Viator Rating : 5 (713 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.0/10 (Solid Experience)
St Augustine
St. Augustine Old Jail Museum Tour: Step Back in Time!
30
Overview
The Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine offers a peek into the past. Located on San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine’s Uptown District, this tour gives guests an educational and intriguing look into what it would have been like to be a prisoner in the Nation’s Oldest City.
On this guided tour led by the “jailers,” people can see the cells where men and women were once held. Guests can explore the maximum-security area, where the worst criminals stayed, and check out a collection of old weapons. This historical tour offers a unique look at the Old Jail of St. Johns County and is operated by Historic Tours of America - St. Augustine.
Admission to the Old Jail is included. However, transportation, food, and drinks are not. Keep in mind the St. Augustine Old Jail is closed on Christmas Day. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Guide Quality (8 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (8 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (4 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (6 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Instagram Factor (7 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Explore Real Jail Cells: See where prisoners lived in the Old Jail of St. Johns County.
Hear Stories from Jailers: Get guided tour from Historic Tours of America - St. Augustine.
See Maximum Security: Explore the area where the most dangerous criminals were kept.
View a Weapon Collection: Check out the old weapons that were once used.
Step Back in Time: Experience what it was like to be in jail long ago.
Perfect for History Buffs: Learn about the history of St. Augustine's Old Jail.
Sentiment Analysis
Visitors enjoyed the guides' storytelling.
-
Guests found the tour informative and interesting.
-
Many appreciated the chance to learn about local history.
-
Several reviewers highlighted the engaging and immersive experience.
Some found certain aspects scary.
-
A few people felt that the tour could be improved.
The Journey
Old Jail of St. Johns County
Step back in time at the Old Jail, a stark reminder of St. Augustine's past. For nearly 60 years, this imposing structure housed petty thieves and hardened criminals, witnessing eight recorded executions. Learn about the infamous Sheriff Perry, a towering figure who ruled with an iron fist, and explore the original cell blocks, gallows, and living quarters where the sheriff and his family resided just above the inmates. Discover the stories of those who were incarcerated and executed, and understand how this institution shaped St. Augustine's history. A tour through the Old Jail provides a chilling glimpse into a bygone era of justice and punishment.
Historic Tours of America - St. Augustine
Delve into the rich tapestry of St. Augustine's history with Historic Tours of America. Offering a variety of immersive experiences, these tours provide a comprehensive exploration of the city's most significant landmarks and hidden gems. From guided walking tours through the historic district to trolley tours showcasing the city's architectural beauty, Historic Tours of America unlocks the stories behind the Ancient City's captivating past. Discover the tales of explorers, settlers, and revolutionaries who shaped St. Augustine into the unique and vibrant destination it is today. Experience the city's charm and character through expert narration and firsthand encounters with its most iconic sites.
Know Before You Go
Admission to the Old Jail is included with the tour. Please note that transportation to and from the attraction is not included, and food and drinks are not provided. The St. Augustine Old Jail is closed on Christmas Day. Please plan accordingly.
Hot Tip
Some reviewers recommend visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Be prepared for spooky stories.
Review Summary
Customers generally say the Old Jail Museum Tour is a must-do experience in St. Augustine, praising the engaging, interactive, and often humorous guides who bring the history to life. Many highlight the realistic wax figures, the immersive storytelling, and the fun participation elements, especially for families. Some reviewers note the tour is brief and the second floor offers limited guided time, but overall, the experience is described as educational, entertaining, and memorable.
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
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