Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Experience is offered by Historic Tours of America
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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.
Reviews(736)
It was a lovely experience for a child to visit as well as adults. The guide was very knowledgable … worth a visit for sure
We're so happy to hear that you had such a great time! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Come and visit us again!
The "Jail" tour was better than expected. It was like attending a live interactive theatrical experience. The tour guide (I think her name was Lydia) was extremely knowledgeable and played the part beautifully. I did leave a bit sad to think that people were treated so poorly even if they were guilty of societal infractions. Better to do this tour at the beginning of the day so you have time to recover.
It is important to recognize that with any tour, every individual is given a set of bullet points. They cannot deviate from it. Alongside is a collection of additional facts that they can share as they desire. In this fashion, everyone gets the same quality experience, but one that is unique to the individual. Having taken the old jail tour several times, each one has been enjoyable, even if the information isn't exact. The very first time we took the tour was with Patrick. Clearly passionate about what he does, and the information he shares. This time, we had prisoner trusty Peaches. The danger of having an exceptional experience is it sets the bar for everything to come. Peaches very quickly, established himself as someone equally as passionate and knowledgeable about the facility and material. The information provided is educational, sometimes there's an entertaining or humorous aspect, but other points weigh heavily on the gravity of the space and things that happened. One of the first things pointed out to us, is to imagine that there are no windows and no AC. Imagine what the space feels like in June, July, or August. Since the tour begins outside, it's easy to imagine how brutal the environment and temperature is inside. A fascinating building with great amounts of information, you are likely in good hands with anyone who leads the tour. Pro tip - ask questions, and take photos, especially with your tour guide, and whatever you do, make sure to grab a survey postcard. You can thank them with tips, and you CAN THANK them with feedback. If they deserve it, give it to them.
Our guide was Peaches and he was a lot of great. It’s a small building and short tour so the guide makes or breaks the experience. We were grateful that Peaches made it fun.
We had an amazing time touring the Old Jail in St. Augustine! Our guide, Louis (Lewis), the “trustee inmate,” absolutely made the experience. He was incredibly knowledgeable, super informative, and one of the funniest, most entertaining tour guides we’ve ever had. His storytelling, sense of humor, and interaction with the group brought the history to life. Without a doubt, this was one of the highlights of our trip to St. Augustine. We couldn’t stop laughing while still learning so much about the jail’s fascinating history. I highly recommend this tour to all of our family and friends. If you get the chance, make sure you see Louis—he’s definitely a character! 😂 We can’t say enough good things about the experience. Employees like Louis are a huge asset and deserve to be recognized and taken care of. Thank you for making our visit so memorable!
We love reading about our guests' experiences and sharing them with our CAST. They take great pride in what they do and it seems like it’s paying off! We hope to see you again soon.
We had a great time visiting the Old Jail in St. Augustine! The tour was both entertaining and educational, and our guide, Lizzy, was absolutely fantastic. She stayed in character the entire time, made the history come alive, and kept everyone engaged with her humor and storytelling. You could tell she really enjoys what she does. If you’re visiting St. Augustine, this tour is definitely worth adding to your itinerary—and if you get Lizzy as your guide, you’re in for a treat!
This was my first time in Saint Augustine. I ran across the old jail in suggestions for what to do in and around town. The tour did not disappoint. It was full of great stories and really helped you get a glimpse into the past and what people had to endure after breaking the law. Patti was our tour guide and was amazing! She was knowledgeable and engaging throughout the tour. She helped make the experience come alive. Thanks for an excellent time!
Benny is hilarious. Very educational and loved his song.
This was GREAT! Our guide Lizzie was fun and informative, and she made the experience inter-active. One of the best tour guides I’ve ever had It is an appropriate tour for all ages and I highly recommend it!
Benny the “inmate” tour guide was very entertaining while also knowledgeable of history. He interacted with us, the audience, with jokes and song! (And he can sing!!) He made this tour the highlight of our St Augustine trip! Five stars for Benny!
Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience with our CAST. They enjoy knowing they made your trip memorable. We hope you'll come back and visit us again.
