Blood On The Cobblestones True Crime Tour of St Augustine

St. Augustine’s Blood on the Cobblestones True Crime Tour is a compelling way to spend an evening exploring the city’s darker past. For $35, you’ll join a small group led by an engaging guide—sometimes Rob or Jenna—who walk you through six historic stops in this charming, centuries-old city. The tour lasts approximately two hours, starting at Ghost City Tours and ending at Prohibition Kitchen, with each stop offering a chilling story from St. Augustine’s often overlooked history.

What we love about this experience is the balance of storytelling and local atmosphere. The guides are generally praised for being knowledgeable and entertaining, making the history come alive with a mix of humor and intrigue. Plus, the tour’s focus on authentic, locally-owned bars gives it a genuine neighborhood feel, rather than just a scripted experience.

One thing to consider is the pacing—some reviewers felt it drags a bit, especially if you’re more eager to just sample drinks rather than listen to stories. Also, since alcoholic beverages aren’t included, you’ll want to bring some beer or cocktail money along to fully enjoy the bar stops.

This tour suits history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, and anyone interested in St. Augustine’s more mysterious side. It’s especially good for those who appreciate storytelling at historical sites paired with a laid-back pub crawl vibe. If you’re comfortable with a two-hour walk and love a bit of creepy local lore, this is a fun, affordable way to deepen your appreciation of the city.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Places: The tour visits six locally owned bars and restaurants in St. Augustine’s historic district.
• Historic Stops: Each stop highlights a different dark chapter in the city’s past, including Florida’s oldest unsolved murder.
• Engaging Guides: Many reviews praise guides like Rob and Jenna for their storytelling skills and personality.
• Cost-Effective: For $35, you get a two-hour tour with plenty of stories, making it a good value.
• No Alcohol Included: Remember, beverages are not included, so bring some cash for drinks.
• Age Restriction: Only adults 21+ are allowed, making it a mature and focused experience.

A Deep Dive into the Blood on the Cobblestones Tour

This tour offers something a little different from the typical sightseeing walk—it’s part history, part mystery, and part pub crawl. It’s an excellent way to get to know St. Augustine’s lesser-known dark episodes while also enjoying some local flavors at the same time.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Charlotte Street
The tour kicks off on Charlotte Street, where the story of Florida’s oldest unsolved murder unfolds. We loved the way the guide brought the era of 1785 to life, describing the sweltering streets and the brutal Delany murder that still puzzles investigators. It’s fascinating that after more than 200 years, this cold case remains unresolved, leaving a tantalizing “what if” hanging in the air. The review from Brenden highlights how this story really fuels the imagination, especially for fans of unsolved mysteries.

Stop 2: Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila
Next, the tour moves to a lively local bar in a historic building, where the story of W.D. Lindsay’s murder is told. This tale involves betrayal, southern scandal, and a bullet wound that still echoes into today. The guide’s skill in blending storytelling with the lively atmosphere makes this stop especially memorable, according to reviewers like Kim and Jon, who appreciated the detailed, engaging narratives paired with the bar’s vibrant setting.

Stop 3: Aviles Street
Walking along Aviles Street, the oldest street in the U.S., you’ll hear about a murder that shocked 1800s St. Augustine involving Juan Carlos. The guide peels back layers of betrayal and desperation that still whisper from the cobblestones. As Celeste notes, having stories in chronological order adds depth to the experience, making it feel like you’re walking through history itself.

Stop 4: Cadiz Street
Here, we encounter Athalia Lindsley’s brutal 1974 murder. She was a former model and political figure, hacked to death in broad daylight. What makes this case intriguing is that no one was ever convicted, leaving the story open-ended and mysterious. Several reviews, including those from Elijah and Kim, mention how this unsolved case leaves lingering questions—perfect for true crime fans.

Stop 5: Saint George Street & Cathedral Place
The final stops focus on more recent yet still shocking crimes, like the 1990 murder of Amy Blount. The guide shares harrowing details, illustrating how violence can strike even in what seems like a peaceful city. Many reviewers praise the tour for making history feel immediate and real—it’s not just stories, but windows into the city’s soul.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $35, the tour provides a guided walk through historic St. Augustine, paired with stories at each stop. It’s a small-group experience, often no more than 25 participants, which means you get personalized attention. The guides are usually highly praised, with reviewers frequently mentioning their charisma and storytelling prowess.

However, alcoholic drinks are not included, so you should bring cash to enjoy the bar stops fully. This can be a positive—giving you the flexibility to choose your drink and pace—but also a consideration if you’re hoping for an all-inclusive experience.

The Experience Itself

The tour’s start at the Ghost City Tours office on Charlotte Street makes for an easy meet-up, and the walk along the oldest streets in the US is a treat in itself. The stops are spaced roughly 20 minutes apart, giving enough time for stories, a quick drink, and some photos. The evening timing (8:00 pm start) adds a spooky, atmospheric feel, especially as the city lights cast shadows on the cobblestones.

Rob, Jenna, and other guides have been praised for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. Their ability to weave local lore with historical facts keeps the stories compelling. From the reviews, it’s clear that their storytelling often sparks research into documentaries or further reading—an indicator of engaging, well-researched narratives.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Most reviews describe the tour as intimate and lively. With a maximum of 25 participants, it fosters a friendly environment where questions are welcome. The bar stops add a relaxed social aspect, making it a fun outing rather than a stiff history lesson.

Value for Money

At $35, this tour offers a solid two hours of entertainment with a good mix of storytelling and local bar culture. It’s especially attractive for visitors wanting an unusual, memorable experience that combines history with nightlife. Given the high praise for guides and the unique stories, many consider it a worthwhile addition to any St. Augustine visit.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you enjoy history with a dark twist, true crime stories, or just want to experience a more authentic, local side of St. Augustine. It’s well-suited for adults 21+ who appreciate storytelling, local taverns, and a laid-back atmosphere. If you’re a traveler who loves engaging guides, authentic historic settings, and stories that give a new perspective on a familiar city, you’ll find this tour worth your time.

It might not be ideal if you’re expecting a lively pub crawl with lots of drinking and less storytelling—this tour leans more toward narrative and atmosphere, with some drinking optional. If you’re more into ghost tours or daytime sightseeing, it offers a different, intriguing alternative.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
No, the tour is only for guests ages 21 and older due to the alcohol stops and mature content.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, walking through six stops in the historic district.

Are drinks included in the tour?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included. You should bring cash for drinks at each bar stop.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Ghost City Tours of St. Augustine, 32 Charlotte St, and finishes at Prohibition Kitchen, 119 St George St.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and dress according to the weather. Since it’s an evening walk, layers or rain gear might be useful.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start date. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

The Blood on the Cobblestones True Crime Tour offers a fun, atmospheric look into St. Augustine’s darker moments. It’s a smart pick for those who love stories of mystery, history, and local character, all wrapped in an engaging, relaxed setting. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group, you’ll leave with more than just a few spooky tales—perhaps a new appreciation for the city’s hidden stories and a few good drinks along the way.