How to Go Ghost Hunting in St. Augustine
St. Augustine is one of those places where history and ghost stories seem to follow you down every street.
Founded in 1565, the Ancient City is filled with centuries-old buildings, historic cemeteries, battlefields, old taverns, and stories of people who never quite left. If you’ve ever wanted to try ghost hunting, there may be no better place to start than St. Augustine.
But how do you actually go ghost hunting here?
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced paranormal enthusiast, here’s how to turn a night in St. Augustine into your own ghost-hunting adventure—and a few ways to experience some of the city’s haunted side with GhoSt Augustine.
Start With the History
Before you start looking for ghosts, learn about the people and places you’re investigating.
That’s especially important in St. Augustine because the city’s paranormal stories are deeply connected to its history. Battles, epidemics, shipwrecks, murders, accidents, and everyday life from centuries ago have all contributed to the legends surrounding the city.
Spend some time learning about the location you’re visiting. Who lived there? What happened there? How old is the building?
The more you know about a location, the more meaningful your investigation becomes.
Explore St. Augustine After Dark
There’s something different about St. Augustine once the sun goes down.
During the day, the Historic District is filled with visitors exploring the architecture, shops, restaurants, and historic sites. At night, the streets become quieter, the shadows get longer, and the city’s history can feel much closer.
That’s one reason nighttime is such a popular time for ghost hunting.
And you don’t necessarily need to spend the entire night sitting in a dark room waiting for something to happen. You can start by exploring the city and hearing the stories behind some of its most haunted locations.
Start With the Original Haunted Pub Tour
If you’re new to ghost hunting, the Original Haunted Pub Tour is a great way to ease into the experience.
Instead of simply walking from one historic location to another, you’ll explore some of St. Augustine’s haunted history while visiting pubs along the way.
And let’s be honest—it’s a pretty fun way to spend an evening.
You’ll hear stories of St. Augustine’s ghosts, legends, and darker history while experiencing some of the city’s historic watering holes. Along the way, keep your eyes and ears open. You never know what you might notice when you’re exploring places with centuries of history behind them.
The Haunted Pub Tour is particularly great for groups of friends, couples, and anyone who wants a spooky experience without committing to a full paranormal investigation.
History, haunted stories, drinks, and a night out in the Ancient City? That’s a pretty good combination.
Take Your Ghost Hunt on the Road
Want to explore more of St. Augustine’s haunted side?
Hop aboard the Shadow Ride.
This isn’t your typical sightseeing tour. The Shadow Ride takes you through St. Augustine on a unique “goth cart” experience, bringing you to some of the darker and more mysterious corners of the Ancient City.
It’s a fun option if you want to see more of St. Augustine while staying firmly on the spooky side.
You’ll hear stories about the city’s haunted history as you ride through the streets, and you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the locations that have become part of St. Augustine’s paranormal lore.
And because you’re riding through the city at night, the atmosphere is half the fun.
Don’t be surprised if a perfectly normal historic street suddenly feels a little different after your guide tells you what happened there.
Bring Your Ghost-Hunting Equipment
If you’re serious about ghost hunting, you may want to bring some equipment with you.
Depending on your experience level, that might include:
- EMF meter – Monitor changes in electromagnetic fields.
- Digital voice recorder – Capture audio that you can review later for potential EVPs.
- REM Pod – Monitor for changes within its detection field.
- Temperature equipment – Document unusual temperature changes.
- Flashlight – Because even ghost hunters need to see where they’re walking!
- Notebook or phone – Keep track of times, locations, environmental conditions, and anything unusual you experience.
Remember that paranormal equipment isn’t a magic ghost detector. A reading or unusual sound doesn’t automatically mean you’ve encountered a spirit.
The goal is to document what happens and consider possible explanations.
Keep an Open Mind—But Don’t Assume Everything Is Paranormal
This is one of the most important rules of ghost hunting.
If you hear a strange noise, don’t immediately assume it’s a ghost.
Could it have been a car?
A nearby conversation?
The building settling?
A fan or air conditioner?
Wind?
The same goes for equipment. If an EMF meter spikes, try to determine what could have caused it. If you capture something strange in a photograph, examine the image carefully.
Good investigators don’t just look for evidence that confirms what they already believe.
They look for answers.
That’s what makes paranormal investigation so interesting.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Ghost hunting isn’t just about watching an EMF meter.
Pay attention to the entire environment.
Listen for unusual sounds. Notice changes in temperature. Watch for movement. Take note of other people, vehicles, electrical equipment, lighting, and anything else that could potentially affect what you’re experiencing.
If something strange happens, write down exactly when and where it happened.
That information can become incredibly useful later when you’re reviewing your experience.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Experience
It’s easy to get so focused on catching evidence that you forget you’re in one of the oldest cities in the United States.
Take a moment to appreciate where you are.
Walk the historic streets. Look at the old buildings. Listen to the stories. Enjoy the atmosphere.
Ghost hunting doesn’t have to mean spending hours in complete darkness with a piece of equipment in your hand.
Sometimes it’s simply about experiencing a historic place in a completely different way.
Make Your Night a St. Augustine Ghost-Hunting Adventure
If you’re visiting St. Augustine and want to experience the city’s haunted side, you don’t have to plan everything yourself.
Start your evening with the Original Haunted Pub Tour, where you can enjoy haunted stories, historic pubs, and a spooky night out in the Ancient City.
Then take your adventure further with the Shadow Ride, exploring St. Augustine from the back of a unique goth cart while hearing the stories behind some of the city’s darker locations.
And if you’re ready to go beyond the stories and actually investigate, GhoSt Augustine also offers dedicated paranormal experiences where you can put your curiosity—and your equipment—to the test.
Ready to Go Ghost Hunting?
St. Augustine has been here for more than 460 years.
That’s a lot of history.
And with all that history comes a lot of stories.
Some are easy to explain.
Some have been passed down for generations.
And some leave people wondering what they really experienced.
So grab your equipment, bring a friend, keep an open mind, and explore the Ancient City after dark.
Your next ghost story could be waiting around the corner.
Explore the haunted side of St. Augustine with GhoSt Augustine and make your next night in the Ancient City one you’ll never forget.