Riding with the Ghosts a Golf Cart Ghost Tour in St Augustine

If you’re visiting St. Augustine and looking for a way to experience the city’s darker, more mysterious side, the Riding with the Ghosts golf cart tour might catch your eye. This guided, small-group adventure promises an exciting mix of history, paranormal tales, and a unique way to see the city at night—all from the comfort of a golf cart.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are the knowledgeable guides who weave captivating stories, and the chance to visit some of the city’s most haunted spots like cemeteries and historic landmarks. However, if you’re expecting a spine-chilling, hair-raising experience, you might find it more atmospheric and fun rather than terrifying.

One thing to keep in mind is the group size and duration—it’s a little over an hour, with a maximum of 10 guests per tour, making it quite intimate and personalized. As with any ghost tour, some might find certain stories less spooky and more historically intriguing, but for those interested in a lively, storytelling approach with a paranormal twist, this could be a perfect pick. It’s especially suited for history buffs, families with older kids, or anyone curious about the creepy side of St. Augustine.

Key Points

• Small group setting ensures a more personal experience with knowledgeable guides.
• Visiting iconic haunted sites like cemeteries, Castillo de San Marcos, and historic streets.
• Weather-dependent; tours may be canceled if the weather is poor.
• Cost-effective at $39, offering a balance of entertainment and education.
• Includes free photos to help remember the night.
• Flexible for most travelers, with service animals allowed and a friendly, professional guide.

An Honest Look at the Experience

We all know that a good ghost tour isn’t just about ghost sightings—it’s about the stories, the atmosphere, and the chance to see a different side of a city. This tour ticks those boxes. You won’t be walking all night (which is a plus if you’re tired or prefer a relaxed vibe), but instead, you’ll hop on a golf cart that whisks you around some of St. Augustine’s most intriguing sites.

Starting at 38 Cathedral Place, the tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes—a manageable length that keeps your interest from waning. Priced at $39 per person, it offers a budget-friendly way to add some spooky fun to your evening plans, especially considering it includes a guided tour and photos to take home.

The Itinerary in Detail

First stop: Ponce de Leon
Driving past the iconic fountain of youth, your guide will share stories about paranormal sightings tied to Flagler College, a site steeped in history and ghostly whispers. We loved how guides integrate stories about the darker past of the city into the tour, making history feel alive—and sometimes a little spooky.

Next: Hotel Alcazar
While passing this stunning building, you’ll learn about reported hauntings and sightings claimed by museum staff. The architecture alone is worth a glance, and hearing tales of ghosts wandering around adds an eerie charm.

Spanish Military Hospital Museum
This stop is on the oldest street in the US, where stories about the first Spanish Military Hospital make for great ghostly tales. Guests often find this spot “a great place to experience ghostly encounters,” according to reviews, with many noting the eerie draw of the site.

Charlotte Street
Known as one of the most active paranormal spots in the city, it’s a short stop where visitors might feel the atmosphere change or even catch a glimpse of something unexplainable. Tour-goers have remarked that walking here at night makes the stories more convincing.

Castillo de San Marcos
This 300-year-old Spanish fort is the star of many ghost stories, with numerous sightings and apparitions reportedly witnessed over the centuries. Reviewers mention that this site is “famous for countless sightings,” and the 10-minute stop allows enough time to soak in the mood and maybe snap a few photos.

Huguenot Cemetery
A somber but fascinating stop, the cemetery was heavily impacted during the 1821 yellow fever pandemic, which claimed many lives. It’s renowned for orbs and sightings, and many travelers find it “chilling” and eerily atmospheric.

Tolomato Cemetery
The last stop on your tour, this graveyard is famous for its supernatural activity and haunting stories about its past residents. Visitors often comment on how “spooky” and compelling the tales are, making it a fitting end to a ghostly adventure.

What’s the Value?

For $39, you get more than just a spooky ride. The tour combines historic sites with ghost stories, which makes it educational as well as entertaining. The small group size and knowledgeable guides mean you can ask questions, get personalized stories, and enjoy a relaxed pace. Plus, the inclusion of complimentary photos is a nice touch to keep the memories alive.

Several guests rave about the guides, with reviews highlighting their storytelling skills and friendliness. “Robert was awesome,” one visitor noted, describing him as “entertaining, wealth of knowledge, and very funny,” which underscores how important the guide’s personality is to the experience.

Yet, some reviews point out the experience’s limitations. A few guests felt the tour was “just meh” or lacked enough ghostly sights to justify the price, which is worth considering if you’re mainly after scare-factor rather than storytelling.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Comfortable, climate-controlled golf cart ride
– Knowledgeable and engaging guides
– Nice mix of history and ghost stories
– Small group size for a more intimate experience
– Great photo opportunities and atmospheric stops

Cons:
– Weather can cause cancellations or reduce the experience’s effectiveness
– Some guests find it less spooky and more of a historical storytelling tour
– Limited stop time at some locations, which might feel rushed for those wanting to explore more closely

Who Is It Best For?

If you’re after a relaxed, story-driven ghost tour that’s suitable for most visitors, especially those who prefer not to walk long distances, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for families with older children, history lovers, or anyone who enjoys a good ghost story without too much fright.

However, if you’re craving a tour packed with rapid-fire ghost sightings or want a highly intense experience, this might not be the adrenaline rush you’re looking for. It’s more about atmosphere, stories, and a fun night out.

For those with an appreciation for architecture and historic sites, the tour’s stops at beautiful, historic landmarks add extra value. And if you like the idea of a small-group experience where you can ask questions and get personalized stories, this tour is a good fit.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers find it suitable for older kids or teenagers, it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly. The stories are spooky but not overly frightening, so older children with curiosity about ghosts and history should enjoy it.

Do I need to make a reservation ahead of time?
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least 8 days in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

What should I wear for the tour?
Since the tour takes place at night, it’s wise to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. The golf carts are climate-controlled, but walking around cemeteries or historic streets might require layers.

Is there any parking nearby?
The meeting point at 38 Cathedral Place is easily accessible, and there are parking options nearby. It’s best to arrive a few minutes early to find a spot and get ready.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Just remember that cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Will I see actual ghosts?
While the tour offers plenty of stories and atmospheric sites, seeing a ghost isn’t guaranteed. Many guests enjoy the stories and ambiance more than actual sightings, which are often subjective.

Final Thoughts

The Riding with the Ghosts golf cart tour in St. Augustine offers a charming way to explore the city’s haunted history without the fatigue of walking. It’s especially great if you appreciate storytelling, historic sites, and a relaxed pace. The small group size and engaging guides make for a personalized experience, and the photos are a fun bonus.

If you’re traveling with older kids, or simply want a different perspective on St. Augustine’s dark past, this tour is worth considering. It’s not overly spooky but delivers a good blend of history and ghostly tales, all wrapped up in a comfortable, accessible package. Just remember that weather can impact your plans, and some may find the ghost stories less intense than anticipated. Overall, it’s a solid choice for a memorable, atmospheric night in the Oldest City.