ghost tours st augustine old jail

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Visitors can experience history as inmates in period dress guide them through the women’s, men’s, and the maximum-security cells.

At "Old Town" with the Oldest Store Museum and the main station for Old Town Trolley Tours. 167 San Marco Ave. St. Augustine, FL 32084

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This historic jail served the city of St. Augustine from 1891 to 1953, and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Visitors can take tours of the jail during the day or night, experiencing history as inmates in period dress guide them through the women's cells, men's cells, and the maximum-security cells where only the most dangerous criminals were kept.

The Old Jail's unique history is full of fascinating stories about individual inmates that once occupied the cells and the sheriffs (and their families.) who lived just across the hall from them.

Tours depart every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day, and night tours of the Old Jail are offered as part of the Ghosts and Gravestones tour.

The Old Jail is located at Old Town, along with the Old Town Trolley main station, The Oldest Store Museum, The St. Augustine History Museum, and a gift shop. The Old Jail is open all year except on Christmas Day.

The museum opens at 9:00 a.m. daily, and closes at 4:30 p.m. They are open all year with the exception of Christmas Day. Tours last approximately 30 minutes.

The Old Jail is located at Old Town, with the Old Town Trolley main Station, the Oldest Store Museum, the St. Augustine History Museum, and a gift shop.

In 1891, with the opening of his Ponce de Leon Hotel, Flagler wanted to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for his patrons by creating a secure fortress to house criminals. It was important to Flagler that the exterior appearance of this fortress wouldn't disrupt the majestic atmosphere of the Ancient City. To accomplish this, it was designed with a Romanesque Revival style that gave it the distinct appearance of a Victorian house without interior comfort and charm. It was almost unrecognizable as a jail apart from the barred windows.

Also, the original jail was too close for comfort at the time, so Flagler asked that the new jail be built at a further location. P.J. Pauley Jail Company, the same people responsible for building Alcatraz in San Francisco, were employed to construct the prison. The jail served the city of St. Augustine until 1953. It held some of the most violent criminals and carried out capital punishment on a set of gallows on the property.

In 1954, only a year after the jail closed, it was transformed into a local attraction. The building underwent restoration in 1993 by owner Henry L. "Slim" McDaniel. Today, the Old Jail provides guests to St. Augustine with a glimpse into the history of the penal system and the daily life of its prisoners. The St. Augustine Old Jail was added to the U. S. National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

The Old Jail is located at 167 San Marco Avenue, just north of the downtown district. Free parking is available onsite.

$1.00 OFF Adult Admission

Present this coupon at Museum or Old Town Trolley ticket booth. Good for up to 4 adult tickets. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Not valid for online purchases. Must be redeemed at the time of purchase. VisitStAugCoupon23

Restaurants nearby

Dunkin' Donuts — Uptown

Alms + Fare

Subway: Historic

Cortesse's Bistro

Places to Stay nearby

Hilton Garden Inn -- Historic District

Holiday Inn St. Augustine

Best Western Historical Inn

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PLAN YOUR TOUR

Do You Believe?

Take a HAUNTINGLY fun journey with our costumed Ghost Hosts on this unique and eerily entertaining hour-long riding tour of the Nation’s Oldest City! Hear about St. Augustine’s most haunted sites aboard our open-air trolleys, perfect for taking pictures. Our stories come from years of research, personal accounts, and real-life paranormal experiences. Goosebumps are likely, nightmares doubtful. Reserve your spot now on St. Augustine’s favorite family-friendly ghost tour!

So, intrepid traveler, better catch some zzzzzzs because, after your visit to Ghost Town, you may never sleep again!

Tour Highlights

Tickets & Schedule

Here’s all that small print stuff you may want to look over.

TOUR DURATION

60 minutes.

BOARDING LOCATION

Old Town Trolley Welcome Center, 27 San Marco Ave.

Tours and times vary depending on the time of the year. See calendar for dates and times.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Ghost Town Trolley is open to guests of all ages. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is rated PG and may contain material not suitable for some children.

Reservations are required. Reservation-based tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance of tour time by calling 844-388-6452. Guests must check-in 20 minutes prior to tour time. Within 20 minutes of tour time, seat(s) are subject to cancellation.

ACCESSIBILITY & SAFETY

Ghost Town Trolley is not wheelchair accessible; please see our attendant for other accessibility options. If a guest is ambulatory, they can elect to leave their scooter or wheelchair with the attendant and retrieve it at the end of the tour. Service animals are the only animals that are allowed onboard the trolleys, which the ADA defines as any dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as “Service Animals” under the Americans with Disabilities Act.