St. Augustine Trolley TourSt. Augustine: Ghosts and Gravestones Old Town Trolley Tour review
What the tour is like
Evening departure on an Old Town Trolley, but this time there’s a costumed ghost-host on board, spinning tales of St. Augustine’s haunted history. Paul said the Old Jail "at night was so much better than the daytime visit" — atmospheric, creepy in the right way. Ruth and Christopher L. both praised the entertainment value; Christopher added, "Very entertaining. Trolly seats are extremely uncomfortable" — and he’s right, they are. John rode with ghost-host Hazel and a silent driver; Kimberly had host Catalina; Sonda had a full crew. The tour covers the same general loop as the daytime trolley, but the focus is on the darker history: cemeteries, jail cells, wax museum figures in the semi-dark. You get exclusive night entry to Potter’s Wax Museum and the Old Jail, which genuinely feel different after dark. It’s theatre meets history, and most travellers love it. The trade-off: the trolley seats are hard wooden benches with no padding. An 80-minute ride on those seats leaves your rear end numb. Not recommended for very young kids or anyone with back problems.
What works
- Highest-rated evening experience in St. Augustine
- Costumed ghost-host brings theatricality and entertainment
- Exclusive night entry to Potter’s Wax Museum — genuinely eerie after dark
- Exclusive night entry to the Old Jail — better atmosphere than daytime
- Different vibe from the daytime trolley; feels like its own tour
- Great for couples and anyone interested in local ghost stories and history
Worth knowing
- The trolley seats are hard wooden benches with no padding — 80 minutes is a long sit
- Not recommended for very young children or anyone uncomfortable with ghost themes
- Evening departure time doesn’t suit early sleepers
- If you’re not interested in ghost stories, the daytime hop-on hop-off tour ($40) is better
Bring a cushion or a folded scarf to put on the bench. It sounds silly, but it genuinely helps. Wear layers; the evening can be cool, and the trolley is open-air. Come with a sense of humor about the ghost stories — it’s entertainment, not a paranormal investigation.
Who it’s for
Couples, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys a bit of theatre with their sightseeing. Evening visitors who want something different from the daytime trolley. Families with older kids who enjoy ghost stories (not little children; the costumed host and dark themes aren’t a fit). Anyone who finds the Old Jail and Wax Museum more interesting after dark. Not for back pain sufferers or anyone who needs comfort over atmosphere. Want a full day with more stops and museums? The combo package ($69) bundles the trolley and three museums. Want holiday lights instead of ghosts? Nights of Lights ($81) runs December through January.
Other tours to consider
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Best valueFrequently asked questions
Are the ghost stories actually scary?
They’re entertainment, not a horror movie. The costumed host tells stories tied to St. Augustine’s real dark history (pirate raids, the Inquisition, local hauntings). Most adults find it fun and atmospheric. Little kids might be frightened; the tour is better for ages 10+.
What’s the deal with the hard seats?
The Ghosts trolley uses the same open-air Old Town Trolley vehicle as the daytime tour, but with hard wooden bench seats (no cushioning). It’s 80 minutes — doable, but not comfortable. Bring a thin cushion or folded scarf and you’ll be fine.
Are Potter’s Wax Museum and the Old Jail really worth it?
Paul specifically said the Old Jail “at night was so much better than the daytime visit” — the atmosphere is genuinely different. Potter’s Wax Museum figures look creepier in the semi-dark. If you’re not interested in these venues, the daytime hop-on hop-off trolley is a better value.
What time is the evening departure?
Evening, typically dusk or early night; check GetYourGuide for exact times. It varies by season.