St Augustine Haunted History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

If you’re visiting St Augustine and love a good ghost story, this Self-Guided Audio Tour might just be your perfect outing. Priced at only $6.99 per person, it offers a budget-friendly way to explore the city’s eerie side without the hassle of guided groups. What’s particularly appealing is how flexible it is—you can start and stop whenever you like, making it ideal for those who prefer an unstructured adventure. Plus, with the VoiceMap app working offline, you’re free to wander without worrying about losing signal or racking up extra data costs.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are its affordable price point and the self-paced nature. It’s a cozy, intimate way to uncover ghostly legends while soaking in the historic charm of St Augustine’s streets. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that since it’s a self-guided experience, there’s no live guide to answer questions or add extra context—so it’s best for those comfortable with exploring independently or with a bit of curiosity.

This tour seems well-suited for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a fun, spooky way to spend an hour or so in town. It’s perfect if you’re traveling solo or as a couple who enjoys stories told at your own pace, but maybe less ideal if you’re hoping for an immersive, guided experience with a lot of interaction.

Key Points

• Budget-friendly: At just $6.99, this tour offers access to spooky stories and historic sites without breaking the bank.
• Self-paced flexibility: You can start, pause, and resume the tour whenever you want, fitting it into your schedule.
• Offline accessibility: Once downloaded, no internet connection is necessary—great for walking around without worries.
• Rich storytelling: The tour shares chilling tales about ghosts, past murders, and historic figures linked to St Augustine.
• Locally produced: Created by See America Tours, it benefits from local insight into the city’s haunted lore.
• No guided group: You won’t have a live guide, so it’s best suited for independent explorers comfortable with audio self-navigation.

An In-Depth Look at the Haunted History Tour

If you’re drawn to spooky stories and historic places, this self-guided adventure through St Augustine hits the right notes. The itinerary is crafted to take you from the old city gate to some of the most haunted spots in town, all narrated through the VoiceMap app. The fact that it’s completely self-guided means you get to control your pace—whether you want to linger at a story or speed through to the next.

Starting Point: The Old City Gate

The tour kicks off at 42 St George St, outside the historic city gate. Historically, this gate was closed every night at dusk to safeguard the town, yet stories of misfortune persisted. We loved the historical context here—knowing that even with precautions, the town’s dark past left lingering spirits. It sets a fitting tone for what’s to come.

The Haunted Bakery

Just outside a Spanish bakery, the tour introduces us to the tale of a ghostly laundry lady allegedly haunting the bakery’s backyard as recently as 1999. The story is vivid and atmospheric, making it easy to imagine the ghostly figure going about her unseen chores. It’s a simple story, but one that captures the spooky vibe well. The narration is clear and engaging, with enough detail to spark your imagination.

Tolomato Cemetery and Tillie’s Apparition

Next, the route takes us past Tolomato Cemetery, where the legend of Kernel Joseph Smith saving a woman from being buried alive is shared. If you’re lucky, the tour hints, you might even see the apparition of Tillie, a nanny who died protecting her child during a hurricane in the late 1700s. This particular story resonated with a reviewer who said, “If ghosts and ghouls make your heart skip a beat, then St. Augustine’s Haunted History is quite the treat.” The stories here are about compassion and tragedy, giving a layered sense of history and ghostly lore.

Pena Peck House and the Unsolved Murder

Walking past the historic Pena Peck House, the narration recounts the story of Lieutenant Delaney, a Spanish Royal Treasurer stabbed in an unsolved murder from 1785. While not much else is added, the story adds a layer of mystery to the old building. It’s these small, haunting details that make the tour interesting, especially for those who love unsolved crimes and history mixed together.

Castillo de San Marcos and Don Diego’s Fall

The tour then takes you past the Castillo de San Marcos, where stories of Don Diego’s death—he fell fatally from the fortress walls—are shared. It’s a grisly tale, and a stark reminder of how tumultuous life was in colonial times. Such stories add a bit of weight to the otherwise scenic walk through historic streets.

The City Gate and Ghostly Women

As the tour winds down back at the city gate, it highlights the story of brave women who chained themselves to the pillars to protect these historic relics. It’s a story of resilience, with a ghostly twist. The narrator’s tone makes it feel like a secret shared among friends, which we appreciated.

Ghostly Visitors and Hidden Treasures

Finally, the tour shares a charming tale of two visitors who received gold from a welcoming ghost in the Huguenot Cemetery. It’s a feel-good story that leaves you with a sense of magic and possibility—perfect for ending an eerie stroll.

What We Loved About the Tour

The biggest plus point is value for money. At just under $7, it offers a nice mix of history, ghost stories, and scenic wandering. It’s perfect if you’re on a budget but still want an engaging experience. The self-guided nature allows you to tailor your walk—pause for photos, linger at certain stories, or skip ahead if you’re not feeling it.

We also appreciated how detailed the stories are. The narration is clear and well-produced, which makes it easy to follow along. Plus, since it works offline, you can wander around without constantly worrying about losing signal or draining your phone’s data. That’s a real plus for outdoor explorations.

What Could Be Better?

One possible downside is the lack of a live guide. If you’re someone who prefers a tour with a lot of interaction, questions, or additional commentary, this might feel a bit flat. You’re relying on the narration and your own curiosity, which works fine for most, but some might wish for more engagement.

Another consideration is that since the tour doesn’t include entry into museums or attractions, if you want to go inside places like the Castillo or other historic sites, those will be an additional cost. Still, the tour provides enough background to make the outside views worthwhile.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This haunted history tour is ideal for independent travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace and love ghost stories. It’s also great for those on a budget, as it offers a lot of storytelling for just a few dollars. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who shares your interest in spooky tales, you’ll find it a fun way to spend an hour or so.

It’s probably less suitable if you’re looking for a guided experience or want to visit specific attractions inside museums or historic sites—those will require separate tickets. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children, some stories might be a bit intense, but overall, it’s not explicitly child-oriented.

FAQ about the St Augustine Haunted History Tour

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the stories are spooky, they are generally appropriate for older children who enjoy ghost tales. Since there’s no guided group or interaction, you’ll want to decide if the stories are suitable for your kids.

Do I need to bring my own device?
Yes, you’ll need a smartphone or similar device to run the VoiceMap app, along with headphones. The tour is self-guided, so your device is essential.

How long does the tour take?
The estimated duration is about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, but you can extend or shorten your experience depending on how long you linger at each stop.

Can I do this tour more than once?
Absolutely. Once you’ve purchased and downloaded it, you have lifetime access to the tour. It’s perfect for repeat visits or sharing with friends.

Is the tour accessible offline?
Yes. Once downloaded, the audio files, directions, and maps are available offline, which is perfect for walking around without internet.

What’s included in the price?
You get access to the audio tour in English, the VoiceMap app for Android and iOS, and the ability to use it offline.

Are there any group limitations?
Since it’s a private, self-guided experience, only your group participates—no large tour groups involved.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 42 St George St and ends back there, completing a loop through the historic district.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this self-guided haunted tour offers a fun, atmospheric way to explore some of St Augustine’s most storied and spooky sites. It’s perfect if you enjoy independent exploration and want to listen to eerie tales as you wander historic streets—without the pressure of a guided group or extra costs.

The stories are engaging and often chilling, making it a memorable addition to any ghost lover’s itinerary. The affordable price and convenience of offline access make it an excellent choice for those looking to add a bit of haunted fun to their visit. While it lacks the interaction of guided tours, its flexibility makes it a valuable and enjoyable experience for many.

Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or just curious about the darker side of St Augustine, this tour provides a memorable, spooky stroll through one of America’s most charming—and haunted—cities.