Wicked St. Augustine: Bootleggers, Brothels & Gambling in the Ancient City

4.8333335 ★★★★★ (96 reviews) St Augustine by Spyglass Tours
Duration1h 30m
Max TravelersMax 13 people
Free CancellationUp to 24 hours
CategoryCrime Tours, Cultural Tours

Overview

The Wicked St. Augustine tour delves into the unwritten history of the nation’s oldest city. You will hear stories of the illicit industries that made the town a financial success, all while avoiding the reputation of a sinful city. From its founding St. Augustine had a thriving tavern, gambling and prostitution industry, even while portraying a city founded on religious principles. See the locations of high stakes gambling, speak easy taverns, and private clubs which skirted around the laws of the day, like prohibition. Learn how the political powers knew of these activities, secretly supported their providers, all while keeping a squeaky clean image.

Itinerary

  1. 1
    10 min

    The courtyard in front of the old Alcazar Hotel, now the Lightner Museum, also in full view of the old Ponce de Leon Hotel, now Flagler College.

  2. 2
    10 min

    Location of the old Ponce de Leon Hotel, built by Henry Flagler. This was the epitome of luxury and decadence during the Gilded Age.

  3. 3
    10 min

    Here the stories of the private clubs that lined this and the adjoining streets, gambling halls, speak easies, and boarding houses for upscale vacationers, to the working men of the city.

  4. 4
    10 min

    From here guests will hear stories of gambling halls, speak easies and boarding houses (which were code in the day for brothels).

What's included

  • Guided narrative of the illicit activites that took place in the 'family friendly' tourist town'

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
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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

  • ✓ 100% refund24 hours or more before the start time
  • ✕ 0% refundLess than 24 hours before the start time

Reviews

4.8333335
★★★★★
(96 reviews)
96
Total reviews
From $30 / person
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