Old Jail Museum — Attraction in Saint Augustine

We were really looking forward to visiting the Old Jail House, but the experience left us a bit underwhelmed. Signage is very poor and we wandered around aimlessly until a staff member finally pointed us to the ticket booth. The booth only mentioned trolley tickets, so there was no obvious indication that tickets for all the attractions were sold there. That was frustrating and confusing right from the start.

As for the tour itself, I honestly think this attraction would be much better as a self-guided experience. Our tour guide was loud, sarcastic, and while he had some funny moments, his style really distracted from the historical aspect. It felt more like a performance than a chance to take in the environment and learn at our own pace.

The group wasn’t overly large, but some of the rooms were tight, making it hard to really look around. Even while moving between rooms, there wasn’t much chance to explore and anytime I paused to glance around when the group was moving to the next area, the guide would be yelling from the other room to hurry us along. The only spot we were allowed to explore freely was the last jail cell room, which was great, but I wish we had that same freedom throughout the entire building.

A better idea would be to have the guides stationed while in character (like a sheriff in the office, a prisoner in the kitchen, etc.) to tell stories or answer questions would add much more value than a fast-moving, heavily scripted tour. It would still be immersive, but more flexible and engaging.

The ticket price wasn’t outrageous, but with how short and rushed the tour felt, it just didn’t deliver the value we were hoping for. Overall, it's an interesting site with a lot of potential, but the current format doesn't let visitors fully...

📍 Local Fun Before College Send-Off! 🎓🗝️

On 08/02/25, my husband and I finally visited The Old Jail in St. Augustine—a place we’ve passed a hundred times but never explored. We wanted to do something different and fun with our daughter before she heads off to college… and this absolutely hit the mark! 💙 We booked a morning tour (10:15 a.m.) and had no trouble with parking—free lot right next to the entrance 🙌

Our guide, Aunt Viola, gave us a great 30-minute tour—she was super knowledgeable, engaging, and kept us entertained the whole time. Highly recommend asking for her if you go—just know she’s still looking for a pardon 😆

Just a heads-up: about half the tour is outside, so if you're going during summer… dress light and hydrate—it’s HOT out there 🔥🌴

💡 Local tip: If you’re a St. Johns County resident, ask about local discounts! Many of the tourist attractions around town, including The Old Jail and the Oldest Store Museum, offer reduced admission for locals—just bring your ID. 🎟️ Admission: Adults $15.99, Kids (ages 4–12) $9.99, under 4 are free. Combo tickets available if you're doing more than one attraction.

Definitely one of those quirky, memorable outings that we’ll be talking about for a while. If you're a local looking for something different—or just want a fun way to soak up some real St. Augustine history—we totally recommend it. Great for all ages, and the actors make it fun and engaging.

📌 The Old Jail Museum 🕘 Open daily 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM 📍 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 🚗 Free on-site parking

#StAugustine #OldJail #LocalFun #CollegeSendOff #HistoryWithACheatWave #FloridaHeatSurvival...

The Old Jail Museum in Saint Augustine is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in the darker side of the city's past. This former jail, which operated from 1891 to 1953, offers a fascinating glimpse into the harsh conditions faced by prisoners during that era.

The museum provides a well-curated and informative experience, with knowledgeable guides who bring the stories of the jail's prisoners and staff to life. You'll get to explore the various cells and learn about the crimes committed by the inmates, as well as the methods of punishment employed.

One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to step inside the maximum-security cell, known as the "Green Room," where dangerous prisoners were confined. It's a chilling experience that offers a stark contrast to the lively streets of Saint Augustine.

In addition to the historical aspect, the Old Jail Museum also offers interactive exhibits, which make it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. You can try on prisoner uniforms, take photos in the convict photo area, and even participate in a mock trial.

Overall, a visit to the Old Jail Museum is a unique and educational experience that provides a deeper understanding of Saint Augustine's past. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for something different to do, this museum is well...