Tour of St. Augustine Old Jail Museum

The historic St. Augustine Old Jail in Florida invites visitors to do some jail time, albeit not in the traditional sense! The famous tourist attraction offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of prison inmates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It operated as a county jail for 62 years starting from 1891 until 1953 and held 72 prisoners at a given time.

The former prison looks like a quaint Victorian house from the outside. It was intentionally built this way so as not to spook the local residents of St. Augustine. Actors moonlighting as local guides (dressed in jailer outfits, no less) will lead you to the different cell blocks, maximum security area, and gallows, as well as the overhead sheriff’s living quarters. Listen to harrowing stories about the jail’s reputation for carrying out capital punishment. A total of eight prisoners were executed on the gallows. The knowledgeable guides will also regale you with tales about the renowned Sheriff Perry. He ruled with a heavy hand and was revered as well as feared in equal measure.

If all this sounds too grim for your liking, fret not. The tour is designed to inform and enthrall visitors with the penal system while also offering many moments of levity. The St. Augustine Old Jail is not your average tourist attraction but it's guaranteed to make a big impression.