Taking a ghost tour in St. Augustine offers a fascinating peek into its dark past—think pirate attacks, gruesome murders, and mysterious hauntings. The GhoStAugustine Shadow Ride Haunted Tour by EV stands out as a fun, accessible way to get a spooky history lesson while cruising through the city’s historic streets. This tour combines comfort, storytelling, and a focus on authenticity, making it a good choice for those who want to experience St. Augustine’s ghostly tales without the walking fatigue or overly theatrical presentations.
What sets this tour apart? First, it’s conducted on an electric cart, meaning you sit back and enjoy the ride without worrying about walking long distances. Second, the stories are thoroughly researched, so you’re not just hearing spooky legends but true tales of murder, pirate attacks, and hauntings. Third, the small group size—limited to 7 participants—ensures you get a more personal experience and the chance to ask questions. On the flip side, it’s a one-hour tour, so if you’re craving a longer ghost adventure, this might feel somewhat brief.
This tour seems well-suited for anyone interested in history with a spooky twist, especially those who prefer comfort and a more intimate setting. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who crave a taste of St. Augustine’s haunted past without the hassle of walking through dark alleys or loud, theatrical shows.
Good To Know
- Authentic stories: All tales are thoroughly researched, focusing on true hauntings, murders, and pirate attacks.
- Comfortable experience: The electric cart provides a relaxed way to explore without walking.
- Small group: With only 7 participants, expect a more personalized and engaging tour.
- Historical focus: The narration covers both ghostly legends and genuine historic events.
- Flexible meeting points: Tours start either at Beerhammer’s or at the mall entrance, depending on timing.
- Cost-effective: At $39 per person, it offers a compelling mix of entertainment and education.
The Experience in Detail
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Starting Point and Duration
The tour lasts just about one hour, making it a manageable addition to your evening plans. Meeting points are conveniently located on St. George Street, a lively hub in downtown St. Augustine. If your tour begins before 9 pm, you’ll start at Beerhammer’s, a spirits and haunted-themed store packed with spooky memorabilia. After 9 pm, the meeting shifts slightly to the street entrance of Heritage Walk Mall, marked by a bright Tervis cup store—a subtle but helpful detail for finding your guide.
Transportation Style: Electric Cart
Traveling on an open-air electric cart creates a casual, breezy atmosphere, perfect for soaking up the sights. The electric ride is quiet, allowing the guide’s narration to shine, and the open design lets you see more of the city’s historic streets—narrow alleys, wrought-iron balconies, and mysterious corners that add to the spooky ambiance. The cart comfortably accommodates small groups, ensuring everyone has a good view and can hear the stories.
Narration and Stories
The live guide narration is a highlight. Guides like “Sam,” known for her engaging storytelling, weave true tales with just the right amount of suspense. The stories span across the north side, south side, and into the heart of downtown, spotlighting haunted sights rooted in real events.
You’ll hear about grisly murders that once shook the city, including tales of vile pirate attacks and crime mysteries that still linger today. For example, a haunted site linked to a true crime murder will be pointed out, and you’ll get a vivid recounting of the bloody events. Reviewers mention the stories as “well-researched and chilling,” emphasizing that they’re based on documented history, not just folklore.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyHighlights of the Tour
- Haunted sites and legends: Expect to see the spots where murders happened and hear about the spirits that are said to still linger.
- Pirate attacks: St. Augustine’s reputation as a pirate hotspot is explored with stories of robbery, violence, and the ghosts of pirates who allegedly haunt their former haunts.
- True crime stories: The tour doesn’t shy away from the city’s darker episodes, making the tales more believable and compelling.
- Deep dive into local history: Beyond ghosts, the narration provides context about St. Augustine’s turbulent past, which enhances the spooky stories’ authenticity.
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What’s Not Included?
The tour price of $39 is very reasonable considering the storytelling quality and small-group intimacy. However, it doesn’t include food, drinks, or hotel transfers—so plan accordingly if you want a full night out.
Accessibility and Family-Friendliness
The tour isn’t suitable for children under six, mainly because of the stories’ spooky nature and the dark, narrow streets. Also, smoking and alcohol are not allowed onboard, maintaining a family-safe environment.
Why This Tour Offers Good Value
Given the cost of $39, the tour provides a solid balance of entertainment, education, and comfort. You get a one-hour narrated ride through some of St. Augustine’s most haunted streets, with stories based on real events, all from knowledgeable guides. The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in the crowd, and the electric cart’s open design makes for an engaging, relaxed experience.
You won’t find many other tours that combine this level of authenticity and comfort in such a convenient, small-group setting. Plus, the flexible meeting points make it accessible regardless of your evening plans. The price point makes it attractive for travelers who want a memorable ghost experience without splurging on longer, more expensive tours.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is ideal for history buffs who enjoy ghost stories grounded in fact, couples looking for a romantic spooky night, or small groups of friends wanting a fun, intimate experience. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer comfort over walking or loud, theatrical performances. If you’re after a balance of education and thrills in a relaxed setting, this tour delivers.
FAQs
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about one hour, making it an easy addition to your evening plans.
Where does the tour start?
If before 9 pm, it begins at Beerhammer’s on St. George Street inside Heritage Walk Mall. After 9 pm, the starting point shifts to the street entrance of the mall at 162 St. George Street.
What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the electric cart ride, live narration, and visits across the north, south, and central historic districts, focusing on ghost stories and history.
Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6 years, mainly due to the spooky stories and dark streets.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your trip planning.
Is the tour accessible for everyone?
The small electric cart allows for easy access, but keep in mind the streets are narrow and historic, which might not suit everyone.
Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included; you might want to eat beforehand or plan for a post-tour meal.
Do I need to bring anything?
Bringing a camera is recommended to capture the sights and spooky moments.
Final Thoughts
The GhoStAugustine Shadow Ride Haunted Tour offers a smart, engaging way to explore St. Augustine’s creepy past without the fatigue of walking or theatrical overkill. You’ll enjoy authentic, well-researched stories told by enthusiastic guides, all from the comfort of a small, electric cart. It’s a great pick if you’re after a short, atmospheric experience that combines history and hauntings in a relaxed setting.
For travelers interested in historic tales with a spooky edge, this tour delivers a memorable evening out. It’s particularly worthwhile for those who want a personalized experience in a small group, with the flexibility to start at different locations depending on your schedule.
If you love uncovering local legends and learning about a city’s dark secrets in a fun, accessible way, this ghost tour makes for a clever addition to your St. Augustine itinerary.
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