Riding with the Ghosts a Golf Cart Ghost Tour in St Augustine

When it comes to exploring St. Augustine, blending history with a touch of the supernatural can make your visit truly memorable. This golf cart ghost tour promises just that — a mix of eerie stories and scenic sights, all with the convenience of a small-group ride through the city’s dimly lit streets.

What we love about this experience is how it combines expert storytelling, comfortable transportation, and intimate access to some of the city’s most haunted spots. Plus, the fact that it’s a night tour adds to the spooky atmosphere that’s perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.

One possible consideration is the duration — at just over an hour and fifteen minutes, this isn’t a long-haul adventure, so if you’re craving a more in-depth exploration, you might want to look at additional tours.

This tour suits visitors who enjoy storytelling with a spooky twist, those curious about local legends, or anyone wanting an easy, fun way to see St. Augustine at night without much walking.

Key Points

Comfortable Transport: The golf cart seats up to 10 guests, making for a cozy, intimate experience.
Engaging Guides: Certified guides with storytelling skills make the history and ghost stories come alive.
Historic & Haunted Sites: From cemeteries to historic buildings, each stop offers a glimpse into the city’s spectral tales.
Nighttime Adventure: The tour’s evening setting heightens the spooky vibe and enhances the experience.
Complimentary Photos: Capture memories of your spooky night without extra cost.
Limited Group Size: Small groups ensure a personalized, less rushed experience.

How the Tour Works and What You Can Expect

This 1-hour and 15-minute guided experience takes place entirely on a golf cart, avoiding the fatigue of walking but still allowing you to see many of St. Augustine’s most iconic and haunted locations. Starting at 38 Cathedral Place, the tour whips around some of the most historic and supposedly paranormal hotspots, with stops at cemeteries, old buildings, and landmarks that have long been associated with ghost sightings.

The tour is led by a knowledgeable certified city guide and storyteller who weaves historical facts and ghostly legends into a compelling narrative. The small group size (max 10 guests) makes it easier to ask questions and get a more tailored experience.

Stops and Highlights

Flagler Era & Old Cemeteries

The tour first drives past Ponce de Leon Hotel and the former Hotel Alcazar, giving you a glimpse into the city’s glamorous past, tinged with tales of hauntings and sightings reported by staff. The guide shares stories of ghostly encounters linked to these historic hotels, adding a layer of intrigue to their beautiful architecture.

Next, the focus shifts to two of the city’s oldest cemeteries: Huguenot and Tolomato. These cemeteries, especially Tolomato, are known for supernatural activity and chilling ghost stories. Reviewers note that Orb sightings and ghostly apparitions are common here, with some guests claiming to see unexplained orbs in their photos.

Spanish Military Hospital Museum

A highlight is the stop at the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, the oldest street in the US, where stories of the first Spanish military hospital prompt chilling tales of suffering and death. Visitors often comment on the eerie atmosphere here, which makes it a prime spot for ghostly encounters. This stop also emphasizes the importance of the location in the city’s haunted lore.

Charlotte Street & Castillo de San Marcos

Driving down Charlotte Street, known for paranormal activity, adds to the thrill. This area is reportedly especially active at night, providing plenty of material for the guide to share legends of ghostly footsteps and sightings.

The Castillo de San Marcos, a 300-year-old Spanish fort, is famous for sightings and apparitions. The guide tells of countless reports of ghostly soldiers and unexplained noises from this historic site. The 10-minute stop allows you to appreciate its imposing presence and possibly snap some photos of the fortress lit up at night.

Why the Experience Offers Great Value

At $39 per person, this tour offers a convenient way to explore multiple haunted sites without the fatigue of walking or paying for multiple entry tickets. The free photos included help you capture the spooky moments, and the small group size ensures a more personalized experience.

The expert guide, with their captivating storytelling, turns history into stories that stick. Many reviews praise the guide’s ability to balance entertaining ghost tales with solid historical context, making it an engaging experience for adults and children alike.

Plus, the tour incorporates sites that are otherwise inaccessible after hours, providing a unique perspective on St. Augustine’s darker stories. Some guests find the mix of history and ghost stories not too scary, making it suitable for families with older children or those new to paranormal tales.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Start Point and Initial Drive

The tour begins at 38 Cathedral Place, where guests gather and meet the guide. The driver immediately starts the adventure by cruising around the city’s historic streets, setting a nighttime ambiance that instantly immerses you in the spooky mood.

Flagler Hotels and Haunted Past

Driving past the former Ponce de Leon Hotel and Hotel Alcazar, the guide shares stories of their grandeur and reports of hauntings. The architecture from Flagler’s era is stunning, providing a beautiful contrast to the ghostly tales being told.

Cemeteries: Tolomato and Huguenot

The cemeteries are often the highlight for ghost enthusiasts. Reviewers mention orb sightings and supernatural activity that add to the eerie atmosphere. The Huguenot Cemetery’s history as a site of mass death during a yellow fever pandemic in 1821 adds depth to the stories, with some guests even claiming to have seen unexplained lights or figures.

The Spanish Military Hospital Museum

Standing on the oldest street in the US, this stop is perfect for those interested in haunted hospitals and the stories of suffering that have long been part of the city’s dark side. The guide’s stories about the first Spanish Military Hospital evoke a chilling sense of history and the spirits that might still linger.

Charlotte Street and San Marcos Fortress

Driving down Charlotte Street, known for paranormal activity, is a favorite among guests, especially when the guide recounts stories of ghostly footsteps and unexplained shadows. The Castillo de San Marcos provides a stunning backdrop for ghostly tales of soldiers lost to battles, with sightings of apparitions and strange noises reported for centuries.

End of Tour

The tour concludes back at the starting point, wrapping up with a final story and a chance to reflect on the night’s spooky adventure.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Many guests rave about the knowledge and storytelling skills of guides like Robert and Sandy, who bring the ghost stories to life with passion and detail. One reviewer notes that Robert “is like an encyclopedia,” adding richness to the tales of St. Augustine’s haunted history.

Others appreciate the nighttime ambiance — “It was very cool to experience the city at night,” shared a guest, emphasizing how the darkness accentuates the spooky feel. Several reviewers mention how the small group size creates a more intimate and engaging atmosphere, allowing for questions and personal stories.

Some guests, however, have their expectations unmet, citing that the ghost stories are sometimes not as “scary” or detailed as hoped. A few suggest extending the tour or adding more stops to better explore the haunted sites more closely.

Practical Tips for Your Ghost Tour Experience

• Arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point to ensure a smooth start — this is a common request and helps avoid delays.
• Dress comfortably and warmly for the night, especially if visiting cemeteries or outdoor sites.
• Bring a camera or phone for photos — the free photos are a nice bonus and some guests report capturing unexplained orbs.
• If you’re traveling with children, consider their comfort with ghost stories; the guide can adapt the tone based on the audience.
• Be prepared for a cozy ride — the golf carts seat up to 10 guests comfortably, but some reviewers found the ride slightly cramped.
• The tour runs rain or shine, but bad weather may cause cancellations for safety reasons, with full refunds or rescheduling offered.

The Best Audience for This Tour

This ghost tour is a great pick for history lovers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun, easy way to explore St. Augustine after dark. It’s perfect for families with older kids, couples on a romantic night out, or solo travelers eager to hear intriguing stories with a supernatural flair.

If you enjoy engaging storytelling, scenic nighttime rides, and haunted legends, you’ll find plenty to love here. However, if you’re after a long, in-depth historical tour or more intense ghost hunting, you might want to combine this experience with a more comprehensive historical or paranormal excursion.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it can be, especially if they enjoy ghost stories and history. Guides tend to adapt content based on the audience, and reviews mention that families with kids find it enjoyable.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers the guided tour, the golf cart ride, and complimentary photos of your experience.

Are there restrooms along the route?
The tour primarily takes place around historic sites and cemeteries. Restroom access depends on the stops and nearby facilities, but it’s best to plan accordingly.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, you’ll get a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is this tour accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, but it’s best to inform them beforehand.

What if it rains?
The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to rain, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour crowded?
No, with a maximum of 10 guests per group, it’s a small, intimate experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, as you’ll be outside and possibly in cool evening temperatures.

Can I take photos?
Absolutely, and photos are included in the tour. Many guests enjoy capturing ghostly orbs or atmospheric shots of the city lit up at night.

To sum it up, Riding with the Ghosts offers a fun, engaging way to see St. Augustine’s haunted side without much effort. It’s especially suited for those interested in history, ghost stories, and scenic night rides. The guides’ storytelling skills, paired with beautiful nighttime views, create a memorable experience that balances entertainment and education.

The tour’s affordability, small group size, and inclusion of photos make it a great value, especially for first-time visitors seeking a light-hearted yet immersive ghostly adventure. While a few guests might wish for more stops or scarier stories, the overall vibe, knowledgeable guides, and atmospheric locations make this a worthwhile addition to any St. Augustine itinerary. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this tour promises an evening filled with stories, shadows, and a chance to feel the spirits of the city whispering around you.