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

Unique Night-Time Exploration in the Oldest City

Riding with the Ghosts offers a distinctive way to experience St Augustine’s haunted history. For $39 per person, the tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it departs from 38 Cathedral Place. Instead of walking, guests ride in a comfortable golf cart with a certified guide, making this tour accessible and engaging. The small group size—up to 10 travelers—ensures an intimate experience, ideal for those looking for a mix of history and ghost stories.

This tour is well-suited for visitors who want a nighttime adventure without the physical exertion of walking long distances. It’s perfect for families, history buffs, or anyone curious about St Augustine’s darker legends. While the cost is reasonable, keep in mind that most bookings are made 8 days in advance, and weather conditions can affect the experience.

The Route: From Flagler College to the Castillo de San Marcos

The tour takes you around the historic streets and landmarks of St Augustine. Starting at Ponce de Leon, the guide shares stories of paranormal sightings linked to the area’s dark past. You’ll drive past Flagler College and the Hotel Alcazar, both known for reports of hauntings and spectral encounters.

The route emphasizes sites with supernatural activity, while the guide details history, legends, and sightings. The overall pacing allows enough time for storytelling and viewing, with some stops where guests can get off the cart briefly to observe more closely or take photos.

The Ghostly Stops: Cemeteries, Hospitals, and Historic Streets

Stop at the Spanish Military Hospital Museum: This is the oldest street in the U.S., where stories of the first Spanish Military Hospital fuel ghostly tales. Visitors can almost feel the spirits that are said to linger here. The admission is free, and the location is favored for ghost encounters.

Charlotte Street is renowned for paranormal activity. This street is one of the most active sites in the city for ghostly phenomena, making it a highlight for those eager to see or sense spirits.

Castillo de San Marcos: The famous 300-year-old Spanish fort is known for countless sightings of apparitions and strange lights. The 10-minute stop allows for viewing and storytelling, adding a creepy historical layer to the experience.

Huguenot Cemetery: The pandemic of yellow fever in 1821 left many victims buried here. The cemetery has notable reports of orbs and sightings, giving it a reputation as a supernatural hotspot.

Tolomato Cemetery: Known for particularly chilling ghost stories, this burial ground is believed to host supernatural activity from its occupants. The 10-minute stop invites visitors to hear about the most haunted stories associated with the site.

The Guides: Knowledgeable Storytellers with a Passion for History

The guides are a key part of the experience. They are certified city guides who blend historical facts with ghost stories, delivering their tales in a compelling and personable manner. Reviews highlight guides like Robert and Sandy as especially informative and engaging, capable of entertaining and educating guests simultaneously.

Guests appreciate guides who interact naturally, sharing personal insights and local folklore, making the night feel both authentic and spooky. The small group size allows for questions and close-up experiences, which many find adds to the personal touch of the tour.

The Atmosphere: Nighttime Lighting and City Vibes

The tour takes place at night, which heightens the mysterious atmosphere. The well-lit meeting point at Park Plaza offers plenty of seating and a safe space to wait before departure. During the ride, the darkened streets and historic architecture create an appropriate setting for ghost stories.

Guests often comment on how atmospheric the city looks after dark, with stunning views of historic buildings and the fort illuminated. Riding in a golf cart provides an easy, breezy way to explore more ground than a walking tour, while still feeling intimate and personal.

The Stops and Walk-Abouts: Balancing Moving and Exploring

While most of the tour stays on the golf cart, there are brief opportunities to step off at key locations. Stops like Huguenot Cemetery and Tolomato Cemetery allow guests to walk around and observe the surroundings more closely. The guide encourages questions and sharing stories, making each stop more interactive.

Some reviews suggest that additional stops or more walking time could enhance the tour, especially at sites with visual interest. The current pacing offers a good overview, but extension or more frequent stops could appeal to those wanting a deeper dive.

The Photos and Memories: Complimentary Pictures Included

One notable feature is the complimentary photos provided to guests. These images capture the group during the tour and serve as memories of the spooky night. While the photos don’t guarantee ghost sightings, they add a fun souvenir to the experience.

Guests often mention taking lots of pictures, especially at the cemeteries and historic landmarks, where the lighting and atmosphere lend a mysterious vibe to the images.

Tour Logistics: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Booking

The meeting point at 38 Cathedral Place is conveniently located in the heart of St Augustine’s historic district. The small group limit of up to 10 guests creates an intimate environment that encourages interaction and personalized storytelling.

Most bookings are made 8 days in advance, highlighting the tour’s popularity. The tour operates in good weather, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. The service animals are allowed, ensuring accessibility for all.

The Experience: Fun, Spooky, and Informative

Reviewers consistently describe the tour as fun and engaging. The guides are praised for storytelling skills and knowledge, making the experience both entertaining and informative. Many appreciate the balance of history and ghost tales, which never feel overly frightening—making it suitable for families and those with sensitive nerves.

Some feedback points to room for improvement, like more stops or additional walking, but overall, the feedback is very positive. The subjective nature of ghost stories means some may find the stories less spooky than hoped, but most find the dark city streets and historic sites enough to create a haunting ambiance.

Final Thoughts: A Delightful Night in the Haunted City

Riding with the Ghosts provides a well-rounded, approachable way to explore St Augustine’s haunted locations at night. The golf cart experience makes it comfortable and accessible, while expert guides weave engaging stories that mix history and paranormal tales.

While the tour’s length and stops could be expanded, the current setup offers great value for the price. It appeals most to those who enjoy ghost stories, historic architecture, and nighttime city views. Families with children, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers will find this tour a fun and educational way to experience the dark side of America’s oldest city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is designed to be family-friendly, with guides adjusting storytelling depending on the audience. It is generally suitable for children, especially since the ghost stories are not excessively frightening.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering various historic sites and cemeteries with brief stops.

What should I wear or bring?
Guests should wear comfortable clothing suitable for evening temperatures, and bring a camera or smartphone for photos. Since the tour is outdoors, an umbrella or rain jacket might be useful in poor weather.

Can I get off the golf cart during the tour?
Yes, at specific stops like cemeteries, guests have the opportunity to walk around and observe more closely.

What if it rains?
The tour runs in good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or rescheduling will be offered.