Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine

Overview

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.

City: St Augustine

Sun 23 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $15.96

Make a reservation

Sun 23 Feb

Starting at $15.96

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Admission to Old Jail

Additional Info

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.
Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travellers
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff

What To Expect

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.

Historic Tours of America - St. Augustine

Experience is offered by Historic Tours of America

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (544)

aliliana_02

Dec 2022

We LOVED our experience! It was towards the end of the day so the little one was cranky but our tour guide Bobalew kept a smile on her face! He was funny, very well educated in the history of the town and Old Jail and played great harmonica! My favorite part was how authentic it was kept in its original state. They did a great job on setting up the rooms so it felt you were there in that era. Thank you Bobalew!!

887llianl

Dec 2022

Had Bobalew as a tour guide for my family and he was amazing. He kept certain historical facts PG for the younger kids and was also very patient with the kids making noise. He also had a great sense of humor and told jokes throughout the tour to keep the mood light. Thanks Bobalew!

LenaCKK

Dec 2022

Definitely check out the old jailhouse tour! The history of the jail itself is uncomfortable and dark to say the least…The tour guides were knowledgeable and funny. The actual jail house was creepy and included solitary confinement rooms, male and female cells as well as the kitchen and sheriff’s office.