If you’re visiting St. Augustine and have a fascination with crime stories or simply want a different way to explore this historic city, the Blood on the Cobblestones tour could be just what you’re after. This two-hour small-group walking experience combines intriguing tales of murders and mysteries with visits to some of the city’s most charming, locally-owned bars. It’s designed for those who enjoy a mix of history, storytelling, and a bit of nightlife, all wrapped into one.
What really appeals about this tour is its focus on dark chapters of St. Augustine’s past, like the oldest unsolved murder in Florida and stories of serial killers stalking the streets not so long ago. Plus, the tour’s guides seem to do a good job of keeping the stories engaging and adding humor, which is no small feat when dealing with grim topics. However, if your idea of a pub crawl is more about drinking and less about stories, this might not be exactly what you’re looking for.
This experience tends to attract history buffs and true crime fans who appreciate a storytelling approach paired with some local bar hopping. If you’re okay with a more narrative-driven tour that involves walking and listening, it’s worth considering.
Key Points
- Well-rated experience with a 4.6/5 from over 100 reviews.
- Focus on true crime stories that are both chilling and fascinating.
- Stops at six local bars and restaurants, offering a taste of St. Augustine’s nightlife.
- Guides are generally praised for being knowledgeable, engaging, and personable.
- Price point is $35 per person, offering a good value considering the storytelling and locations.
- Ages 21+ only, since it’s a pub crawl, so it’s not suitable for families or minors.
- Tour lasts approximately 2 hours, perfect for an evening outing.
- Most bookings are made 17 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot.
The Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop
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Start at Charlotte Street: Florida’s Oldest Cold Case
Your journey kicks off on Charlotte Street, where you’ll step back to 1785. Here, the chilling story of the Delany murder unfolds—Florida’s oldest unsolved case. We loved the way the guide set the scene, hinting at revenge, greed, or perhaps darker motives behind the crime. The story’s age adds a layer of mystery, and the fact that it remains unsolved keeps it intriguing. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, and since admission is free, the real investment here is your attention and curiosity.
Reviewers note that this opening story sets a strong tone. One customer mentioned how the stories kept getting better as the tour progressed, which is a good sign for true crime fans.
Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila: Southern Scandal and a Bullet
Next, you move to Casa Reina, where the story of W.D. Lindsey’s murder unfolds. This tale, full of betrayal and southern drama, is a fascinating look at the darker side of St. Augustine’s history. Our experience suggests that mixing a drink and listening to a crime story in a lively restaurant makes for a memorable moment.
One guest remarked, “On this stop of the crawl, we uncover the chilling details of a crime that left a stain on the South.” It’s a great way to combine local cuisine and history — just remember, drinks are not included, so bring some beer money.
Aviles Street: Betrayal on the Oldest Street
Moving into the 1800s, the tour takes you along Aviles Street, where the murder of Juan Carlos sent shockwaves through the city. The guide peels back the layers of deceit, desperation, and deadly decisions made in the city’s past. We appreciated how the stories are told in chronological order, helping you visualize how crime intertwined with local life.
Cadiz Street: The Unsolved 1974 Murder
One of the most compelling stories is about Athalia Lindsley, a former model murdered in broad daylight in 1974. To this day, her killer was never caught, which adds an eerie element of mystery. Tour participants have described this stop as especially chilling, because it’s still unsolved, leaving a lot of questions hanging.
Saint George Street & Cathedral Place: Murder in Modern Times
The final story revisits a 1990s murder of Amy Blount—a case that shattered the illusion of safety in the city. This stop helps bring the tour into the more recent past, reminding visitors that these dark stories aren’t just relics; they’re part of the city’s ongoing narrative.
What the Tour Offers: Pros and Cons
The Good Stuff
Guides Make the Difference: Many reviews highlight the guides’ storytelling skills. Jenna, Rob, and Alisa all received praise for being knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and adding humor where appropriate. Their ability to keep the stories engaging while walking through historic streets is a significant plus. One reviewer even said, “Rob was a fantastic and funny tour guide,” emphasizing how important a good guide is in making or breaking the experience.
Historical and Local Connections: The stops are carefully chosen to match the stories, blending history with local charm. Visiting actual sites where these crimes happened lends a tangible edge to the stories.
Affordable and Convenient: At $35, the ticket price is fair considering the storytelling, the locations visited, and the exclusive focus on true crime. The tour is about 2 hours long, which fits well into an evening plan, especially since most people book 17 days in advance.
Bar Stops and Atmosphere: The stops at local bars like Prohibition Kitchen and others create a cozy, social vibe. Many reviews mention the enjoyable drinks, the lively ambiance, and the good selection of local pubs with craft cocktails. Remember, alcoholic beverages are not included, but it’s easy to find a drink and chat about the stories afterward.
The Not-So-Great Aspects
Balance of Storytelling and Drinking: Some reviews mention that the tour was a bit too long or heavy on narration, making it feel more like a history lesson than a lively pub crawl. One guest left early, feeling it was more talk than drink. If you’re expecting a fun, jumping-from-bar-to-bar experience with lots of drinking, this might not fully deliver — it’s more about the stories with some stops in between.
Age Restriction: Since it’s only for guests 21 and older, families or travelers with minors would need to look elsewhere.
Weather Dependency: As an outdoor walking tour, bad weather could impact your experience, but the policy states you’ll be offered a different date or full refund if that happens.
The Experience: What You’ll Love and What to Keep in Mind
If you’re a fan of true crime stories, you’ll likely find this tour both entertaining and informative. The guides are praised for their storytelling ability, with some reviews mentioning how stories get better as the tour progresses. The mix of dark history and local bars creates a unique atmosphere—imagine walking past cobblestone streets at night, while listening to tales of betrayal, murder, and intrigue.
The stops are well-paced, typically around 20 minutes each, giving you enough time to absorb the story and enjoy a drink if you wish. Many reviewers talk about how the stories sparked their interest in doing their own research afterward, which speaks to the engaging nature of the narration.
However, if you’re expecting a lively pub crawl with lots of bar-hopping and drinking on the fly, you might find this tour more subdued. The focus is on storytelling, with the pub stops being more of a backdrop than a party scene. Some find the narration a bit lengthy, so if you prefer a more casual, less info-heavy experience, that’s something to consider.
The Group and Atmosphere
With a maximum of 25 travelers, the group size feels intimate enough for conversation and personalized stories, though reviews indicate the guides handle larger groups well. The atmosphere is relaxed but lively, especially as guests share reactions and sometimes questions.
Final Thoughts: Who’s This Tour Perfect For?
The Blood on the Cobblestones tour appeals most to history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, and those who enjoy storytelling with a local flavor. It’s a great way to add a bit of mystery to your evening and see a different side of St. Augustine—one that’s darker but no less fascinating. The tour’s moderate price point and 2-hour length make it accessible and easy to fit into a broader itinerary.
If you love engaging guides, enjoy learning about real crimes, and are okay with a mix of walking, storytelling, and bar stops, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. Just be prepared for some serious stories, a bit of walking, and an appreciation for the city’s more mysterious past.
FAQ
Is the Blood on the Cobblestones tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is only for guests aged 21 and over due to its focus on alcohol stops and mature content.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 2 hours, making it a good short activity for an evening.
Are alcoholic beverages included in the ticket price?
No, drinks are not included; you’ll need to bring your own beer money for the stops.
What is the group size?
The tour can have up to 25 travelers, ensuring a fairly intimate experience.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book around 17 days ahead, especially in peak seasons, to secure a spot.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.
Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather to operate. If canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Where do the tour stops start and end?
It begins at Ghost City Tours of St. Augustine on Charlotte Street and ends at Prohibition Kitchen on St. George Street.
Blood On The Cobblestones True Crime Tour of St Augustine
“Rob was a fantastic and funny tour guide. He had some great insight and interesting facts about the murders of the so far past. Fans of true crime …”
Final Verdict
If you’re into true crime, enjoy a good storytelling session, and want to explore St. Augustine’s darker history in a social, laid-back setting, this tour offers a solid experience. It combines education, entertainment, and some local flavor, making it a memorable part of any evening in the city. Just go with the right expectations—this is more about stories and atmosphere than a raucous pub crawl. For those who love to learn and be entertained, it’s definitely worth considering.