St. Augustine Old Jail
167 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, Florida
Don’t let the friendly pink stucco exterior fool you. Although this building might look like an old-fashioned luxury resort, it was actually one of the most feared places in all of St. Augustine—the St. Johns County Jail. Built in 1891, the jail housed prisoners until 1953, when it opened to the public for tours.
Tours of the building—today simply known as the Old Jail—give you the chance to see how some of Florida’s toughest fugitives lived while locked away. Led by a costumed guide, step into a maximum security cell, visit the sheriff’s house and gallows, and check out a collection of weapons from the early 20th century.
Book your Old Jail tour in advance to skip the line at the ticket office. Or, for a spookier experience, go after dark as part of a haunted tour of historic St. Augustine. The Old Jail is also a stop on the city’s hop-on hop-off sightseeing trolley.
Take your camera for a jail-cell photo op.
Admission is free for children under age 6.
Located next to the main trolley station in St. Augustine’s Old Town, the Old Jail is within walking distance of several other sights. If you’re getting there from farther afield, take the trolley, or a taxi or rideshare.
The Old Jail is typically open daily year-round (except on Christmas), with guided tours every 20 minutes. Haunted tours take place after dark.
St. Augustine Old Town is home to some of the city’s top historic attractions. Before or after your tour of the Old Jail, head to the Oldest Store Museum, a recreated general store from 1908. Or, pay a visit to the St. Augustine History Museum to explore the city’s 500-year past, as well as the people who made St. Augustine what it is today.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!