Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine

4.8 (742 reviews) 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

742 reviews

4.8

The Old Jail — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
People per booking: 1–9
Guide: English
Operated by: Historic Tours Of America

Ages: Children (6–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Admission to Old Jail

Not included

Not included: Transportation to/from attraction
Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: St. Augustine Old Jail closed on Christmas Day.

Itinerary

Old Jail Museum

30 min Admission included

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, FL

30 min Admission included

Experience is offered by Historic Tours of America

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

End point

Using your ticket

Tours depart continuously every 20 minutes.
Old Jail is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. First tour at 9:00 am. Tours offered until 3:00 pm on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas Day. Please arrive fifteen (15) minutes prior to the departure of the tour as all tours leave promptly.
Tours are on a first come first serve basis. No reservations are accepted.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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.