The Best Ghost Tours in St. Augustine

For thrill-seekers and history buffs alike, St. Augustine’s ghost tours offer a spine-chilling way to explore its eerie past. In this travel guide, we will compare the best ghost tours in St. Augustine, highlighting what makes each unique, who they’re best for, and how to choose the perfect one for your next adventure. Let’s dive into the supernatural side of the Ancient City!

Why St. Augustine is a Ghost Tour Haven

St. Augustine’s rich history makes it a paranormal hotspot. The city has seen wars, disease, and pirate invasions, leaving behind a tapestry of ghost stories. From the haunted Castillo de San Marcos to the spectral residents of the Huguenot Cemetery, every corner seems to hold a tale. Ghost tours here blend historical accuracy with eerie folklore, offering experiences ranging from family-friendly walks to intense paranormal investigations. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these tours deliver unforgettable thrills against the backdrop of St. Augustine’s historic charm.

How I Evaluated the Ghost Tours

To bring you the best ghost tour recommendations, I considered several factors:

Storytelling Quality: Are the guides engaging and knowledgeable?
Historical Accuracy: Do the tours ground their tales in real history?
Spook Factor: How chilling is the experience?
Unique Features: What sets the tour apart (e.g., access to haunted sites, equipment, or themed elements)?
Group Size and Pace: Is it intimate or crowded? Suitable for all mobility levels?
Value for Money: Does the price match the experience?

With these in mind, I explored St. Augustine’s top ghost tours, and here’s what I found.

1. A Ghostly Encounter – Best for Families and History Lovers

Overview: A Ghostly Encounter is a 90-minute walking tour that’s been a staple in St. Augustine for over 30 years. It’s known for its blend of spooky stories and historical depth, making it ideal for families and those who want a lighter scare.

What to Expect:

Route: You’ll stroll through the dark alleys of historic downtown, visiting sites like the Tolomato and Huguenot Cemeteries, the Castillo de San Marcos, and the Oldest Wooden School House—a certified haunted building exclusive to this tour.
Stories: Guides share tales of restless spirits, like Elizabeth, a yellow fever victim who waves from the City Gates, and the ghostly children of the cemeteries. The stories are eerie but not overly terrifying, perfect for kids.
Guides: Licensed storytellers weave history and folklore with humor and charm. They’re great at engaging all ages.
Group Size: Small to medium (up to 15-20 people), ensuring a personal feel.
Accessibility: Stroller and wheelchair-friendly, with a leisurely pace.

Unique Features:

Exclusive access to the Oldest Wooden School House for a mini paranormal investigation with EMF meters.
Pet-friendly, so your leashed furry friend can join the haunt.

Spook Factor: Mild to moderate—think creepy tales with a side of giggles. Kids will love it, and adults won’t lose sleep.

Price: Adults $30, kids 6-11 $20, under 6 free. Great value for a 90-minute tour with exclusive access.

Best For: Families, first-time ghost tour takers, and history enthusiasts who want a well-rounded experience without intense scares.

Pro Tip: Book online for a discount, and arrive early to snag a spot near the guide for the best storytelling.

2. Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour – Best for a Theatrical Ride

Overview: If walking isn’t your thing, the Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour offers a 80-minute “Frightseeing” adventure aboard an open-air trolley. It’s a theatrical experience with costumed “ghost hosts” who bring St. Augustine’s dark past to life.

What to Expect:

Route: The trolley cruises past haunted hotspots like the Old Jail, Tolomato Cemetery, and Potter’s Wax Museum, with two stops for up-close encounters.
Stories: Expect dramatic tales of executed pirates, like Andrew Ranson, whose gruesome death is reenacted in the Wax Museum’s Chamber of Horrors. You’ll also hear about the ghostly inmates of the Old Jail.
Guides: Ghost hosts are more like actors, delivering stories with flair and spooky sound effects. They’re enthusiastic but stick to researched accounts.
Group Size: Larger groups (20-30), which can feel less intimate but adds to the lively vibe.
Accessibility: Limited—trolley steps and uneven ground at stops may challenge those with mobility issues.

Unique Features:

Exclusive nighttime access to the Old Jail and Potter’s Wax Museum’s Chamber of Horrors.
A visit to Cromwell’s Parlour of Paranormal Curiosities before the tour, showcasing authentic haunted artifacts.

Spook Factor: Moderate—dramatic storytelling and creepy settings like the Old Jail dial up the chills, but it’s more theatrical than terrifying.

Price: Around $35 per person. Slightly pricier but includes unique stops and a comfy ride.

Best For: Theater lovers, those with limited mobility who prefer riding, and groups seeking a fun, spooky night out.

Pro Tip: Sit near the front of the trolley for the best views and photo ops, and bring a light jacket—the open-air ride can get chilly.

3. GhoSt Augustine’s Everdark Express – Best for Paranormal Investigators

Overview: GhoSt Augustine’s Everdark Express is a 2-hour hybrid tour that blends ghost stories with hands-on paranormal investigation. It’s perfect for those who want to hunt for spirits themselves.

What to Expect:

Route: The tour visits off-the-beaten-path sites, like the Pinehurst and San Sebastian Cemeteries and a nondescript haunted house that’s anything but ordinary.
Stories: Guides share lesser-known tales, like the forgotten souls of the African American cemeteries and the eerie history of the haunted house’s former residents.
Guides: Knowledgeable and passionate about the paranormal, they teach you how to use ghost-hunting gear like K2 meters and SLS cameras.
Group Size: Small (10-15), fostering an intimate, interactive experience.
Accessibility: Moderate walking; some uneven terrain in cemeteries may be tricky.

Unique Features:

Hands-on use of professional ghost-hunting equipment, included in the price.
Access to a private haunted house for small-group investigations in its “most active” rooms.

Spook Factor: High—being inside a haunted house with flickering meters can send shivers down your spine, especially if you pick up activity.

Price: $39-$79, depending on the experience level. Worth it for the equipment and exclusive access.

Best For: Paranormal enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and anyone curious about ghost hunting.

Pro Tip: Wear bug spray for cemetery stops—mosquitoes love the night! Also, bring a fully charged phone to record potential EVPs (electronic voice phenomena).

4. Nightly Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl – Best for Adults Seeking Spirits and Spirits

Overview: Nightly Spirits combines ghost stories with bar-hopping on a 2.5-hour haunted pub crawl. It’s a boozy, adults-only adventure through St. Augustine’s most spirited taverns.

What to Expect:

Route: You’ll visit 3-4 haunted pubs, like Scarlett O’Hara’s, plus eerie stops like the Huguenot Cemetery.
Stories: Hear about ghostly bar patrons, like the rum-running spirits at the Casablanca Inn, and tragic tales tied to the pubs’ pasts.
Guides: Pirate-costumed guides keep the mood lively, mixing history, humor, and spooks. They’re great at pacing the tour to balance drinks and stories.
Group Size: Small to medium (10-18), keeping things social but not crowded.
Accessibility: Moderate walking; pub interiors may have stairs.

Unique Features:

Your first drink is included, with discounts at other stops.
A fun, social vibe that blends ghost stories with St. Augustine’s nightlife.

Spook Factor: Low to moderate—the focus is more on fun than fright, but creepy tales in dark pubs add a chill.

Price: Around $35-$40, including one drink. Drinks beyond that are on you, so budget accordingly.

Best For: Adults 21+ who love a mix of history, ghosts, and craft brews.

Pro Tip: Eat before the tour—drinks hit harder on an empty stomach. Book on a weekday for a quieter, more intimate crawl.

5. St. Augustine Lighthouse Dark of the Moon Tour – Best for Exclusive Access

Overview: The Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour is a 2-hour after-hours exploration of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, featured on shows like Ghost Hunters. It’s a premium experience for those seeking history and haunts.

What to Expect:

Route: Explore the lighthouse, Keeper’s House, and grounds, including the basement and 219-step tower climb (optional).
Stories: Learn about the tragic deaths of two girls who drowned in the 1870s, whose giggles are still heard, and the ghostly keepers who linger in the tower.
Guides: Expert historians with a knack for storytelling guide you through the site’s paranormal and maritime history.
Group Size: Small (10-12), ensuring a personal experience.
Accessibility: Limited—narrow stairs and uneven grounds make it tough for mobility issues, but ground-level areas are accessible.

Unique Features:

Exclusive nighttime access to one of St. Augustine’s most haunted landmarks.
Use of EMF meters to detect paranormal activity.

Spook Factor: High—climbing the dark lighthouse tower and hearing unexplained sounds in the Keeper’s House can be unnerving.

Price: $40-$50 per person. A bit steep but justified by the exclusive access and length.

Best For: History buffs, paranormal fans, and those who don’t mind a climb for a unique experience.

Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the tower climb, and bring a small flashlight—some areas are pitch-black.

Comparing the Tours: Which One’s Right for You?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose:

Tour	Duration	Price	Spook Factor	Best For
A Ghostly Encounter	90 min	$20-$30	Mild	Families, history lovers
Ghosts & Gravestones	80 min	~$35	Moderate	Theater fans, ride-seekers
GhoSt Augustine Everdark	2 hr	$39-$79	High	Paranormal investigators
Nightly Spirits Pub Crawl	2.5 hr	$35-$40	Low-Moderate	Adults who love bars and ghosts
Dark of the Moon Lighthouse	2 hr	$40-$50	High	History buffs, thrill-seekers

If you want a family-friendly intro: Go with A Ghostly Encounter for its accessible pace and engaging stories.
If you prefer drama and comfort: Ghosts & Gravestones’ trolley ride delivers theatrical fun.
If you’re a ghost-hunting geek: GhoSt Augustine’s Everdark Express lets you play investigator.
If you love nightlife: Nightly Spirits’ pub crawl mixes spirits with spirits.
If you crave exclusivity: The Dark of the Moon Tour offers unmatched access to a haunted icon.

Tips for Enjoying Your St. Augustine Ghost Tour

Book Early: Popular tours, especially on weekends and around Halloween, sell out fast. Reserve online for discounts and guaranteed spots.
Dress for the Weather: Nights can be cool, and summer humidity is no joke. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking tours.
Bring a Camera or Phone: You might capture orbs or shadowy figures—many tours encourage photos.
Stay Open-Minded: Even skeptics can enjoy the history and atmosphere. Who knows? You might feel a chill!
Combine with Other Activities: Pair your tour with a daytime visit to the Castillo de San Marcos or a meal at a historic restaurant like The Floridian for a full St. Augustine experience.

Where to Stay for Your Ghostly Adventure

St. Augustine’s historic inns and B&Bs add to the spooky vibe. Consider:

St. Francis Inn: A 1791 gem rumored to be haunted by a lovesick ghost named Lily. Rooms start at ~$150/night.
Casablanca Inn: A Prohibition-era haunt with tales of a ghostly innkeeper. Rates from ~$180/night.
Casa de Sueños B&B: A cozy spot near ghost tour starting points, perfect for unwinding post-tour. From ~$200/night.

Book early, as these historic stays fill up during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Haunts of St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s ghost tours are more than just spooky stories—they’re a portal to the city’s soul. Whether you’re chuckling at tales with A Ghostly Encounter, riding the eerie trolley with Ghosts & Gravestones, hunting spirits with GhoSt Augustine, sipping brews on Nightly Spirits’ pub crawl, or climbing the haunted lighthouse, there’s a tour to match your vibe. Each offers a unique lens on the Ancient City’s past, blending history, mystery, and a dash of the supernatural.

As a travel blogger, I’ve wandered many haunted cities, but St. Augustine’s charm and chills stand out. My personal favorite? The Dark of the Moon Lighthouse Tour for its exclusive access and heart-pounding moments in the tower. But whichever you choose, you’re in for a night of thrills and tales you won’t soon forget.