
Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 745 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine worth booking?
Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine is a 0.5-hour experience in St Augustine, United States, from $19 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 745 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (745)
- Duration
- 0.5 hours
- From
- $19 per person
Located on San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine’s Uptown District, the Old Jail Museum offers an educational and intriguing look into what it would have been like to be a prisoner in the Nation’s Oldest City. Take a guided tour led by the “jailers” for a compelling look at the cells where imprisoned men and women once lived, the maximum security area reserved for the most nefarious criminals and a collection of weapons.
What you get
About this experience
Located on San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine’s Uptown District, the Old Jail Museum offers an educational and intriguing look into what it would have been like to be a prisoner in the Nation’s Oldest City. Take a guided tour led by the “jailers” for a compelling look at the cells where imprisoned men and women once lived, the maximum security area reserved for the most nefarious criminals and a collection of weapons.
What's included
Included
- Admission to Old Jail
Not included
- Transportation to/from attraction
- Food and drinks
- St. Augustine Old Jail closed on Christmas Day.
What you'll see and do
Old Jail Museum
For nearly 60 years – until 1953 – the Old Jail served as the St. Johns County facility for petty thieves and hardened criminals. There were even eight recorded executions, two of which were accused murderers. Sim Jackson, who was hanged in 1908 after murdering his wife with a straight razor, is among the group. Today, visitors learn about the infamous Sheriff Perry, who served from 1889 until 1897 and again from 1901 until 1919. His stature as a “big, bold man” at 6’6” and weighing 300 pounds was intimidating even for the most hardcore of inmates. Though popular in the community, Perry was feared amongst cell inhabitants – both male and female – for his reputation of renting out prisoners to local farmers through a leasing system. Visitors can also take a look at the cell blocks, gallows and sheriff’s quarters. See where the sheriff, his wife and children lived, right upstairs from the prisoners, and how they used their own kitchen to prepare meals for the inmates. A tour through this attraction will show visitors what life was like as an inmate and how the Old Jail helped shape St. Augustine’s history.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Historic Tours of America - St. Augustine, FL
Experience is offered by Historic Tours of America
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
St Augustine
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Historic Tours Of America
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children 5 yrs. and younger are free
- Free parking available
- Reservations are not accepted; tours operate on a first come, first serve basis on the day of
- Museum is wheelchair accessible on lower floor only.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 742 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
742 verified traveler reviews for Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Going to jail
So much fun..our jailer was a hoot..so knowledgeable..highly recommend
via Tripadvisor
Louie
Louie was amazing. He interacted well with all of us. Told us a lot of great things about th history.
via Tripadvisor
Jail history and fun facts
Hi guys. We visited the Jail tour in July from Scotland. Our guide Cornelius was amazing as was the tour,please pass this on . Thanks ,Darrin
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! We truly appreciate your feedback and are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time with us. Your kind words inspire us to continue providing the best experience possible.
via Tripadvisor
Old Jail Tour
We did the old jail tour, and it was one of the highlights of the trip. Learning about the quality of life for prisoners and the fact that the prison was operational until the 50's was very eye-opening and sobering. Our Guide, Patrick (I think that was his name), was very informative and knowledgeable. Even if you are not taking the Trolley tour, I recommend the Old Jail tour.
via Tripadvisor
Lizzie is the best guide EVER.
Amazing tour of an old jail. So much to learn. Your guide was amazing and clearly enjoys her job. Lizzie was phenomenal and a wealth of knowledge. Lizzie made our visit so fun and enjoyable. She’s just an all around amazing person. Thank you Lizzie from OKC and Sunset Grill.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $19 to $22
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 261
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Historic Tours Of America, who run 57 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.8.
See everything Historic Tours Of America runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for St Augustine.
How much does Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine cost?
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Prices start at $19 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in St Augustine usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine take?
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Plan for about 0.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in St Augustine is not rushed.
Is Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 745 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in St Augustine, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine?
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Around 261 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in St Augustine can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in St Augustine and add a light layer if any part of the 0.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central St Augustine within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in St Augustine?
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St Augustine is walkable history: Castillo de San Marcos, Spanish quarter walking tours, trolley loops, lighthouse climbs and some of the best-attended ghost tours in the country. Guide storytelling quality is the main variable. On Outty we rank every St Augustine experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Medieval Torture Museum with Ghost Hunting and Tiny Art Gallery, Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine, St. Augustine's Wine, Cocktail and Food Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit St Augustine?
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February to May and September to November. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in St Augustine?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine?
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Included: Admission to Old Jail. Not included: Transportation to/from attraction; Food and drinks; and St. Augustine Old Jail closed on Christmas Day. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Museum is wheelchair accessible on lower floor only. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in St Augustine. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine?
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Across 745 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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