories, this tour offers a compelling mix. The small-group size means you get personal attention and stories tailored to your curiosity. The nighttime walk through historic landmarks creates a mood that you just can’t get during the day, and the stories of hauntings often linger long after the tour ends.

Many reviewers mention how guides like Hippie or Jennifer bring stories alive with their enthusiasm and deep knowledge. Plus, the stories are balanced with historical facts, making it more than just a spooky walk—they’re a window into the city’s past.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This ghost tour is perfect if you’re interested in local history with a paranormal twist. It’s well-suited to families, couples, or friends who enjoy a bit of fun with their history. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, engaging experience that’s not too intense, this tour fits the bill. It’s also excellent for first-time visitors eager to explore St. Augustine’s haunted reputation.

Final Thoughts

The St. Augustine Ghost Tour offers a well-balanced experience, blending historical insights with spooky storytelling in an intimate setting. It’s a fantastic way to see parts of the city you might not discover on your own, especially after dark when the atmosphere shifts from charming to uncanny.

For the price, you get a knowledgeable guide, a memorable walk, and stories that will stay with you. The tour’s emphasis on authentic legends and local lore makes it more than just a ghost story—it’s a way to connect with the city’s mysterious side. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost enthusiast, or just looking for a fun night out, this tour offers great value and authentic entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the stories are balanced with humor and are not overly frightening, making it suitable for families with children who enjoy ghost stories.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for walking, and consider bringing a flashlight or renting ghost hunting tools if you’re interested. Wear weather-appropriate clothing since the tour operates rain or shine.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering several haunted sites around downtown St. Augustine.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at 12 St. George St., next to the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Guests frequently praise guides like Jennifer, Hippie, and Dion for their enthusiasm, storytelling skills, and deep knowledge of both history and local hauntings.

To sum it up, the St. Augustine Ghost Tour is a great choice for those wanting a fun, authentic glimpse into the city’s haunted past. It’s especially ideal for visitors seeking an entertaining night walk that balances history with spooky tales. With friendly guides, lively stories, and haunted sites under the night sky, this tour offers a memorable way to experience St. Augustine’s mysterious side.