St. Augustine, Florida, isn’t just America’s oldest city — it’s a place where history, architecture, and quirky stories collide along cobblestone streets. What makes exploring this charming town on foot so appealing is the chance to soak up its authentic atmosphere at your own pace. Whether you’re interested in learning about its past, tasting local sweets, or uncovering ghostly secrets, walking tours are a perfect way to experience the city intimately. Notably, the Chocolate & Sweet Walking Tour offers a delicious introduction to St. Augustine’s confectionery scene, while the Guided History Walking Tour reveals the city’s fascinating backstory. Both tours stand out for their engaging guides and memorable tastings or storytelling.
For travelers seeking something more lively and spirited, the ghost and paranormal walking tours provide a thrilling look into St. Augustine’s darker side. Alternatively, if craft beer or culinary experiences are your thing, there are tours that combine history with tastings of local brews and food. With so many options, you’re sure to find a walking tour that fits your curiosity and pace.
Quick Overview of the Best Walking Tours in St. Augustine
In this list, we cover a variety of tours designed to cater to different interests. From sweet treats and historic landmarks to ghost stories and craft brews, each walks provides a unique perspective on the city’s character. We’ve included tours with top-rated guides, immersive storytelling, and even active paranormal investigations. For a taste of the city’s culinary side, check out the Chocolate & Sweet Walking Tour, while history lovers will appreciate the Guided History Walking Tour. If you’re after a spooky adventure, the Ghost Walking Tour and A Walking Paranormal Investigation deliver chills and stories of the supernatural. For those interested in beer and history, the Beer & History Tour combines craft brews with historic tales. Whether you prefer a quick overview or an in-depth exploration, there’s a walking tour in St. Augustine for every traveler.
1. St. Augustine: Chocolate & Sweet Walking Tour with Tastings
At number 1 on our list, the Chocolate & Sweet Walking Tour offers a delightful way to see downtown St. Augustine while indulging in sweet treats. For $99 per person, this 1.5-hour tour begins with a coffee or iced tea to wake up your taste buds before wandering through mom-and-pop candy shops and local bakeries. The guide shares stories about the city’s sweet side and its history, making it both fun and educational. The tour includes tastings of chocolates, pralines, and other confections, with a goody-bag to take home your favorites. What makes this tour stand out is its perfect blend of culinary delights and cultural insights—you’ll leave with a sugar rush and a richer understanding of St. Augustine’s local traditions. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect rating of 5/5 from 34 reviews, emphasizing how tasty and charming the experience is. Bottom line: this tour is a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth and curiosity about local history.
2. St. Augustine: Guided History Walking Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Guided History Walking Tour, perfect for history buffs or anyone eager to understand the city’s layered past. Priced affordably at $33 per person for 1.5 hours, this tour explores the Historic District, focusing on the city’s evolution under three different empires over 450 years. The guide points out landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos and shares stories about the Spanish, British, and American influences that shaped the city. The tour emphasizes local recommendations for dining and sightseeing, which is helpful if you’re planning to explore further on your own. This tour has a strong rating of 4.8/5 from 51 reviews, highlighting how informative and engaging the guide is. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a compact yet rundown of St. Augustine’s history. Bottom line: an affordable, informative stroll through the city’s rich past.
3. St. Augustine: Walking Tour with Wine, Cocktails, and Food
The Walking Tour with Wine, Cocktails, and Food ranks third, offering a more indulgent experience for $159 per person over 3.5 hours. This guided walk takes you down Aviles Street, the oldest street in the U.S., while tasting Florida’s flavors. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a complementary wine tasting and sip on handcrafted cocktails as your guide shares stories behind the architecture and history. The tour also includes visits to shops, galleries, and restaurants, giving a taste of the local scene. The highlight is the combination of culinary delights and historic sights, making it ideal for foodies and drink enthusiasts. The 18 reviews rate it 5/5, with many noting how well-balanced the experience is—great for those who want to combine history with tasting. The only caveat is the price, but considering the length and inclusions, it offers good value. Bottom line: a flavorful way to combine history and gastronomy.
4. St. Augustine: 1.5-Hour Ghost Walking Tour
Number 4 is the Ghost Walking Tour, perfect for thrill-seekers or anyone curious about the spooky side of St. Augustine. For $30, this 1.5-hour stroll takes you through haunted locations in the Old Town, sharing stories of the town’s long-deceased residents. The tour emphasizes paranormal phenomena and the history behind the hauntings. It’s suitable for those who enjoy a bit of scare and an eerie story, with the atmosphere adding to the thrill. The tour receives a good 4.5/5 from 63 reviews, many mentioning how atmospheric and chilling it is. It’s a balanced mix of history and ghost stories, making it a popular pick for a night adventure. Bottom line: great for night owls and fans of ghost stories.
5. St. Augustine: Beer & History Walking Tour
Number 5 combines craft beer with local history, a rare pairing that appeals to beer aficionados. For $149, this 3-hour tour involves up to 12 beer tastings and a food pairing at a local stop. The tour explores historic streets and breweries, with the guide sharing stories about how beer has been part of the city’s social fabric. The small group size (8 or fewer) ensures a personalized experience. With only 3 reviews, the tour still maintains a 5/5 rating, reflecting high satisfaction from those who’ve enjoyed it. It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed pace, good beer, and a sprinkle of history. The cost is higher, but the quality and exclusivity make it worthwhile. Bottom line: an ideal pick for beer lovers interested in history and artisan brews.
6. Saint Augustine: Walking Historic Tour
Number 6 offers a specialized historic walk that uncovers lesser-known stories of the city. For $30 per person, the 1.5-hour tour explores hidden details of the streets and buildings, such as the original name of Cordova Street and burial practices of the Spanish. The guide sheds light on important figures like Henry Flagler and explains why Memorial Presbyterian Church was built. The tour is praised for its insider knowledge and engaging storytelling, with a couple of reviews giving it a perfect 5/5. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an in-depth, less touristy look at the city’s past, especially if you enjoy behind-the-scenes facts. Bottom line: a well-rounded, lesser-known historical exploration.
7. St. Augustine: A Walking Paranormal Investigation
For the adventurous, the Walking Paranormal Investigation offers a live, hands-on paranormal experience. At $75 for 2 hours, you’ll learn how to use ghost-hunting tools at the Old Wooden Schoolhouse, then explore haunted locations with professional investigators. This isn’t just storytelling—it’s about actually participating in uncovering the town’s mysterious side. The tour’s interactive element and guidance from real paranormal investigators make it stand out. With only one review but a full 5-star rating, it promises a memorable, immersive experience. Perfect for those who want to get involved rather than just listen. Bottom line: a unique, hands-on ghost-hunting adventure.
$75 per person
8. St. Augustine: Dead Walk Ghost Tour
Number 8 is the Dead Walk Ghost Tour, ideal for a spooky, slow-paced exploration of the most haunted parts of the city. This 1.5-hour tour for $24 delves into the darker, lesser-known stories of old St. Augustine, using a K2 meter to hunt for paranormal activity. It’s perfect for those who want a ghost tour without the intensity of a late-night scare but still crave haunted tales and atmospheric scenery. With 2 reviews rating it 4.5/5, it’s appreciated for its quiet, spooky ambiance. It’s suitable for anyone interested in ghost stories but looking for a more relaxed, daytime spooky stroll. Bottom line: a good choice for paranormal fans who want a gentle scare.
9. St. Augustine: Adults-Only Walking Ghost Tour
Number 9 caters to mature audiences, offering a more intense ghost experience with adult themes. For $35, this 1.5-hour tour focuses on haunted locations tied to brothels and betrayal, making it a darker, more adult-focused ghost walk. Reviews are mixed, with a 3.7/5 rating, but many appreciate the detailed stories and night-time atmosphere. It’s best suited for travelers seeking a more mature, spine-tingling experience. Keep in mind, some might find the content a bit more intense than family-friendly ghost tours. Bottom line: ideal for those looking for a more grown-up ghost story.
$35 per person
10. Torrid Tales of St. Augustine: True Crime Walking Tour
Rounding out the list, the True Crime Walking Tour explores the darker, grittier side of St. Augustine’s past. Priced at $30, this 1.5-hour walk takes you through scenes of murders and criminal activity, sharing chilling details and photos of perpetrators and victims. It’s perfect for true crime fans or history enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the more sensational stories. The tour’s atmosphere adds a layer of intrigue, making you feel like a detective walking in the shadows of the city’s history. While reviews are limited, the compelling content and focus on real crimes rank it high for those interested in the city’s darker stories. Bottom line: a gripping experience for crime buffs and history geeks alike.
$30 per person
How to Choose the Perfect Walking Tour in St. Augustine
Selecting the right walking tour depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend exploring. If you love sweets and want a tasty introduction, the Chocolate & Sweet Tour is a must. History fans should consider the Guided History Tour or the Lesser-Known Secrets Tour, which offer deeper insights into the city’s past. For those craving spooky stories, the Ghost Tours and paranormal experiences provide atmospheric thrills, especially if you enjoy interactive investigations or quiet hauntings.
Budget-conscious travelers may prefer the shorter, more affordable options like the Dead Walk Ghost Tour or the True Crime Tour. If you’re interested in craft beer, the Beer & History Tour offers a relaxed way to combine tasting with storytelling. Remember to book early, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time and experience.
Final Thoughts
St. Augustine’s diverse walking tours make it easy to tailor your visit to your interests—whether that’s sweets, history, ghosts, or beer. If you’re traveling with family or friends, consider combining a couple of experiences, like the Chocolate Tour and a ghost walk for a well-rounded trip. For solo travelers or couples craving a deeper dive into the city’s past, tours like the Lesser-Known Secrets or True Crime Tour provide engaging stories and memorable moments. Be sure to check the availability and book early to ensure a spot in your preferred tour. Whatever your interests, St. Augustine’s walking tours promise a rich, engaging experience that brings the city’s characters and secrets to life.