Ghost Tours
Ghostly and Spooky Experiences
by The Odd Macabre
Whether mildly curious about the things that go bump in the night or someone who loves all things paranormal, dark history and true crime aficionados, to family frights, the Odd Macabre has the perfect experience for everyone.
Family Fun Ghost Walk Tours
A ghost walk that is spooky fun for all ages
This family-friendly ghost walk delivers true ghost stories, fantastic sites, and well-researched haunted history presented for those young and young at heart. See famed & obscure sites around the historic district in a fun and engaging manner.
Interactive Ghost Walk Tours
Explore the haunting histories of the Old City.
The Ghostorian's Grimoire is a collection of stories bound in mysticism detailing the hidden secrets, sordid affairs, triumphs, and tumultuous events, that still linger and haunt the Oldest City. This Ghost Walk is historically accurate, well-researched, and evidence-based. Includes interactive elements and requires group participation.
Paranormal Investigations
The Real Ghost Hunting Experience
Explores some of St.Augustine's most haunted areas. Eye-opening evidence with fascinating factual histories and true stories. Investigations where you learn self-intuitiveness, communication techniques, and use paranormal equipment. Go beyond the typical ghost tour… Investigate.
True Crime Tours
Experience the darker side of the Oldest City.
The Madness and Malice Tour is St. Augustine's first and only true crime tour. This tour was developed with the help of a 20+ year law enforcement professional, giving you a gripping, gritty, and accurate insight into some of St. Augustine's most chilling crimes, murders, and even serial killers.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour
Every ghost tour with The Odd Macabre is crafted to be an immersive journey into the unknown. You won’t just hear stories; you’ll stand in the very spots where history left its mark. Our guides are master storytellers and researchers who blend documented events with the eerie atmosphere of the Oldest City. Whether you choose a family-friendly walk or a deep paranormal investigation, you can expect a well-paced, engaging experience that respects both the living and the dead.
Before you set out, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and dressing for the weather. Tours proceed rain or shine, as some of the most compelling encounters happen under moody skies. Bring a camera—many guests capture unexplained anomalies, from orbs to shadow figures. An open mind is your most important piece of equipment; skepticism is welcome, but be prepared to question what you thought you knew.
Tour Duration and Group Size
Most walking tours last between 90 minutes and two hours, covering approximately one mile of historic streets and hidden corners. Group sizes are kept intentionally small to ensure everyone can hear the guide and participate in interactive elements. For paranormal investigations, groups are even smaller, allowing hands-on use of equipment and personal attention from investigators.
Choosing the Right Experience for You
Not all ghost tours are created equal, and The Odd Macabre offers a spectrum of spookiness. If you’re visiting with children or prefer a lighter tone, the Family Fun Ghost Walk is ideal—it delivers chills without nightmares. For those who want a more participatory evening, the Interactive Ghost Walk invites you to become part of the story, using a replica of the Ghostorian’s Grimoire to unlock secrets along the route.
If you’re serious about the paranormal, the Paranormal Investigation is the real deal. You’ll learn to use EMF meters, spirit boxes, and dowsing rods while exploring locations with documented activity. And for true crime enthusiasts, the True Crime Tour offers a gritty, fact-based look at St. Augustine’s darkest chapters, developed with law enforcement insight. Each experience stands alone, but many guests combine a walking tour with an investigation for a full night of macabre discovery.
History Behind the Hauntings
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, and with that age comes a layered, often tragic past. From colonial conflicts and pirate raids to yellow fever epidemics and unexplained deaths, the city’s soil is soaked with stories. The Odd Macabre’s tours are built on primary sources, court records, and oral histories passed down through generations.
Our guides don’t rely on cheap scares or fabricated legends. Every tale is anchored in documented events, then brought to life with theatrical flair. You’ll learn about the people who walked these streets centuries ago—their struggles, their secrets, and the circumstances that may have left them restless. This commitment to authenticity sets us apart and ensures that even the most skeptical visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for the city’s haunted heritage.
Paranormal Investigation Techniques
On a Paranormal Investigation, you’re not a passive observer—you’re an active participant in the search for evidence. After a brief orientation, you’ll be introduced to the tools of the trade:
- EMF Meters: Detect fluctuations in electromagnetic fields, often associated with spirit presence.
- Spirit Boxes: Scan radio frequencies rapidly, allowing potential voices to come through in real time.
- Dowsing Rods: Used for yes/no communication, responding to subtle energy shifts.
- Digital Recorders: Capture electronic voice phenomena (EVP) during quiet sessions.
- Thermal Cameras: Reveal cold spots or unexplained heat signatures.
Our investigators teach you not only how to operate the equipment but also how to trust your intuition. You’ll learn communication techniques, such as asking clear questions and allowing time for responses. Many guests are surprised by how quickly they feel a connection to the unseen. Evidence is reviewed together at the end, and you’ll receive a summary of any notable findings.
True Crime: The Darker Side of the Oldest City
The Madness and Malice Tour is not for the faint of heart. St. Augustine’s beauty hides a history of violence, from unsolved murders to the chilling acts of serial killers. Developed with a 20+ year law enforcement professional, this tour presents cases with accuracy and respect for the victims. You’ll walk the same streets where crimes unfolded, hearing details that are often omitted from mainstream history books.
This experience is strictly for adults and may include graphic descriptions. It’s a gripping exploration of human darkness, delivered with the same commitment to research as our ghost tours. If you’re fascinated by criminal psychology, forensic investigation, or simply want to understand the city’s shadow side, this tour will leave you with a new perspective on St. Augustine.
Preparing for Your Ghost Tour
To make the most of your experience, arrive 15 minutes early to check in and meet your guide. Evening tours are recommended for atmosphere, but daytime walks are available for those who prefer sunlight. Photography is encouraged, but please be mindful of private property and other guests. If you’re joining a paranormal investigation, avoid alcohol beforehand—clear minds yield clearer evidence.
Many guests ask if they’ll see a ghost. While we can’t guarantee apparitions, we can promise an unforgettable evening of history, mystery, and maybe a few unexplainable moments. For those who want to extend the experience, consider our A Night Among Ghosts package, which combines a walking tour with an investigation for a truly immersive night.