Interested in a spooky getaway destination?

Look no further than the small town of St. Augustine! St. Augustine, located in Palm Coast, Florida claims the title of “the oldest town in the United States.” Forty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established at St. Augustine this nation’s first enduring settlement. (City of St. Augustine)
Additionally, this town is just 40 minutes away from the popular Palm Coast area, it’s a great day trip, check out our vacation homes in Palm Coast!

The St. Augustine Lighthouse view from outside.

History

Their history runs deep and so do their rumors of supernatural activity. Interestingly, St. Augustine Lighthouse was featured on an episode of the popular show, Ghost Hunters, in 2019. See the episode here on Youtube.

According to urban legend, the lighthouse is haunted by multiple innkeepers and visitors from centuries ago who tragically passed away on the property. The lighthouse’s first keeper Peter Rasmussen was a lover of cigars and many visitors report smelling his cigars as they climb the 219 stairs to the top.

One of the more haunting stories accounts for two young girls whose father was renovating a building on the property. In the story, the girls were playing on a wagon when it slid off the bay and plummeted into the water. Some have said that you can hear the girls laughing from the top of the tower. Others have claimed to have seen one of the girls floating around the area in the dress she died in. Anyone else get goosebumps reading that?

219 Step spiral staircase within the lighthouse.

Tours

While one of the primary reasons visitors like to visit the lighthouse is rooted in supernatural activity – another reason to visit is the incredible panoramic view you are rewarded with at the top! Beware, it is quite the climb with over 200 steps on the iconic spiral staircase.
Various haunted tours are available which makes St. Augustine the perfect location around Halloween. At night, the fall chill will follow you while you explore the town.

Some other locations known for supernatural activity are the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. George St., Huguenot Cemetery, Tolomato Cemetery, and the Oldest Wooden School House.

Continue reading for three highly-rated tours to consider for your next trip:

1. St. Augustine Sightseeing Tour: Ghosts and Gravestones

Take this spooky tour for a trolley ride around town! You will be shown all of St. Augustine’s most paranormal spots with a local guide. In addition, this tour will put you in the Halloween spirit as your tour guides are dressed for the part! Tickets are $26-28/person.

2. A Ghostly Encounter: Walking Ghost Tour of St. Augustine

Ready for a chilly walk through two cemeteries and other supernatural areas while listening to chilling scary stories? This is the tour for you! Moreover, this tour will educate you on a lot of the town’s history! Tickets start at $25/person.

3. Secrets of St. Augustine Ghost Tours

In this walking tour, your local guide and expert storyteller will tell the stories of former residents! You will explore one cemetery and other landmarks within the town. Tickets start at $25/person.

Staging environment