4 Mind-Blowing Reasons to Visit Ripley's St. Augustine on Your Next Florida Adventure

Florida’s weirdest castle is packed with oddities, illusions, ghost stories, and fun for the whole family!

Places
2 min
Jordan Neese
Jordan Neese
4 Mind-Blowing Reasons to Visit Ripley's St. Augustine on Your Next Florida Adventure
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Places

Whether you're road-tripping along Florida’s Historic Coast or spending a weekend in the nation’s oldest city, one stop you can’t miss is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! St. Augustine, where the bizarre meets the breathtaking and where truth is often stranger than fiction.

Here’s why Ripley’s will turn your next visit to St. Augustine into a legendary adventure full of wonder, wows, and weird moments:

1. Explore the Very First Ripley’s Museum in the World

That’s right—Ripley’s St. Augustine is where it all began! Housed inside a beautiful historic castle (formerly the Castle Warden Hotel), this museum has been weirding out guests since 1950.

ripley's st. augustine

Step inside and you’ll discover hundreds of strange-but-true artifacts, unbelievable exhibits, and oddities from around the globe—all collected by Robert Ripley himself.

Must-try: Snap a selfie with a genuine shrunken head… if you dare!

2. Investigate the Haunted Castle of St. Augustine

Ready to face what lurks in the dark?

Step inside Castle Warden, one of the most haunted buildings on the Southeastern Seaboard, for a chilling, 60-minute paranormal investigation.

Guided by Team R.I.P., you’ll explore eerie halls, uncover ghostly legends, and use real ghost-hunting equipment to connect with the spirits who never left.

Fun Fact: Ripley’s Castle Warden building has a haunted history of its own... 

3. Take a Ride on the Ripley’s Red Trains

Get the best views of St. Augustine—and a crash course in quirky local history—aboard the iconic Ripley’s Red Trains.

red train tour
  • Fully Narrated Tour: Enjoy a one-hour guided tour of St. Augustine covering over 100 points of historical interest, including iconic landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos and Aviles Street, the oldest street in St. Augustine.

  • Departure & Arrival: Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in. Tours depart from and return to Ripley's Believe It or Not! at 19 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine.

Bonus: The trains are shaded, breezy, and perfect for hot summer days!

4. Putt Your Way Through Florida's Oldest Mini-Golf Course

Looking for a fun way to soak up the Florida sunshine with a view? Swing by Ripley’s Bayfront Mini-Golf, located right across from the museum.

mini-golf

With 18 quirky and colorful holes—plus stunning views of Matanzas Bay—it’s the perfect mix of classic fun and sightseeing.

Insider Tip: Come in the evening for cooler temps and golden hour photo ops!

Get More Weird for Your Buck

Can’t pick just one adventure? You don’t have to. Combo tickets let you explore multiple attractions, including the Believe It or Not!, Red Train Tour, and Haunted Adventure, for one great price.

robert ripley with globe
So, what are you waiting for? Join us on an unforgettable adventure!

Whether you’re exploring with the fam, hosting out-of-town guests, or just craving something out-of-the-ordinary, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! St. Augustine is a one-stop wonderland.

Come curious. Leave amazed.

👉 Plan your visit today and discover the weirdest side of Florida’s most historic city .

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Have an Amazing Story?

At Ripley’s, we’re always in search of the unbelievable – maybe it’s you! Show us your talents. Tell us a strange story or a weird fact. Share your unbelievable art with us. Maybe even sell us something that could become a part of Ripley’s collection!

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Get lost in a vortex of weird and wonderful stories! Ripley’s twenty-first edition annual book is full of all-new, all-true stories from around the world.

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