St. Augustine’s Lost Souls: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour

Experience the Haunted Side of St. Augustine with this Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Tour

When it comes to exploring the oldest city in the United States, there’s a lot to see — from historic forts to charming streets. But for those intrigued by the supernatural, St. Augustine offers a different kind of adventure. The St. Augustine’s Lost Souls: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour is a flexible, self-guided experience that lets you wander at your own pace while listening to spooky stories narrated by a ghost guide named Jefferson. For just $10.99 per person and lasting around three hours, this tour is perfect for curious travelers who want to combine history with ghostly tales without the constraints of a traditional guided tour.

What we love about this experience is how it allows you to see some of the city’s most famous haunted spots, like Huguenot Cemetery and Flagler College, while enjoying the freedom to explore on your schedule. The inclusion of a live GPS map makes navigation straightforward, even if you’re unfamiliar with the winding streets. Plus, the stories are brought to life through an engaging narration, adding a layer of spooky storytelling that feels personal and authentic.

One thing to consider is that the tour’s length — approximately 2.5 miles — means comfortable footwear is essential. Also, since it’s a self-guided tour conducted via your smartphone, you’ll want to ensure your device is charged and your headphones are handy. This tour works best for those who enjoy independent exploration and don’t mind wandering through historic streets with a little ghostly entertainment in their ears.

Overall, this tour suits families, groups, or individuals who want a flexible, fun way to learn about St. Augustine’s haunted past without the rush of a scheduled guide. If you’re comfortable navigating with a GPS and curious about the darker stories of the city, you’ll find it a memorable addition to your visit.

Key Points

• Flexible schedule: Complete the tour at your own pace, making it suitable for all kinds of travel plans.
• Authentic storytelling: Narration by Jefferson adds a personal, spooky touch to each site.
• Historic sites included: Pass by iconic landmarks like Huguenot Cemetery, Flagler College, and more.
• Affordable: At just $10.99, it offers good value for a personalized ghost adventure.
• Self-guided convenience: Download on Wi-Fi, avoid long tours, and explore freely.
• Comfortable shoes recommended: The route covers approximately 2.5 miles on scenic, often cobbled streets.

A Deep Dive into the Ghostly Streets of St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s Lost Souls is a modern twist on the classic ghost tour. Instead of following a guide with a lantern or jumping on a ghost bus, you get a narrated audio experience that turns your smartphone into a personal storyteller. This setup has its advantages and challenges, which we’ll explore to help you decide if it’s right for you.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Hear

The route begins at the St. Augustine and St. Johns County Visitor Information Center, a logical starting point that provides easy access for visitors already in town. From there, the tour guides you through a series of sites, each with a ghostly story or historical tidbit.

Huguenot Cemetery kicks things off with its origins in 1821. Known as the final resting place of yellow fever victims, it sets an eerie tone. Despite being free to enter, the stories add a ghostly layer that visitors find compelling. We loved the authenticity of this spot, especially since it’s very much part of the city’s history.

Next, the City Gate Spirits area introduces the idea of portals and gateways — fitting for a haunted city. Here, Jefferson’s narration emphasizes the supernatural lore tied to St. Augustine’s status as America’s oldest city.

Passing by Tolomato Cemetery, the oldest planned cemetery in America, we appreciated the contrast between its age and the stories of lingering spirits. Reviewers highlight that, although the Huguenot Cemetery is often considered the most haunted, Tolomato still warrants attention.

The tour then moves past several charming, historic buildings like the Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast, a Spanish-style inn built in 1904, and Scarlett O’Hara’s, a wooden structure with its own ghostly tales.

The Casablanca Inn on the Bay and the Harry’s Seafood, Bar & Grille bring us closer to the waterfront, where stories of bootlegging and ghostly spirits seem even more fitting given the history of clandestine activity along Florida’s coast.

One of the highlights is passing by Flagler College, where the ghost stories of Henry Flagler and other lost souls add a spooky flavor to the campus’s historic beauty. The narration effectively weaves tales of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena, making the architecture and history all the more intriguing.

Further along, you encounter the Penny Farthing Inn and the St. Augustine Monster legend, adding local urban myths to the mix. According to reviews, these stories are both fun and eerie, especially when told with the right amount of dramatization.

Near the end, the tour reaches the González-Álvarez House, known as the oldest Spanish colonial residence in Florida, and Bayfront Marin House, a grand building with a lively past. The stories about spirits and lost lovers here lend a human touch to the haunted tales.

The final stops include the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., and the St. Francis Inn, which has its own ghostly legends. While the fort itself isn’t included in the price, the stories surrounding it are a fitting grand finale.

What Travelers Say

According to reviews, many users appreciate the knowledgeable narration and the value for money. One reviewer pointed out how the narration vibrated to signal each story, making it easier to follow in noisy spots. Others enjoyed the flexibility, noting they could take their time exploring the streets without feeling rushed.

However, some found the app challenging to navigate, especially in the narrow, old streets of St. Augustine. One reviewer mentioned that the app took them to “random places in alleys,” which could be confusing. Despite that, the overall sentiment was positive, especially concerning the stories and the ability to explore independently.

Practical Considerations

Since the tour requires your smartphone and optional headphones, ensure your device is charged before setting out. Download the tour via Wi-Fi, so you’re not reliant on cell signals as you wander. The 3-hour duration and 2.5-mile route mean comfortable walking shoes are essential, particularly if you plan to extend your exploration beyond the tour.

This tour is best suited for independent explorers, families, or groups who enjoy a bit of spooky storytelling and don’t mind navigating historic streets on their own. It’s ideal for those who want to customize their experience without the constraints of a scheduled guide.

Value and Cost

At just $10.99, this tour offers a compelling value, especially considering the personalized, self-paced nature. For that price, you get a well-produced narration, GPS-guided route, and the flexibility to pause, explore, or skip segments. It’s a budget-friendly way to add some ghostly fun to your sightseeing, especially if you’re tired of large tours or prefer to explore at your own pace.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys history blended with ghost stories, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who crave independent exploration combined with engaging narration. Families with children (age-appropriate) or groups of friends will appreciate the flexibility and the spooky stories that make history come alive.

However, if you’re looking for a guided experience with a lot of interaction, or if navigating with a phone sounds cumbersome, you might prefer a more traditional ghost tour. Also, be mindful that some reviews point out occasional navigation hiccups, so patience and good walking shoes are recommended.

All in all, St. Augustine’s Lost Souls provides a fun, affordable way to experience the haunted side of this historic city, especially if you like your ghost stories with a side of history and a flexible schedule. It’s a memorable way to add a little mystery to your time in the Old City, perfect for curious, independent travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the stories are generally family-friendly, the spooky nature might be better suited for older children or teens who enjoy ghost stories.

Do I need to download anything beforehand?
Yes, the tour needs to be downloaded on Wi-Fi before you start, so you don’t use data during your walk.

Is a guide or group included?
No, this is a self-guided tour. You explore independently using your smartphone and GPS map.

How long does the tour take?
Approximately three hours, but you can take longer if you wish, since there are no time constraints.

Are attraction tickets included?
No, tickets to specific locations like the fort are not included, but you can purchase them separately if desired.

What should I bring?
A charged smartphone, optional headphones, comfortable walking shoes, and perhaps a flashlight for the darker alleys.

Can I do this tour on any day?
Yes, the tour is available year-round, 24/7, and can be enjoyed on your schedule.

What if I get lost or have technical issues?
Customer support is available via phone and email. Reviewers noted some navigation challenges, so patience and map familiarity help.

Is this tour accessible for all?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking distance and terrain.

To sum it up, the St. Augustine’s Lost Souls smartphone ghost tour offers a practical and engaging way to experience the city’s haunted history on your own terms. Its affordability, flexibility, and storytelling quality make it an appealing choice for independent travelers who enjoy a spooky twist on their sightseeing. Just remember to prepare your device, wear comfortable shoes, and keep an open mind for some ghostly tales along the way.