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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Admission to Old Jail
Transportation to/from attraction
Food and drinks
St. Augustine Old Jail closed on Christmas Day.
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Good to know
• 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.
What to expect
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Old Jail Museum
30 min
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
30 min
Experience is offered by Historic Tours of America
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- Museum is wheelchair accessible on lower floor only.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
FAQs about Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine
Can I cancel Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 30 min.
What's included?
- Admission to Old Jail
What's not included?
- Transportation to/from attraction
- Food and drinks
- St. Augustine Old Jail closed on Christmas Day.
Which places does it visit?
It visits Old Jail Museum, Historic Tours of America - St. Augustine.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by Historic Tours Of America
