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 08 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $18.09

Make a reservation

Sun 08 Jun

Starting at $18.09

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.

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 (668)

Bryan F

Mar 2025

Had a great time at the jail tour with Patrick. Overall loved the history. Bathrooms were nasty and facility was very dirty, smelled bad.

Response from Host

Mar 2025

We’re glad you enjoyed the jail tour with Patrick! We take cleanliness seriously and will address the issues you mentioned to ensure a better experience for future visitors. Your input helps us improve!

angelabT3873DR

Mar 2025

Benny was a great guide through the tour. He was charismatic and funny. His speaking volume was low at times. He was a good story teller.

Response from Host

Mar 2025

We’re so happy to hear you had a great time! I’m sure our CAST also loves seeing their names on here. They’ll be pleased to see they made your trip even more enjoyable. We hope you’ll come back to see us again!

Paul N

Feb 2025

We were recommended that we visited the jail and we weren’t disappointed. Had a great visit. It’s a small museum compared to others but the tour guides put a lot of energy and enthusiasm into the tour which made it work for us. Definitely worth a visit

Response from Host

Feb 2025

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.