Ripley's Believe It or Not! St. Augustine
Explore a world of bizarre artifacts, shrunken heads, and sideshow wonders in a historic castle.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Ripley's Believe It or Not! St. Augustine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a world of bizarre artifacts, shrunken heads, and sideshow wonders in a historic castle.
"A fun museum of weird things with something new to see every visit!"
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets online before you go.
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive before 2 PM on Saturdays to enjoy a less crowded experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Circus Sideshow Acts
Explore the bizarre and fascinating world of historical circus performers and their unique talents.
Shrunken Heads & Oddities
Marvel at genuine shrunken heads and a vast collection of peculiar artifacts from around the globe.
Mummified Mermaid
See the legendary mummified mermaid, a sideshow attraction from the 19th century.

Interactive Exhibits
Engage with unique displays, including a surprising floor that descends with a loud noise!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Combo Tickets & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets online before you go.
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive before 2 PM on Saturdays to enjoy a less crowded experience.
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Factor in parking costs ($5/hr) and duration, especially if combining with the train tour.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Plenty of unique spots for memorable photos, from oddities to interactive displays.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets online before you go.
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive before 2 PM on Saturdays to enjoy a less crowded experience.
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Factor in parking costs ($5/hr) and duration, especially if combining with the train tour.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Plenty of unique spots for memorable photos, from oddities to interactive displays.
🚶♀️ Allow 1-2 Hours
Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours exploring the museum's exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ripley's Believe It or Not! St. Augustine for its unique and engaging collection of oddities, with many finding it a nostalgic and fun experience. The museum's air-conditioned interior and interactive exhibits are highlighted as positives, though some note it can get crowded on weekends. The accompanying Red Train Tour also receives high marks for its informative and entertaining guides.
"Such a nostalgic experience for me because I haven’t been to one of these since I was a kid in California.
It was a fun experience walking through and thank God there was a museum with AC! They have several similar things that I could remember from the other location like replicas, but there were also a lot of new things. There were several floors and it was a bit busier when I went so I was stuck behind a few families. My favorite part was the section about the circus sideshow acts! This one was a lot bigger and had more to see than the other one so I enjoyed taking my time through here. Some spots to stop at and take photos with along with some folks who stopped to share some fun facts with you. I think it’s good for families, friends or by yourself!"
Nina Cash
"Our family had such a wonderful time on the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Red Train Tour! Our driver, Cheyenne, was absolutely amazing. She was so friendly, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable about the area—we all learned so much during the ride. My three kids had a blast and were engaged the entire time, which says a lot! Cheyenne went above and beyond by even taking family photos for us, which we’ll treasure as memories of this trip. Thank you for making our experience fun, educational, and truly special. Highly recommend this tour, especially with Cheyenne as your driver!"
Orly Jada Ziva
"Enjoyed all the oddities and info that came along with each item. So much to look at. They have some activities you can try throughout the tour.
We saw and listened to various stories about different cultures from around the world. There is also a gift shop located upon exiting the tour.
We also enjoyed the red train tour. It was about an hour but Ed; our tour guide, made the tour informative, funny, enjoyable and educational.
Will certainly be back!"
Lucretia Allen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ripley's Believe It or Not! St. Augustine is located in the heart of the historic district. Many visitors arrive via the Ripley's Red Train Tour, which offers convenient stops. If driving, be prepared for city parking, which is typically paid hourly and can be found near the museum.
Yes, there is paid parking available near the museum. It's usually around $5 per hour and can be paid using a QR code scanner on your phone. If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, consider the parking duration carefully.
Absolutely! Ripley's Believe It or Not! is centrally located in the historic downtown area, making it easily accessible on foot from many other popular sites like the Castillo de San Marcos and St. George Street.
Yes, the Ripley's Red Train Tour makes a stop at the museum, offering a convenient way to reach it and learn about the city's history along the way.
For families, the Ripley's Red Train Tour is highly recommended. It's engaging for kids and provides a great overview of the city, with convenient stops at attractions like the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically around $24 per person for the museum. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts or combo deals.
While specific coupon codes can vary, it's worth searching online for 'coupons for Ripley's Believe It or Not St. Augustine' or checking sites like Groupon. Booking in advance online might also offer savings.
The museum generally operates daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Ripley's St. Augustine website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the door, but buying in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, to ensure entry and potentially avoid longer queues.
Yes, the museum is accessible. It features an elevator to navigate the multiple levels, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to explore all the exhibits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum is filled with a vast collection of oddities, including shrunken heads, rare animal skeletons, sideshow memorabilia, optical illusions, and unique artifacts from around the world.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the museum. If you plan to combine it with the Red Train Tour, allocate more time.
While it's known for its oddities and the bizarre, some visitors describe it as a 'haunted museum' due to its spooky atmosphere and collection of unusual items.
Yes, the museum offers several interactive exhibits and activities, including a unique floor that descends with a loud noise, adding an element of surprise and fun.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the museum, and there are many unique exhibits perfect for capturing memorable shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, there is a gift shop upon exiting where you might find small snacks or souvenirs. The surrounding historic district offers numerous dining options.
The historic downtown area surrounding Ripley's is packed with diverse eateries, from casual cafes and sandwich shops to seafood restaurants and pubs, catering to all tastes and budgets.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum. It's best to consume them before entering or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
You'll find fantastic photo opportunities with the shrunken heads, the mummified mermaid, unique taxidermy, optical illusions, and the various interactive displays. The building itself also offers a unique backdrop.
While general photography is usually permitted, it's always a good idea to check for specific signage regarding flash photography, as it can sometimes be restricted for certain exhibits.
The sideshow exhibits, like the mummified mermaid and displays of circus performers, are particularly popular for photos. The interactive exhibits also provide fun and unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your museum visit with the Ripley's Red Train Tour, which is also very kid-friendly and provides a great overview of the city. The museum's air-conditioned environment is a welcome relief from the Florida heat, making it a perfect midday activity. Remember to budget for parking if you're driving.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, consider purchasing a combo ticket if you're interested in other Ripley's attractions or the Red Train Tour. Parking fees can add up, so if you're staying nearby, walking or utilizing public transport might be more economical. The museum itself can be explored in about 1-2 hours, making it a manageable expense for a day trip.
👫 Couples & Friends
Pair your visit with a stroll through the historic streets of St. Augustine or enjoy a meal at one of the many charming restaurants nearby. The museum's unusual nature makes it a great topic of discussion and a departure from typical tourist attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ripley's Red Train Tour Experience
Travelers often recommend this tour as a great introduction to St. Augustine, especially for first-time visitors or families. It allows you to cover a lot of ground without the stress of parking and navigating the historic streets. The flexibility to hop off at various points of interest, including Ripley's, makes it a practical choice for maximizing your visit.
Key Takeaway: The Red Train Tour is an excellent companion to the museum visit, offering both transportation and education about St. Augustine's rich history and landmarks. Ensure you allocate enough time if you plan to utilize the hop-on, hop-off feature extensively.
Inside the Odditorium: What to Expect
Visitors often highlight the circus sideshow acts section as a favorite, featuring historical performers and their unique stories. The museum also boasts interactive elements, such as a floor that dramatically descends, adding an element of surprise and fun to the exploration. The sheer volume and variety of exhibits mean you can easily spend an hour or two discovering the world's strangest wonders.
Pro Tip: The museum offers a welcome air-conditioned respite from the Florida heat, making it an ideal activity for a midday break. Be prepared for a bit of a crowd, especially on weekends, but the experience is generally well-paced.
History and Oddities: A Unique Blend
The collection goes beyond mere curiosities; it often delves into the history behind each item, offering insights into different cultures, historical events, and the people who collected or were part of these strange phenomena. From ancient practices like head shrinking to the captivating world of sideshow performers, the museum blends historical context with its signature oddities.
This combination of historical architecture and a collection of the bizarre makes Ripley's in St. Augustine a distinctive attraction, appealing to those interested in both history and the wonderfully weird.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit