Torrid Tales Two More True Crime in St. Augustine

Exploring Torrid Tales: True Crime in St. Augustine

If you’re intrigued by stories of crime and history woven together, the Torrid Tales Two More True Crime tour might just be your new favorite way to see St. Augustine. Designed for those who enjoy a darker side of history, this tour offers a guided walk through some of the city’s most haunted and notorious spots—highlighting stories of victims, crimes, and the places where history’s shadows still linger. What makes this experience stand out is its focus on actual crime scenes — sometimes where the crimes happened, adding an authentic feel that’s rare in typical sightseeing.

Two things we particularly love about this tour are its small-group format and the local, licensed guidance. With a maximum of 12 travelers, it’s easy to stay engaged and ask questions, making for a more intimate experience. Plus, the guide’s certification and local knowledge add credibility and color to the storytelling. On the flip side, a possible drawback is the timing—the 8:30 pm start can mean the tour feels a bit spooky, but it might not be suitable for very young children or those sensitive to late-night walks.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, and night-time explorers who want a different perspective on St. Augustine. If you’re looking for a way to combine storytelling with an authentic walk through historic streets, this tour offers a compelling mix.

Key Points

• Authentic Crime Stories: The tour focuses on real cases, some occurring right where you stand, which adds a chilling touch.
• Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 12 travelers, it offers a more personalized and engaging atmosphere.
• Historic Locations: Stops include Ripley’s Bayfront Mini Golf, Bridge Street & Marine Street, Plaza de la Constitución, and Flagler College.
• Local Licensed Guide: An expert guides you through the stories, bringing depth and authenticity.
• Flexible End Point: The tour ends near Flagler College, convenient for further exploration or parking.
• Affordable Price: At $30, it offers a unique value for a 1.5-hour guided walk with storytelling that’s both entertaining and educational.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting Point at Ripley’s Bayfront Mini Golf

The adventure kicks off at this lively spot by the waterfront. While the location is known for its mini golf, on this evening, it’s the starting line for a walk through the darker side of St. Augustine’s past. The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, with the guide sharing the first case, likely involving an incident that took place nearby. The admission here is free, which makes this an accessible entry point for all travelers.

Exploring Bridge Street & Marine Street

Next, the group moves to the vibrant stretch of Bridge and Marine Streets. These areas are bustling during the day, but at night, they take on an eerier vibe—perfect for recounting some of the lesser-known but gripping stories. The guide discusses multiple cases in this vicinity, giving you a sense of how crime and daily life intertwined in historic times. Expect about 20 minutes here, with no additional cost for admission.

The Heart of Legal and Religious History at Plaza de la Constitución

The tour’s third stop takes you to a historic square with a connection to one of the cases involving the Cathedral. Here, the storyteller reveals details that might give you pause—perhaps tales of suspicion, tragedy, or even ghostly whispers. The setting’s colonial charm enhances the storytelling, making it an evocative point on the walk.

Wrapping Up at Flagler College

The final part of the tour brings you to the grand Flagler College area, where the last one or two stories unfold. You’ll likely end near the intersection of Cordova and Treasury Streets, a spot that’s central and easy to navigate from. The end of the tour provides a good opportunity to explore the college grounds or walk back to your vehicle, soaking in the historic ambiance one last time.

What to Expect During the Tour

Stories of actual victims and crimes: Expect to hear about cases that are not widely discussed or known outside local lore, which adds a layer of intrigue. The guide’s role is to tell these stories with respect and factual detail, drawing you into the history behind each incident.

Walking through historic streets: The tour takes place outdoors, primarily walking along paved streets, which means comfortable shoes are recommended. Since it starts in the evening, be prepared for potential coolness or dampness, depending on the season.

A focus on authenticity: The stories are tied directly to the locations, sometimes where events occurred, which adds a visceral element. Travelers have reported that this approach makes the stories come alive in a way that more generic ghost tours do not.

Small group intimacy: With no more than 12 participants, you’ll find it easier to engage with the guide and ask questions, especially given the dark, story-rich environment.

Timing: The 8:30 pm start is deliberate, providing a nighttime atmosphere that fits the theme. Keep in mind that it might be less suitable for very young kids or those who prefer daytime sightseeing.

The Value of This Tour

At $30 per person, the tour offers a great value for a focused, engaging experience. For just about an hour and a half, you get a guided walk that combines history, storytelling, and a sense of exploring the hidden side of St. Augustine. The fact that the stories are based on actual cases, sometimes at the very spots where events took place, makes it more than just a tourist story—it feels like uncovering secrets of the city.

How does it compare to other experiences?

Unlike typical hop-on-hop-off trolley tours or boat rides, this tour is more narrative-driven and immersive. It’s perfect for those who enjoy nighttime walks, true crime stories, or historic storytelling. The small group size and licensed guide ensure quality over quantity, making it a memorable and personalized experience.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The meeting point at 111 Avenida Menendez is centrally located, making it easy to find or to connect with other nearby attractions. The tour is open to most travelers, including service animals, and the moderate length makes it suitable for a wide range of ages—though the late-hour start might be less ideal for young children or those with specific sensitivities.

If weather turns poor, the tour is flexible—meaning it can be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. This transparency adds peace of mind, especially for outdoor evening activities.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is especially appealing to true crime fans who want to explore St. Augustine’s darker stories firsthand. History enthusiasts will appreciate the authenticity of the locations and the detailed storytelling. It’s also great for night owls seeking something different from daytime sightseeing. Because the tour limits group size, it’s perfect for travelers who prefer a more intimate, engaging encounter with the city’s secrets.

However, if you’re not keen on walking at night or prefer more traditional historic tours, this might not be your best choice. But for those who enjoy stories with a historic edge and like to walk through the city’s silent streets after dark, this tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the hidden tales of St. Augustine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour starts at 8:30 pm, which might be late for young children, and the content may not be appropriate for very sensitive kids. It’s best suited for older children or teenagers interested in crime stories.

How long does the tour last? The tour runs approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, giving enough time for storytelling and walking without feeling too rushed.

Where does the tour end? The tour concludes near Flagler College, around the intersection of King and Treasury Streets, making it easy to continue exploring or find parking.

What is included in the price? The $30 fee covers the guided walk with a licensed and city-certified guide. The admission to stops such as Ripley’s Bayfront Mini Golf is free, and no additional fees are required.

Are there any additional costs? No, but gratuities are not included, so tipping your guide is appreciated if you enjoyed the experience.

Is the tour weather-dependent? Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I bring a service animal? Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

Is this tour suitable for large groups? No, the maximum group size is 12, which helps maintain an intimate environment but limits larger bookings.

Final Thoughts

For travelers who love a good story—and even better, the real, sometimes chilling stories of history—Torrid Tales Two More True Crime in St. Augustine offers an engaging and authentic way to explore the city after dark. The combination of historical sites, true crime storytelling, and a knowledgeable guide makes it a compelling choice for those wanting a more intimate and sinister side of St. Augustine.

While it’s not the most traditional sightseeing experience, the focus on actual cases, local lore, and walking through historic streets makes this tour stand apart. It’s especially suited for adults or older teens who enjoy stories of mystery and history, and who are comfortable exploring at night. At an accessible price, it provides a memorable and slightly spooky perspective on one of Florida’s most historic towns.

If you’re looking for something different—an experience that combines local history with stories that might make your skin crawl—this tour deserves a spot on your St. Augustine itinerary.