St. Augustine: Old Jail Museum Tour with Local Stories

Summary

Step into st augustine’s old jail for stories you won’t forget

You’ll walk through St. Augustine’s Old Jail Museum with a local guide who brings real stories to life—from infamous prisoners to the sheriff’s family living upstairs. Touch cold iron bars, peek into cramped cells, and hear tales that stick with you long after you leave. Includes museum admission and guided storytelling—come curious.

What’s the experience like?

It started with the “jailer” tipping his hat at the door—he called me “new fish” and winked, which made my kid laugh way too loud. I’d read about the Old Jail Museum in St. Augustine before, but standing there on San Marco Avenue, you can actually smell the old wood and metal, like a memory that never left. The guide (I think his name was Joe?) had this way of talking that made it feel less like a tour and more like we were sneaking into history together. He pointed to the gallows and said, almost offhand, “That’s where Sim Jackson met his end.” I didn’t expect to feel a chill just hearing it.

The cell blocks are tighter than you’d think—iron bars cold under your hand, walls scratched up with names and dates. Joe told us about Sheriff Perry, who was apparently huge (6’6”, 300 pounds!) and had this reputation for renting out prisoners to farmers. I tried to picture living right above all that noise; turns out the sheriff’s family did just that, their kitchen right over the cells. There was something weirdly intimate about seeing where they cooked meals for inmates—like life went on upstairs while everything else happened below. The air felt heavy in those rooms, honestly.

I caught myself staring at some old photos on the wall—a woman with her arms crossed, glaring at the camera like she knew something we didn’t. Someone asked if any ghosts ever show up; Joe just grinned and shrugged, said he’d heard things late at night but wouldn’t say more. My daughter tried to imitate his accent after we left (she failed), and I still think about how strange it must’ve been to live here back then—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour Old Jail Museum in St. Augustine

• Arrive at Old Jail Museum
• Join guided tour with jailers
• Explore cell blocks and gallows
• Visit sheriff’s quarters upstairs
• Learn about Sheriff Perry and history
• See prisoner leasing system explained
• View collection of weapons
• Complete 30-minute educational tour

Top questions

Is admission included in the Old Jail Museum tour?

Yes, your ticket includes admission to St. Augustine’s Old Jail Museum.

Where is the Old Jail Museum located in St. Augustine?

The museum is on San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine’s Uptown District.

Are tours led by guides or self-guided?

Tours are guided by local “jailers” who share stories during your visit.

Is parking available at the Old Jail Museum?

Yes, free parking is available for visitors.

Is the Old Jail Museum wheelchair accessible?

The lower floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible.

Can children join the Old Jail Museum tour?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome; kids 5 years and younger are free.

Do I need a reservation for this tour?

No reservations are needed; tours operate first come, first serve on the day of your visit.

Are service animals allowed inside?

Yes, service animals are permitted inside the museum.

What’s included

Your visit includes admission to St. Augustine’s Old Jail Museum with a guided tour led by costumed “jailers.” Free parking is provided onsite, tours run throughout the day without reservations needed, and families with young children or strollers are welcome—the lower floor is wheelchair accessible too.