With more than 450 years of history, St. Augustine has plenty of stories to tell after the sun goes down. Centuries-old landmarks, historic cemeteries, former jails, and narrow streets have inspired generations of ghost stories and reports of unexplained activity.

For guests staying in our St. Augustine condo rentals, a haunted tour is a memorable way to experience another side of the Ancient City. From narrated trolley rides to hands-on paranormal investigations, here are some of the best ghost tours to consider during your stay.

Spiral staircase in St. Augustine lighthouse
Photo from Shutterstock

Ghosts & Gravestones of St. Augustine

Ghosts & Gravestones combines sightseeing, history, and spooky storytelling aboard the “Trolley of the Doomed.” A Ghost Host leads the nighttime journey while sharing stories drawn from historical research, personal accounts, and reported experiences.

The approximately 80-minute experience includes exclusive nighttime access to Potter’s Wax Museum’s Chamber of Horrors and a visit to the Old Jail. It is a great choice for visitors who want to cover more ground without spending the entire evening walking. And don’t forget! The Ghosts and Gravestones tours are one of the free tickets you can get when you book with Summerhouse. Learn more about our free activities.

If you are looking for things to do in St. Augustine after a day at the beach or exploring downtown, this tour makes it easy to combine local history with a few chills.

A Ghostly Encounter

Prefer exploring on foot? A Ghostly Encounter is a 90-minute, unscripted walking tour led by professionally licensed guides. The route explores St. Augustine’s darker history and includes stories connected to the Castillo de San Marcos, City Gate, Tolomato Cemetery, and Huguenot Cemetery.

Because guides are not following a strict script, there is room for questions and conversation along the way. The standard walking tour is recommended for all ages and is accessible to wheelchairs users and families with strollers.

St. Augustine Lighthouse Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour

The Dark of the Moon Ghost Experience takes visitors into the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum after dark. Guests hear stories about the property’s haunted history before exploring the Lightkeeper’s House and grounds, with an opportunity to climb the lighthouse when weather permits.

Among the many St. Augustine activities available at night, this experience stands out because you are exploring an actual historic landmark in the dark. Seasonal schedules vary, so checking the current calendar before your trip is important.

Old Jail After Dark

For visitors who want more than spooky stories, Old Jail After Dark offers a hands-on paranormal investigation. The experience lasts about two and a half hours and gives participants access to ghost-hunting equipment as they explore the historic jail with expert guides.

This late-night experience is for visitors 13+ and will need to be reserved in advance.

Which St. Augustine Haunted Tour Should You Choose?

The best choice depends on the kind of evening you want. Ghosts & Gravestones is a strong pick for visitors who enjoy theatrical storytelling and the comfort of a trolley. A Ghostly Encounter works well for travelers who want to walk through historic downtown and hear detailed local stories.

For a location-focused experience, choose Dark of the Moon at the lighthouse. If your group wants to use paranormal equipment and spend more time investigating one historic property, Old Jail After Dark offers the most immersive option on this list.

Final Thoughts

St. Augustine’s long history makes it one of Florida’s most interesting destinations for a ghost tour. You can ride through downtown, walk past old cemeteries, climb a lighthouse after dark, or search for unexplained activity inside a former jail.

Staying in our St. Augustine rentals gives you an oceanfront home base near Crescent Beach while keeping the historic attractions of St. Augustine within reach. Plan your favorite ghost tour, enjoy an evening downtown, and return to the beach when the night’s adventure is over.

Book Your St. Augustine Vacation Rental with Summerhouse

Make Summerhouse Beach & Racquet Club part of your next St. Augustine getaway. Our oceanfront resort has welcomed generations of families, couples, Snowbirds, and generations of families since 1982.

Book your Summerhouse vacation rental and enjoy beach time, resort amenities, and convenient access to the history and attractions that make St. Augustine such a memorable place to visit.

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