Tour of St. Augustine Old Jail Museum

The historic St. Augustine Old Jail in Florida invites visitors to do some jail time, albeit not in the traditional sense! The famous tourist attraction offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of prison inmates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It operated as a county jail for 62 years starting from 1891 until 1953 and held 72 prisoners at a given time.

The former prison looks like a quaint Victorian house from the outside. It was intentionally built this way so as not to spook the local residents of St. Augustine. Actors moonlighting as local guides (dressed in jailer outfits, no less) will lead you to the different cell blocks, maximum security area, and gallows, as well as the overhead sheriff’s living quarters. Listen to harrowing stories about the jail’s reputation for carrying out capital punishment. A total of eight prisoners were executed on the gallows. The knowledgeable guides will also regale you with tales about the renowned Sheriff Perry. He ruled with a heavy hand and was revered as well as feared in equal measure.

If all this sounds too grim for your liking, fret not. The tour is designed to inform and enthrall visitors with the penal system while also offering many moments of levity. The St. Augustine Old Jail is not your average tourist attraction but it's guaranteed to make a big impression.

Tour of St. Augustine Old Jail Museum

Discover the historical significance and haunting tales of the oldest city in the U.S.A on this sightseeing tour that includes a guided exploration of the St. Augustine Old Jail Museum, situated within the heart of the historic district. This tour covers approximately 1 mile over two hours, with audio guides available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Dutch. Key highlights include observing the men's and women’s cells, cell blocks, gallows, kitchen, and maximum security area, which houses death row cells. Guests also get introduced to Sheriff Joseph Perry, a legendary figure who served as warden from 1905 until his retirement in 1946. The tour includes stops at other landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos, the Lightner Museum, and the historic Aviles Street.

Explore St. Augustine Old Jail Museum

Your tour stops at the St. Augustine Old Jail Museum where you can delve into its rich history dating back to 1898 when it was constructed as a city jail. The museum spans over 6,000 square feet and includes various cell blocks with specific features such as solitary confinement cells measuring six by nine feet, men’s and women’s cells, the gallows where public executions took place from 1923 to 1948, and a kitchen area that fed prisoners. The maximum security wing houses death row cells, which were used until 1950 when Florida abolished capital punishment for all but first-degree murder cases. Visitors spend about an hour exploring the jail’s corridors, observing its grim architecture, and learning about the harsh conditions inmates faced during the early 20th century. Unlike other historical sites that focus on grandeur or beauty, this museum offers a unique glimpse into the darker side of St. Augustine's past, making it essential for history buffs and those interested in criminal justice.

Visit Castillo de San Marcos

At the Castillo de San Marcos, guests can admire one of the most well-preserved 17th-century military forts in North America. Built between 1672 and 1695 from coquina stone, this fort measures over 40 feet high at its tallest point with walls up to 13 feet thick. The Castillo served as a Spanish bastion until the U.S. took control in 1821 and later became a national monument in 1924. Visitors spend around an hour exploring the ramparts, underground casemates, and various exhibition rooms detailing its military history. Unlike other historical sites that focus on civilian life or culture, this fort provides insight into strategic defense planning during colonial times.

Discover Lightner Museum

The Lightner Museum serves as a testament to the grandeur of St. Augustine’s past with its impressive collection of art and artifacts housed in the former Alcazar Hotel built between 1895 and 1896 by Henry Flagler. The building spans over 40,000 square feet and features intricate architectural details like stained glass windows, marble floors, and ornate ironwork throughout its galleries. Visitors spend approximately an hour exploring exhibits that showcase everything from American decorative arts to European paintings, providing a comprehensive view of turn-of-the-century luxury and culture in Florida.

Experience Aviles Street

Aviles Street offers visitors the chance to stroll through one of America’s oldest streets dating back to 1737. This historic district stretches for about half a mile with buildings that reflect Spanish colonial architecture from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Visitors spend around an hour wandering along Aviles Street, exploring local shops, galleries, and restaurants while learning about its rich cultural heritage. Unlike other tourist areas focused on modern amenities or entertainment, this street provides a genuine connection to St. Augustine’s colonial roots.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the infamous jail of St. Augustine - part of the National Registry of Historic Places
• Guided tour of premises with 10 historical exhibits and artifacts
• Observe men's and women’s cells, cell blocks, gallows, kitchen, and maximum security area
• Audio guides available in six languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch
• Experience the legend of Sheriff Joseph Perry, warden from 1905 to 1946
• Walk through Aviles Street - America’s oldest street dating back to 1737
• Discover Lightner Museum with over 40,000 square feet of art and artifacts
• Visit Castillo de San Marcos - a national monument since 1924

Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and cultural explorers, this guided tour provides an in-depth look into St. Augustine’s rich past through its historic landmarks. The two-hour format allows you to explore the St. Augustine Old Jail Museum, Castillo de San Marcos, Lightner Museum, and Aviles Street, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Florida's colonial history while enjoying the city's unique charm.