The Best Ways to Spend Spooky Season in St. Augustine
Spooky season is just around the corner! With so much history to explore during the day in St. Augustine, there has to be some grisly stories to be told when the sun goes down, right? Of course!
However, finding the best and most reliable place to learn about these hauntings can be tricky. Many stories have been passed down through generations and replaced the truth with the fanciful. We can’t blame them, because we love the shocking stories, too. Still, there is value in the truth, and we are here to find it.
Here are a few of the best ghost tours and experiences offered in St. Augustine for those looking to discover the haunting truth in this city. Get ready for Halloween with some of the best adventures that St. Augustine provides.
The Haunted Truth Tour with Pineapple Ride & Tour
Just like during the day, Pineapple Ride & Tour offers an insightful and education ghost tour, led by local guides! Hop on an electric vehicle (EV) and explore the secrets that St. Augustine has to offer. The Haunted Truth Tour is a 90-minute adventure into the dark side of the oldest city. Because it is operated from the comfort of an EV, you can explore more than a walking tour can offer, and in the same amount of time! This is the best tour option for family members with mobility issues who still want to take in the town’s eerie past.
Pineapple Ride & Tour prides itself on its expert, knowledgable guides who love sharing all sides of St. Augustine. Whether it is a day or night tour, they will show you the history as it was reported. All stories they tell have been heavily researched by those who love digging up the facts.
The Haunted Truth Tour runs every night at 8:30pm, excluding the Nights of Lights season. Tickets start at $44 per person.
Just stopping into town for the evening? Pineapple Ride & Tour provides free on-site parking for all tour guests!
Dark of the Moon Tour at the St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is one of the most haunted places in town. The highly praised Dark of the Moon Tour is full of history, ghosts and areas to explore. Climb the famous lighthouse with only a glow stick lighting your way and experience the darkness for yourself.
One of the most well-documented hauntings on the grounds of the lighthouse is that of Peter Rasmusson, former keeper of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. While he retired from the position in 1924 at age 41, Peter loved his job and the lighthouse, bringing his spirit back to the grounds after his death.
Peter was the longest serving keeper in the lighthouse’s history, a distinction he was, and reportedly still is, incredibly proud of. He is often seen reprimanding people who disrespect the lighthouse, grounds or history of the area by knocking hats off of heads and appearing as sudden cold spots.
Dark Side of the Moon Tours are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, along with select Wednesday nights. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, because spots are limited and this experience is expected to sell out.
Some Hauntings to Explore on Your Own
The Castillo de San Marcos: With centuries of seiges and battles to its name, it makes sense that there are some spirits that have not yet parted with the fort. Many visitors report hearing the yelling and footsteps of soldiers going into battle, while others often see a man dressed in Spanish era garb standing on the gun deck. This is believed to be Captain Domingo Martinez, who died protecting the fort from a seige in 1702.
Casa de Solana: Looking for a place to stay during your time in St. Augustine? Check out Casa de Solana, a popular bed & breakfast in town known for its hauntings. Fredrico, a soldier who died while protecting the building in the 1800s continues to stand guard and can be seen around the property. For the brave visitors, consider requesting the Montejurra Room during your stay. It is believed to be the most visited room by the supernatural throughout the inn.
Scarlett Rouge (formerly Scarlett O’Hara’s): Many St. Augustine bars and restaurants have a well-known ghost who keeps up with the building that they onced owned in another life. George Colee is that previous resident at Scarlett Rouge. George isn’t there to ruffle any feathers, though. He’s just a trickster who likes to keep the staff and patrons on their toes. Often open until 2am, Scarlett Rouge is a great place to spend a night out ghost hunting.
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