Wicked Ancient St. Augustine: Bootleggers, Brothels & Gambling 90-Minute Tour
by Spyglass Tours
Overview
This 90-minute walking tour in St. Augustine explores the city's history of bootleggers, brothels, and gambling in the ancient city. The tour begins at the Lightner Museum courtyard, formerly the Alcazar Hotel, with views of the old Ponce de Leon Hotel, now Flagler College. Next, the group visits Flagler College, the site of the former Ponce de Leon Hotel, known for its luxury and decadence during the Gilded Age. The tour continues along St. George Street, where private clubs, gambling halls, speakeasies, and boarding houses once operated. Finally, the tour stops at Plaza de la Constitucion, where brothels were disguised as boarding houses and gambling halls and speakeasies were active. Throughout the walk, the guide provides a narrative on how these illicit businesses contributed to the local economy while political leaders maintained the city's clean religious image. The tour includes all guided narration and covers locations connected to the wicked side of St. Augustine's past.
Highlights
What's included
Itinerary
Lightner Museum
The tour stops at the courtyard in front of the old Alcazar Hotel, now the Lightner Museum, which overlooks the historic Ponce de Leon Hotel, currently Flagler College.
10 min
Historic Tours of Flagler College
This stop highlights the former Ponce de Leon Hotel, built by Henry Flagler, known for its luxury and decadence during the Gilded Age.
10 min
St. George Street
Guests learn about the private clubs, gambling halls, speakeasies, and boarding houses that once lined St. George Street and nearby streets, catering to both wealthy visitors and local workers.
10 min
Plaza de la Constitucion
At this plaza, the guide shares stories of gambling halls, speakeasies, and brothels, which operated under the guise of boarding houses.
10 min
Meeting point
Guide will meet guests at the fountain in the front courtyard of the Lightner Museum in between the museum and Flagler College.
End point
Guide will meet guests at the fountain in the front courtyard of the Lightner Museum in between the museum and Flagler College.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
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