St Augustine: Night Watchman Ghost Walk & Haunted Stories Tour

Summary

St Augustine haunted walk with stories, artifacts and local legends

You’ll follow a real Night Watchman through St Augustine’s oldest streets, hear ghost stories by lantern light, handle mysterious artifacts, and visit places like Flagler College and Governor’s House Museum. Expect rain or shine (ponchos included), a few shivers up your spine—and maybe a laugh or two when you least expect it.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when your shoes scuff uneven bricks and there’s just this hush, like the city’s holding its breath? That’s how it started for me in St Augustine. The Night Watchman—he actually wore a heavy old coat even though it was muggy—clicked his lantern and led us down Spanish Street. Someone nearby was frying something garlicky (maybe shrimp?), but all I could focus on was the way the shadows seemed to lean in. He told us about Ida Alice, who apparently still lingers around here. I tried to picture her face in one of those upstairs windows, which honestly gave me goosebumps.

We stopped outside Flagler College, and our guide (I think his name was Tom?) paused to let us listen. “Hear that?” he said. It was just the wind rattling palm fronds against stained glass, but he swore sometimes you could catch footsteps from students long gone. Not sure if I bought it, but standing there with the old stones under my hand—it felt possible for a second. He handed around some artifact, cold and heavier than I expected; couldn’t tell what it was exactly but it made things feel more real somehow. And then someone’s phone buzzed and we all jumped—so much for atmosphere.

The weirdest part for me was hearing about the little girl in the Pablo Sabate Home on 76 Spanish Street. Tom got quiet telling that story; you could see he half-believed it himself. Some folks on our tour kept glancing over their shoulders after that. It started to drizzle as we walked toward Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum at the end—ponchos came out (mine smelled faintly like plastic beach toys), and nobody seemed bothered by the rain anymore. There was music from a bar somewhere close, mixing with the sound of our footsteps as we headed back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore St Augustine's ghostly history

• Hear Minorcan settlers' ghost stories
• Learn history of 1887 Flagler College
• Visit Governor's House Cultural Center

Top questions

How long is the Night Watchman Ghost Walking Tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect an evening walk covering several historic spots in St Augustine.

Is this ghost tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels but be aware of uneven ground along some streets.

What locations are visited during the tour?

You’ll stop at Flagler College, Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum, Spanish Street, and other historic areas.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes—ponchos are provided if it rains during your walk.

Are service animals allowed on this St Augustine ghost tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this walking tour.

Do we get to touch any artifacts during the tour?

Yes—there are hands-on artifacts passed around during parts of the walk.

Is there music included in this experience?

Music is included as part of the atmosphere during your night walk.

Do you get anything to take home from this tour?

You’ll receive a souvenir sticker at some point during your walk.

What’s included

Your evening includes hands-on time with mysterious artifacts passed around by your guide, a souvenir sticker to remember your night by, ponchos if rain shows up (which honestly adds to the mood), plus music woven into parts of your haunted stroll before heading home from Governor's House Museum.