St. Augustine: Ghosts and Gravestones Old Town Trolley Tour

Traveling to St. Augustine? This Ghosts and Gravestones Old Town Trolley Tour promises a mix of spooky stories, historic sites, and engaging performances. It’s a fun way to explore the city’s darker past without the exhausting walking involved—perfect if you prefer a relaxed, theatrical experience.

What really catches our attention are the inside visits to two of the city’s most haunted buildings and the entertaining guides who bring history and ghost tales to life. Plus, the tour lasts about 80 minutes, making it a manageable, evening activity. But as with all ghost tours, keep in mind that some areas may be a bit intense for younger kids or sensitive travelers.

This tour is best suited for those looking for a lively, story-driven experience with a spooky twist. If you enjoy theatrical storytelling combined with a touch of history, you’ll likely come away entertained and maybe a little spooked.

Key Points

• Engaging Guides: The tour features knowledgeable actors and guides who bring stories to life.
• Inside Haunted Sites: Unique stops inside the Old Jail and Potter’s Wax Museum make this tour stand out.
• Historical & Paranormal Mix: Learn about St. Augustine’s history with ghost stories rooted in real events.
• Good Value for Money: At $36 per person, it offers a compact yet immersive experience.
• Nighttime Atmosphere: The evening setting adds an extra layer of creepiness.
• Family-Friendly?: Rated PG-13, suitable for older children, but not for those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

If you’re in St. Augustine and craving a fun, spooky adventure, this tour could be a great pick. We loved the way it combines storytelling, history, and theatrical performances to make the city’s haunted reputation come alive. For just $36, you get a lot of entertainment packed into 80 minutes—perfect for an evening activity after a day of sightseeing.

What’s Included and How It Works

The tour kicks off at the San Marco Welcome Center, right on San Marco Avenue. With transportation provided, you won’t need to worry about walking between stops, which is a plus if you prefer a more laid-back experience. The guide, often described as engaging and knowledgeable, leads you through the city’s spooky sites while sharing stories of murder, mayhem, and paranormal activity.

The trolley itself is a classic way to see the city at night, and the guide’s storytelling keeps everyone involved. The lively narration is a common highlight—many reviews mention how guides like “Cersei” or “Luna” made the tour memorable with humor and charisma.

The Haunted Stops: Old Jail & Potter’s Wax Museum

The Old Jail is a key highlight—listed on both the Florida and National Register of Haunted Places. Visitors frequently comment on how genuinely terrifying and fascinating it is. The actors’ performances elevate the experience, making it more than just a lecture. “The Old Jail was truly terrifying,” said one visitor, emphasizing how the guided inside visit left a lasting impression.

The Potter’s Wax Museum offers a different kind of spookiness. Inside, the tour features a “scary stop” that heightens the eerie feeling. Several reviews mention how the actors’ performances at the museum added humor and fun to the experience, making it engaging for all ages but still delivering a dose of spooky fun. One reviewer noted, “the wax museum was exciting, and the stories were interesting,” showing how the stop balances fun with fright.

Cemeteries & Other Stories

The tour also includes stories about the Huguenot & Tolomato Cemeteries—places with histories that lend themselves well to ghost tales. The guides’ storytelling crafts a compelling picture of the city’s haunted past. Several comments indicate that the cemeteries, especially at night, add a spooky ambiance that enhances the experience.

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The Overall Atmosphere

The evening timing is perfect for adding to the ghostly atmosphere—most reviews agree that doing the tour at night is key to the creep factor. The combination of shadows, historic buildings, and actors in costume makes for a memorable, if slightly spooky, adventure. It’s also well-paced, with enough stops to break up the storytelling and keep things fresh.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy theatrical storytelling and ghost stories rooted in real history, this tour hits the right notes. The guides are praised frequently for their charisma and knowledge, which makes the experience more than just a spooky walk. It’s also a good choice for those interested in a family-friendly activity, provided the children are over 12, since it’s rated PG-13 and involves some spooky content.

However, if you’re a person with mobility issues or require wheelchair access, this tour might not be suitable as it involves some walking and may have limited accessibility. Also, if you’re looking for a “ghost-hunting” experience that guarantees sightings, keep expectations realistic—reviews suggest it’s more about storytelling than actual paranormal encounters.

The Balance of Price & Experience

While $36 isn’t a bargain, it’s quite reasonable for what you get: a lively, interactive tour that immerses you in St. Augustine’s haunted history. The inside visits to two haunted buildings are particularly valuable, giving you a glimpse of spooky locations you might not get to see on a typical walking tour.

Many visitors rave about how entertaining and informative the guides and performers are. The actors’ performances at the jail and wax museum seem to be a highlight, often described as “hilarious” and “creepy,” adding a theatrical flair that elevates the experience beyond a standard ghost walk.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Meeting Point and Logistics

The San Marco Welcome Center serves as the starting point, with transportation included in the ticket price. The tour is typically offered in the evening, which adds to the spooky vibe that many reviews find essential for a night-time ghost tour.

Duration and Group Size

The 80-minute tour is just the right length to keep your interest without dragging on. The group sizes seem manageable, often small enough for a personalized experience, but large enough to keep the energy lively. The live guide keeps the story flowing, and many reviews mention how engaging and funny the guides are.

Stops and Inside Visits

• Old Jail: As the city’s most haunted building, this stop is where the real scare factor comes into play. Visitors report genuinely eerie moments, especially inside the cells. Guides often share stories of documented paranormal activity, enhancing the suspense.
• Potter’s Wax Museum: The stop inside the museum offers a creepy twist with actors playing characters and delivering spooky tales. The performances are highly praised for their theatricality and humor.
• Cemeteries: The Huguenot & Tolomato Cemeteries are discussed with stories of ghostly encounters and local legends.

The Guides and Actors

Reviews consistently highlight the guides’ knowledge and charisma. “Cersei,” “Luna,” and others have been praised for their humor, storytelling skills, and ability to engage the crowd. The actors at each stop do a great job of maintaining character, making the history come alive in a fun, spooky way.

Performance Quality

Many reviews describe the acting as excellent—actors are in character, delivering both scary and humorous moments. The Old Jail actors, in particular, are said to make the place genuinely frightening while also being entertaining. The wax museum stop involves actors that energize the experience with humor and spooky elements alike.

The Atmosphere and Ambiance

The night setting and shadows cast by historic buildings create an ideal environment. The tour’s pacing allows for suspense-building and moments of comic relief. The ghostly stories, combined with the performances, make for a lively, memorable night out.

Value and Overall Satisfaction

Considering the price point, the reviews indicate high satisfaction. Many mention that it’s worth the cost for such an interactive, theatrical experience that blends history and ghost stories seamlessly. Several reviews say they would do it again, highlighting its re-playability and genuine fun.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour offers a great balance of entertainment, history, and theatricality, making it ideal for those who enjoy a good story with a spooky twist. It’s especially suited for visitors who want a lighthearted but creepy insight into St. Augustine’s haunted reputation.

If you’re interested in inside visits to haunted buildings and love performances that bring history alive, this tour hits the mark. For families with older children (12+), it could be an engaging way to learn about local legends while having a bit of fun. Just keep in mind, it’s rated PG-13 due to some spooky content, and those with mobility issues might want to check accessibility.

All in all, if you enjoy lively guides, theatrical storytelling, and the thrill of a ghost story set against a historic backdrop, this tour fits the bill.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s rated PG-13, so older children over 12 tend to enjoy it best. The tour involves some spooky stories and scenes, including mentions of hangings and executions.

What’s included in the ticket price?
You get transportation, access to the haunted sites, and the live guide with actors providing storytelling and performances.

Where do we meet for the tour?
All tours depart from the San Marco Welcome Center at 27 San Marco Ave.

How long does the tour last?
It runs about 80 minutes, making it a compact but immersive experience.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the live guide speaks English.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any restrictions I should know?
Not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. No pets, smoking, or large bags allowed.

Is the tour available at night?
Yes, most tours are in the evening or at night to maximize the spooky atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be on the trolley for part of the experience.

This tour offers a lively, theatrical look at St. Augustine’s haunted past. It’s well-loved for its guides, inside visits, and entertaining storytelling—perfect for those looking for a spooky night out that mixes history with a little theatrical fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: