St. Augustine’s Lost Souls: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour

If you’re curious about the darker, more mysterious side of St. Augustine but prefer to explore on your own terms, then St. Augustine’s Lost Souls tour might just be your perfect fit. This self-guided, smartphone-based experience offers a chance to wander through some of the city’s most haunted spots while listening to eerie stories narrated by a ghost guide named Jefferson. It’s a flexible way to get a spooky taste of the city’s ghostly past without being tied to a strict schedule or group.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines history with ghost stories — making the experience both informative and fun. Plus, the fact that it’s entirely mobile means you can start and stop whenever you want, taking your time to soak in each story and sight. On the flip side, since it relies on GPS and your phone’s interface, some users might find it a bit tricky to navigate, especially in a city with narrow, winding streets. Still, if you love wandering independently and enjoy a good ghost story, this tour offers good value at just under $11.

This experience is well-suited for travelers who want a personal, customizable ghost tour that doesn’t rely on a large group or a fixed schedule. It’s perfect for history buffs, fans of ghost stories, or anyone who simply wants to add a spooky twist to their exploration of St. Augustine. Keep in mind that you’ll need your own charged smartphone and optional headphones, and the walk is about 2.5 miles — so comfortable shoes are a good idea.

Key Points

• Flexible and Self-Guided: You control your pace and timing, which is great if you like wandering independently.
• Affordable: At just $10.99, this tour offers a decent value for a 3-hour ghostly adventure.
• Includes Historic Landmarks: Pass by well-known sites like Flagler College and the Castillo de San Marcos.
• Great for Groups and Families: You can take as long as you like, making it suitable for all kinds of travelers.
• Requires a Smartphone and Optional Headphones: The tour is accessed through your device, so be sure to have a charged phone.
• Walk is about 2.5 miles: Comfortable walking shoes recommended.

A Thorough Look at the Tour Experience

How It Works

This tour is entirely smartphone-based. After booking, you’ll download your ticket, which includes audio directions and a live GPS map. The narration, voiced by Jefferson, automatically plays at each point of interest, guiding you through the city’s haunted spots while sharing stories that range from historical ghosts to urban legends. You’re free to start and stop as you please, making it ideal for fitting into your own schedule.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour takes you through a carefully curated route across St. Augustine, touching on many of the city’s historic and supposedly haunted sites. Each stop is about 5 minutes long, but you can linger as long as you wish. Here’s what you can expect:

Huguenot Cemetery: This is the first stop, established in 1821, and the final resting place of many who suffered from yellow fever. It’s a quiet, historical spot, but with a haunted reputation. The review from Karen_B highlights that ghost stories about this cemetery are a highlight, and she mentions enjoying learning new things about the town during her walk.

City Gate Spirits: The old city gates are a natural starting point for ghostly tales, with stories about portals to the other side. It’s an evocative place to begin your journey into the supernatural side of St. Augustine.

Tolomato Cemetery: Claiming to be the oldest planned cemetery in America, this site holds its own haunted stories. The review from Sheryl_M mentions the tour as “great fun,” although she notes she forgot warm clothing, which is a reminder to dress comfortably for the walk.

Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast: This quaint Spanish-style building on Cordova Street has a layered history. Formerly a private residence, now a bed and breakfast, it was constructed in 1904 and has seen many owners. Its inclusion adds a touch of haunting charm to the route.

Scarlett O’Hara’s and Casablanca Inn: These historic inns and cafes add a spooky flavor, with stories about heartbreak and bootlegging. They provide a great atmosphere, especially if you enjoy mingling ghost stories with historic architecture.

Flagler College and Ponce De Leon Hall: The tour navigates through the college campus, which is said to harbor ghostly inhabitants, including Henry Flagler himself and other lost souls. The review from Jillene_H mentions that the stories and walking directions worked perfectly, even with some noise and distractions around.

Historic Inns and Streets: Stops like Penny Farthing Inn, the Agustin Inn, and the Bridge of Lions are woven into the story, blending architecture, legends, and ghostly tales seamlessly. The legend of the St. Augustine Monster adds a weird, creepy touch that’s sure to intrigue.

The Haunted Castillo de San Marcos: While the actual fort isn’t included in the tour (due to distance), the final stop outside the historic structure lets you imagine the spirits that might linger there. It’s a fitting climax to a spooky journey.

What Makes It Special

One thing we love about this tour is the narrator’s engaging storytelling. Jefferson’s voice lends a genuine spooky atmosphere, making the stories come alive even through your phone. The GPS map helps keep you oriented as you explore the city, so you’re not wandering aimlessly — though some reviews mention initial navigation hiccups, these are generally minor.

Another plus is that it’s great for any schedule. You can take several hours or stretch it out over multiple outings. Plus, the price is just over ten dollars, which is quite reasonable considering the number of sites and stories you get.

Drawbacks and Considerations

Some users, like Heather_M, found the app slightly tricky to navigate at first. It’s worth noting that the tour takes place in a historic district with narrow streets, alleys, and sometimes confusing signage, which can make following directions tricky without a good Wi-Fi or data connection initially. Once you get the hang of it, though, it’s quite straightforward.

Another point is that since the tour is entirely self-guided, there’s no guide to answer questions or adjust the experience on the fly. If you prefer a more interactive or guided tour, this might feel a bit isolating.

User Feedback: What Travelers Say

Reviewers generally agree that the tour offers good value for money. Karen_B particularly enjoyed the stories about the town and appreciated the “serious and spooky” narration. Jillene_H highlighted how well the directions and stories worked, calling it an “incredible” experience.

On the other hand, Heather_M’s review reminds us that technology and navigation in old towns can sometimes be a challenge. She mentions that the app was “hard to use and complicated,” and they ended up at random locations, which might be frustrating if you’re not comfortable with GPS navigation.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes: The walk covers roughly 2.5 miles, so good footwear is essential.
• Charge your phone: Since the tour relies on your device, make sure it’s fully charged, or bring a portable charger.
• Bring headphones: While audio plays through your device speaker, headphones can enhance the experience, especially in noisy areas.
• Dress for the weather: If it’s cooler or rainy, layers and an umbrella might be necessary — as Sheryl_M pointed out, forgetting warmth can hamper your experience.
• Start early or late: The tour is available 24/7, so pick times when the streets are less crowded or more atmospheric.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This self-guided ghost walk is ideal for travelers who enjoy independent exploration and stories that blend history with legend. It’s perfect for those on a budget, looking for a flexible, low-cost activity. If you’re comfortable navigating your own device and enjoy wandering at your own pace, this tour offers a fun, spooky way to see the city.

While it might not replace a guided tour with a live person if you want a more interactive experience, it compensates with the freedom to explore how and when you want. It’s also suitable for groups or families who don’t mind a longer walk and want to enjoy the stories at their own pace.

Final Thoughts

St. Augustine’s Lost Souls smartphone tour provides a solid value for anyone interested in ghost stories and historic sites. It offers a flexible way to explore the city’s haunted past without the pressure of a scheduled tour. The narration by Jefferson is engaging, and the route touches on many of the city’s most notable landmarks, blending history with spooky tales seamlessly.

It’s a good pick if you’re looking for a budget-friendly activity that you can control entirely. Just be prepared for some navigation challenges and dress appropriately for the weather. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost story fan or a curious traveler wanting to add a playful, chilling twist to your visit, this tour can be a memorable part of your St. Augustine adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for kids or families?
While it’s not specifically marketed as a family tour, the stories are generally appropriate for most ages. However, younger children may find some stories a bit spooky or intense.

Do I need to download anything before the tour?
Yes, you’ll need to download your ticket and the tour app on Wi-Fi before heading out, since it doesn’t require an internet connection during the walk.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 3 hours, but you can take longer or shorter depending on how much time you spend at each stop.

Can I do this tour at night?
Absolutely. The tour is available 24/7, and exploring haunted sites at night can heighten the spooky atmosphere.

Do I need headphones?
Headphones are optional. The narration will play from your device’s speaker, but headphones can help block out distractions and improve the experience.

Are the sites open or accessible all year round?
Most attractions are open, but some recommended sites might be seasonally closed or inaccessible due to reasons beyond the tour provider’s control.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a self-guided experience. You control when and where to walk and listen, making it flexible but without a live guide.

What if I get lost or the app doesn’t work?
The app includes a GPS map to help guide you, but some users have experienced initial navigation issues. Having a charged phone and familiarizing yourself with the route beforehand can help.

This ghost tour offers a fun, affordable way to experience the haunted side of St. Augustine at your own pace. For those who enjoy ghost stories, historic walks, and independent adventures, it’s worth considering as part of your trip.