St Augustine: Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour

REVIEW · ST AUGUSTINE FLORIDA

St Augustine: Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour

  • 4.634 reviews
  • 1.3 hours
  • From $39
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Operated by St Augustine Land and Sea Tours LLC · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 4.6 (34)Duration1.3 hoursPrice from$39Operated bySt Augustine Land and Sea Tours LLCBook viaGetYourGuide

Ghost stories in St. Augustine are better on wheels. This electric golf cart tour lets you cover more haunted ground without grinding your feet across cobblestones, while a lively guide like Bob (or Robert) brings the legends to life. The trade-off is that it’s mostly about driving by and brief stops outside, so if you want to go inside buildings for scares, you may feel slightly shorted.

I especially like how the route focuses on the city’s big-name haunted landmarks, including the Former Ponce de Leon Hotel, Alcazar Hotel, and Castillo de San Marcos—places you’ll recognize even if you’re new to St. Augustine. Another plus is the storytelling tone: the guides are interactive, funny, and patient at the stops, and they’ll even accommodate families when someone needs a quick break.

If you’re booking on a night that’s hot, buggy, or crowded in the plaza, plan to manage the wait and get moving fast when your cart arrives. One small note: the tour can feel more history-forward than horror-forward depending on what you’re hoping for.

Key things you’ll notice on this golf cart ghost tour

St Augustine: Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour - Key things you’ll notice on this golf cart ghost tour

  • Comfort-first transport: a smooth electric golf cart means you avoid long stretches of walking.
  • Big haunted names on the route: you’ll drive past St. Augustine landmarks tied to hauntings, including major historic hotels and the fort area.
  • Storytelling led by friendly guides: guides like Bob/Robert are interactive and keep the group engaged.
  • Stops with chances to get out: you’ll disembark at several sites, not just sit and listen the whole time.
  • Complimentary photos included: you leave with photos instead of needing to capture everything yourself.
  • Small group scale: limited to 10 participants, with seating in rows (3 passengers per row).

Why St. Augustine feels different when you roll through it

St Augustine: Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour - Why St. Augustine feels different when you roll through it
St. Augustine is the oldest city vibe turned up to 11: narrow streets, historic buildings, and plenty of corners where stories cling to the walls. Doing it by golf cart changes the whole pace. You still get the atmosphere, but you’re not stuck walking long distances at night while trying to follow a guide through crowds.

This tour is built for maximum coverage in a short time. In just 75 minutes, you’re not limited to one neighborhood or one cluster of stops—you get a route that stretches across the city’s haunted highlights. And because it’s an electric vehicle, the ride stays comfortable, even when the streets are tight and the sidewalks aren’t the kind you want to cram into.

Also, this is a small-group format, limited to 10. That matters more than you’d think. You get a guide voice that stays clear, and the group doesn’t feel like a marching band. You can actually hear the stories, and the guide has time to check in at the stops.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in St Augustine Florida.

The 75-minute structure: how the timing works

St Augustine: Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour - The 75-minute structure: how the timing works
The tour runs for 75 minutes, which is long enough to tell a real story arc but short enough that you don’t feel trapped on a long night out. You’ll start at 150 Charlotte St and return there at the end.

A big part of the format is that you’re on the move through most of the experience, then you step out at a few points. Those off-cart moments are your chance to reposition, take photos, and look around the exact spot the story is tied to. The rest of the time, you’re listening while the cart carries you down those cobblestone-lined streets.

If you tend to get cold at night, plan for that. It’s Florida, but evenings in an old coastal city can still feel chilly once you’re seated still for a while. A light layer is an easy win.

Entering the city’s haunted core from Constitution Plaza

St Augustine: Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour - Entering the city’s haunted core from Constitution Plaza
The tour meeting point is on the east side of Constitution Plaza, by the Slave Market, at 150 Charlotte St. This is one of those practical locations that makes sense: you’re central, you’re near a lot of foot traffic, and you’re already in the historic loop.

When you meet, the guide brings the group onto the carts. There are a couple of practical things to know up front. Participants must be able to step in and out of the vehicle, and each row seats 3 passengers per row. If anyone in your group has mobility limits that make climbing awkward, this is the one detail that can affect comfort.

On some dates—from November 15 to January 11—there’s also a pickup option at 2 Artillery Ln, by the Trinity Episcopal Church Thrift Store. If you’re visiting during that window, check how you’re assigned so you’re not hunting for the meeting point in the dark.

Rolling past the Former Ponce de Leon Hotel and Alcazar Hotel

Two of the most recognized hotel stops are on the route: the Former Ponce de Leon Hotel and the Alcazar Hotel. Even if you’re not a history buff, these are the kinds of names that instantly make the stories feel grounded in real places.

Why these hotel sites matter: hotels are where visitors come and go, where routines get interrupted, and where old events can become folklore. When a guide ties a haunting to a specific property, the story feels less like random spooky theater and more like a legend with roots.

One thing I think you’ll appreciate is how the guide keeps the group moving and sets expectations at the stops. Guides on this tour are often described as friendly and patient, and they’re comfortable handling questions in the moment. That makes a difference when you’re in a small group and you want to understand more than just the punchline of the ghost story.

Castillo de San Marcos at night: the fort stop you remember

St Augustine: Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour - Castillo de San Marcos at night: the fort stop you remember
You’ll drive by Castillo de San Marcos, one of the most iconic parts of the St. Augustine landscape. Even if you’ve seen photos, being near it at night adds a different rhythm. The fort gives the stories a stronger historical gravity, because it’s not just a building—it’s tied to defense, trade, and long spans of time.

In a “ghost tour” you might expect pure scares, but here the fort stop tends to work as context. It helps explain why the city became a stage for so many overlapping events. That’s why a lot of people come away feeling they learned something, not just something spooky.

One fair consideration: if you’re hoping for a horror movie-style scare, this stop may feel more atmospheric than action-packed. The format is built around driving by and brief viewing, not walking through indoor attractions.

Here's some more things to do in St Augustine Florida

Cemeteries included: Huguenot and Tolomato

St Augustine: Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour - Cemeteries included: Huguenot and Tolomato
If there’s a part of St. Augustine that really carries a cold weight, it’s the cemeteries. On this route you’ll cover Huguenot Cemetery and Tolomato Cemetery, both tied to the city’s older layers.

A cemetery stop can be tricky on tours because it easily turns into a rushed photo-op. What helps here is the pacing. Since you’re not trying to haul a group through long walks, you can slow down enough to let the stories land.

Also, listening from the cart and then stepping out briefly means you can keep your bearings. You’re not lost in the dark streets, trying to figure out where to go next. You get the guide’s direction, and you can focus on the meaning of the location, not just the logistics of getting there.

Old churches, cobblestone streets, and the “why this works” factor

St Augustine: Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour - Old churches, cobblestone streets, and the “why this works” factor
The tour isn’t only about a list of stops. You also get the feel of St. Augustine: narrow streets, cobblestones, and historic buildings that make the evening atmosphere do part of the work for you.

This is where the golf cart format earns its place. Walking in these areas can mean sore feet, blurry follow-the-guide moments, and more stress about where everyone is. On the cart, you can keep your eyes up. You can notice the street angles and building shapes that make the stories believable.

And yes, you’ll hear spooky tales tied to old churches and other haunted landmarks along the route. The guide’s tone—often described as lively, interactive, and funny—helps balance the mood. It keeps the tour from turning into a monotone reading session, which is the easiest way to make ghost stories feel flat.

Complimentary photos: a small add-on with real value

St Augustine: Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour - Complimentary photos: a small add-on with real value
A nice practical perk is complimentary photos included with the tour. That means you’re not relying entirely on your phone for every shot, especially at night when lighting can be tricky.

The best part: the photos let you focus on listening instead of constantly trying to frame the “perfect” haunted building shot. You can also use the photos later to remember which landmark your guide was discussing when you were on the move.

If you’re traveling with family, this matters even more. One review noted that kids enjoyed stopping and taking pictures. That’s the kind of detail that turns the tour from adult-only curiosity into an experience kids can actually join.

What to do when you get out of the cart

You’ll disembark at several sites, but the tour isn’t designed for long wandering. Treat those stop moments as short windows. Go where the guide directs, look around, take your photo if you want it, and then get back on when called.

Because participants must be able to step in and out, it’s smart to wear shoes you can move in quickly. Not fancy shoes. Not sandals you have to hold on with. Comfortable, grippy footwear keeps everything smoother if you’re stepping off onto uneven surfaces.

If you’re the planner in your group, here’s a good tip: take care of any personal needs right after you’ve arrived and before the cart departs. One guide on this tour was patient and worked with a family member who needed a quick restroom stop, so it’s clear the team is human and flexible—but it’ll still be easier if you’re already comfortable.

Price and value: is $39 a fair deal?

At $39 per person for 75 minutes, this isn’t the cheapest ghost option in town, but it also isn’t trying to be. The value comes from three places:

  • You get transportation included, so you’re paying for the cart experience instead of just a walking narrative.
  • You cover multiple high-interest haunted sites rather than getting one stop repeated with different angles.
  • You get complimentary photos, which saves you time and hassle on nighttime picture quality.

Compared to paying for a longer attraction plus transport, $39 can feel reasonable—especially if you’re visiting during a season where the streets are crowded and you don’t want to burn vacation energy on logistics.

If your goal is maximum scares, you might judge it by a different standard and feel it’s more history-leaning than horror-heavy. But if your goal is a fun, easy night out that packs in iconic locations, this price lands in the workable zone.

The guide makes or breaks it, and this team leans strong

A tour like this lives and dies by the guide. The strongest part of the experience is the storytelling delivery. One guide, Bob, is often singled out as informative, friendly, and interactive. Another is described as Robert and similarly praised for being a great story teller with a sense of humor and solid local history.

Here’s what that means for you: you’re not just hearing facts. You’re getting the story threaded through St. Augustine’s real landmarks. And when a guide is patient, the stops feel comfortable even if the group varies in age or attention span.

If you’re bringing kids, the vibe matters. One family-focused moment mentioned the guide stopping so a little one could go potty. That’s not a guarantee for every departure, but it signals a calm approach. It also suggests the guide isn’t rigid about the human side of a small-group outing.

Logistics you should plan for before you go

A couple of practical notes will help you enjoy the tour more:

  • Arrive at the meeting point on time, especially if it’s late and the plaza is dark. Waiting can be uncomfortable once the night sets in.
  • Bring bug protection if you’re easily bothered by mosquitoes. One experience specifically called out mosquitoes when people were waiting after dark.
  • Wear shoes that make stepping on and off the cart easy.

On a final detail: seating can be a little tight. Each row is set up for 3 passengers, and in a small group you may still end up spread out if you board quickly without coordinating. If you’re traveling with someone you want to stay close to, meet up as a unit and board together.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip)

This is a great fit if you want:

  • a light-effort, night-time activity with stories
  • to see key landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos and major historic hotels without long walking stretches
  • an entertaining guide who can keep a group engaged

It may be less ideal if you want:

  • an inside-the-building ghost experience
  • a heavy horror show style with maximum jump scares

One person specifically wished they could go inside an attraction like the jail and said the tour wasn’t as scary as expected. So if your idea of a ghost tour is doors opening and walkthrough scares, you’ll probably want a different format.

Should you book St Augustine: Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour?

You should book this if you want an easy, structured way to see St. Augustine’s haunted highlights in a short window. The cart solves the biggest comfort issue—walking at night on cobblestones—and the guide-led storytelling is the kind of value you can feel from start to finish. Add in the complimentary photos, and it becomes a convenient “experience plus keepsake” night.

Skip or consider another option if your top priority is a truly scary, inside-access ghost adventure. This one is more about legend, landmark, and mood than full-on horror immersion.

If you’re deciding between doing this and doing nothing: I’d choose it. It’s a fun way to spend your evening in one of Florida’s most story-rich cities, without exhausting your feet before your real vacation plans start.

FAQ

How long is the St Augustine Riding with the Ghosts Golf Cart Tour?

The tour lasts 75 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

It costs $39 per person.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at 150 Charlotte St, on the east side of Constitution Plaza by the Slave Market.

Is pickup included from hotels?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. There is a pickup option at 2 Artillery Ln by the Trinity Episcopal Church Thrift Store for the period November 15 to January 11.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the ghost tour, a live English-speaking guide, and complimentary photos.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Will we drive past specific haunted landmarks?

Yes. The route includes drive-bys of the Former Ponce de Leon Hotel, Alcazar Hotel, Castillo de San Marcos, plus Huguenot and Tolomato Cemeteries.

Do you ever get out of the cart?

Yes. You will disembark at several sites.

What group size is this tour?

It is a small group limited to 10 participants.

What accessibility requirement should we know?

Participants must be able to step in and out of the vehicle. Each row seats 3 passengers.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re bringing kids or a mobility-sensitive guest, and I’ll help you decide if this is the right “spooky night” style for your group.

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