Halloween in Haunted St Augustine: Ghostly Adventures in America's Oldest City
As the nation's oldest city, St Augustine, Florida, transforms into a bewitching destination during Halloween. Its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and centuries-old cemeteries provide the perfect eerie backdrop. With a dark history of pirate raids, bloody battles, and Spanish colonial architecture, the city fully embraces its spooky side in October.
Visitors can enjoy a mix of family-friendly fun and spine-tingling frights. Explore a corn maze during the day or pick pumpkins. At night, ghost tours take you through dimly lit streets, sharing eerie tales of restless spirits.
Many events are held in haunted historic buildings, enhancing the spooky vibe. The city embraces its ghostly reputation year-round, even more so during Halloween. In this historic city, you never know what or who might be lurking around the next corner.
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Haunted St Augustine History & Legends
St Augustine's long dark history has made it a hotspot for ghostly activity and spooky legends.
Climb the 219 steps to the top of the iconic black-and-white striped St Augustine Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and St Augustine. The lighthouse is one of the most haunted locations in town, with eerie stories tied to the tragic deaths of three young girls who drowned during its construction in 1873.
Photo by Digon3 / CC 2.5
Visitors often report seeing the apparitions of children playing, along with hearing giggles and footsteps. The ghost of a former lighthouse keeper, Joseph Andreu, who fell to his death while painting the tower, is also said to haunt the stairs at night.
Photo by Digon3 / CC 2.5
The St Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum hosts the Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour, a special after-hours event during Halloween. Local volunteers often guide the tours, sharing personal ghost stories as visitors explore the lighthouse. This popular event usually sells out quickly and is a favorite among both locals and visitors.
The Old Jail, built in 1891, is another notoriously haunted spot and is listed on the National Register of Haunted Places. Visitors have reported sightings of former prisoners and guards, and the ghost of Charlie Powell, an inmate who died slowly on the gallows. Unexplained cold spots and eerie sensations are also common here.
The 17th-century Spanish fort Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Its imposing walls and strategic location offer stunning views of Matanzas Bay. Don't miss the cannon firing demonstrations held on weekends.
The fort is home to several ghostly legends. The apparition of a Spanish soldier is said to stand watch at sunrise and sunset. Visitors have also reported feeling unexplained cold touches in the dungeon and seeing a mysterious light in a watchtower, even though the fort has no electricity.
I experienced a time slip when visiting the Castillo de San Marcos as a teenager. That was the only time I ever experienced one. It was incredible and eerie!
I walked up the stairs and stepped through the fort archway and within the thick coquina walls and immediately felt I had been transported back in time. It felt like I had stepped through thick air or something and walked into a different time period.
I wasn’t scared, because I consciously knew that my parents and others were 5 feet behind me. But I didn’t want the feeling to end and when I walked forward a few feet the moment ended. I plan on returning to the fort next year to see if I can experience that again.
I don’t think time slips are very common or people just don’t talk about them. Maybe the experience is so fleeting for some that they just shrug it off as an imagined feeling.
Time Slip
A time slip is a phenomenon where a person perceives they have “slipped” into a different time period. This is different than time travel.
Photo by Ebyabe / CC 3.0
The Huguenot Cemetery is known as “Spirit Central” with sightings of the ghost of Judge John B. Stickney, whose teeth were stolen from his grave. A yellow fever epidemic broke out in 1821 in the newly arrived Protestant population that necessitated the establishment of this burial ground. Up to 14 people a day died from the mosquito-borne virus. Apparitions of yellow fever victims buried in the cemetery are also often reported.
This cemetery was the public burial ground in St Augustine until 1884. Many of the graves are very weathered and difficult to read. I wonder how many hurricanes have passed through this area. Some of the above-ground vault walls are toppled over and you can look into the space where a body was. But you won’t see anything ghoulish. The remains would have decomposed long ago.
Photo by Ebyabe / CC 3.0
The St. Francis Inn dates back to 1791 and is full of paranormal activity. Guests have reported seeing a young couple believed to be star-crossed lovers from the inn's early days, objects moving on their own, and ghostly hands gripping bedposts.
Other notable haunted locations in St Augustine include Flagler College, Tolomato Cemetery, and the Casa Monica Hotel. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, St. Augustine’s ghostly reputation adds an intriguing layer to its historic charm. In this ancient city, you never know what spirits you might encounter around the next cobblestone corner.
Halloween Events
St Augustine offers a perfect blend of family-friendly activities and adult-oriented frights, combining history, ghost stories, and Halloween festivities for a truly unforgettable experience. You can choose from various festivities like pumpkin patches, corn mazes, ghost tours, and paranormal investigations.
Creatures of the Night at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is a family-friendly event that offers a unique trick-or-treating experience among exotic animals. Families can enjoy special nighttime animal encounters and presentations, making this a beloved annual tradition for many.
Cemetery tours in St Augustine take on special significance during Halloween, given the city's rich history. Special nighttime tours of the Tolomato and Huguenot cemeteries are led by locals who volunteer as guides, sharing fascinating stories of the city’s past. These tours are a unique blend of history, folklore, and eerie tales.
Photo by Infrogmation / CC 4.0
On St. George Street, the main pedestrian area in historic downtown St Augustine, Halloween takes on a lively atmosphere with trick-or-treating. Local shops and businesses hand out candy to costumed children. Many of the storefronts are decorated with spooky themes, enhancing the festive mood.
Remember, in St Augustine, the line between visitor and local often blurs during Halloween. The city's rich history and ghostly reputation mean that many residents embrace the spooky side of their hometown with enthusiasm, participating in tours and events alongside tourists. It's this blend of local tradition and visitor-oriented attractions that makes Halloween in St. Augustine a truly unique experience.
Practical Travel Tips
Downtown parking can be challenging, especially during peak seasons. Consider using the Historic Downtown Parking Facility or take advantage of the free shuttle services when available.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. The historic district is best explored on foot, with many cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces.
Bring layers, as evenings can get cool in October.
Book accommodations early, especially if visiting during popular events or holidays. St Augustine gets very busy during peak times.
Take advantage of the hop-on, hop-off trolley tours. They provide an easy way to get around to major attractions while learning about the city's history.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially places like Castillo de San Marcos.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Florida sun can be intense, even in cooler months.
Stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle as you explore.
Check the Events calendar and plan ahead. Your spooky trip will be that much better because of it!
Don't forget to spend some time at St Augustine Beach. It's a short drive from the historic district and offers a perfect spot to relax after sightseeing.
St Augustine is a walkable city with a lot of history packed into a small area. Take your time to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.
St Augustine transforms into the perfect blend of history and haunting allure as Halloween approaches, offering a captivating destination for spooky celebrations. With its rich ghost stories, historic landmarks, and festive events, this ancient city has something for everyone—whether you're seeking thrills or family-friendly fun.
Explore the haunted past of Castillo de San Marcos on ghost tours, or enjoy the delightful Creatures of the Night event at the Alligator Farm. The costume parties bring the community together, while haunted pubs and restaurants invite you to share a drink with some friendly spirits.
Have you been to St. Augustine? Share your stories and pictures in the Spooky Traveling Facebook group.
