Haunted Places in Florida: Exploring the Spooky Side of the Sunshine State

Florida is home to some of the most haunted places in the United States. From historic hotels to eerie cemeteries, there’s no shortage of ghostly activity in the Sunshine State.

If you’re looking to explore the supernatural side of Florida, you won’t want to miss out on these haunted hotspots. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the stories and legends behind these locations are sure to send shivers down your spine. So grab your ghost-hunting gear and get ready to discover some of the most haunted places in Florida.

Florida’s rich history and diverse culture have contributed to the many ghost stories and legends that surround the state. From the ghost of a gangster who still roams the halls of a historic theater to the chilling apparitions of children who met a tragic end, there are plenty of spine-tingling tales to explore.

St. Augustine Lighthouse

The St. Augustine Lighthouse has been standing tall and guiding ships since the 1800s, but it’s also known for its haunted past.

Legend has it that the ghost of a former lighthouse keeper still roams the tower, and visitors have reported strange occurrences such as unexplained footsteps and cold spots. Some even claim to have seen the ghostly figure of the keeper himself.

If you’re brave enough, you can take a guided tour of the lighthouse after dark and hear spine-tingling stories about its haunted history. You’ll learn about the tragic deaths that have occurred on the property and the ghostly sightings that have been reported over the years.

But even during the day, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is a fascinating piece of Florida history. You can climb the 219 steps to the top of the tower for stunning views of the surrounding area, or explore the museum and exhibits that showcase the lighthouse’s role in maritime history.

Castillo de San Marcos

The old fortress Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine has a rich history and a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the state.

Constructed in 1672 by the Spanish government, the Castillo de San Marcos passed through a few hands before eventually coming into the possession of the U.S. military. It was used as a prison during the Seminole Wars and the Civil War, and many prisoners died within its walls. Some visitors have reported hearing the sounds of chains rattling and ghostly moans coming from the cells.

Legend has it that the ghost of a Spanish soldier who was killed during a battle in the fort still haunts the grounds. Visitors have reported seeing his apparition, dressed in full military uniform, walking the walls of the fort. There have also been reports of strange sounds, such as footsteps and whispers, echoing through the empty halls.

If you’re brave enough to visit the Castillo de San Marcos, you can take a guided tour of the fort and learn more about its history and hauntings. Just be sure to keep your eyes and ears open – you never know what you might encounter in this spooky old fortress.

Spanish Military Hospital

If you’re looking for a spooky place to visit in St. Augustine, the Spanish Military Hospital is a must-see. This historic building has been around since the 18th century and is said to be one of the most haunted places in Florida.

The Spanish Military Hospital was originally built to treat Spanish soldiers and sailors who were stationed in St. Augustine. Over the years, it has been used as a hospital for civilians and even served as a boarding house at one point. Today, it is a museum that showcases what medical treatment was like in the 18th century.

According to local legends, the Spanish Military Hospital is haunted by the ghosts of patients who died there. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions and hearing strange noises throughout the building. Some even claim to have seen a one-legged man wandering around the back room.

Despite its spooky reputation, the Spanish Military Hospital is a fascinating place to visit. You can take a guided tour of the building and learn about the history of medicine in the 18th century. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for any ghostly encounters while you’re there!

Location	Hours	Admission
3 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL 32084	Monday-Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM	Adults: $10, Children (5-12): $5, Children under 5: Free

Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse

The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in St. Augustine was built in the early 18th century, this tiny one-room schoolhouse has survived centuries of war, disease, and development, making it one of the country’s most accessible monuments to the history of American education.

As you walk through the schoolhouse, you’ll notice the original desks, chalkboards, and textbooks still in place. You’ll also see a small dungeon under the stairs where the naughty students were sent to spend the day. The schoolhouse is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former student who died in the dungeon after being punished too severely.

If you’re brave enough, take a guided ghost tour of the schoolhouse to learn more about its haunted history. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will share spooky stories and legends about the schoolhouse and the surrounding area.

Be sure to bring your camera, as the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is a popular spot for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. Who knows, you might even capture a ghostly apparition on film!

Robert the Haunted Doll

Inside the Fort East Martello Museum in Key West, you’ll find Robert the Haunted Doll, a creepy toy that has been the subject of countless ghost stories and urban legends.

According to legend, Robert the Doll was once owned by a young boy named Robert Eugene Otto. The doll was given to him by a servant who was skilled in voodoo and black magic. After receiving the doll, strange things began to happen around the house. Furniture would move on its own, strange noises could be heard, and objects would disappear only to reappear in different places.

As the years went by, Robert Eugene Otto grew up and left the house, leaving the doll behind. However, the doll’s sinister presence remained, and it was said to have caused chaos and destruction wherever it went. Eventually, the doll was donated to the Fort East Martello Museum, where it remains to this day.

If you’re brave enough to visit Robert the Haunted Doll, be warned: some visitors have reported feeling a sense of unease or even terror in its presence. Some have even claimed that the doll’s eyes follow them as they move around the room. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that Robert the Haunted Doll is a truly eerie sight to behold.

Key West Cemetery

The Key West Cemetery is the place for eerie atmosphere and ghostly sightings.

With over 100,000 people buried in the 19-acre cemetery, it’s no wonder that some of them may still be lingering around. Visitors have reported seeing ghosts and apparitions throughout the cemetery, as well as hearing disembodied voices.

The Key West Cemetery has a rich history, having been established in 1847 after a hurricane washed away the original cemetery. Many notable figures are buried here, including sailors, soldiers, and even victims of the 1898 USS Maine explosion.

One of the most famous graves in the cemetery belongs to a woman named Elena Milagro Hoyos. After her death, her body was preserved by her husband and placed in an above-ground crypt. Her body was eventually discovered and moved to a more traditional grave, but her story has become a popular legend in Key West.

Biltmore Hotel

If you’re looking for a spooky place to stay in Florida, you might want to check out the Biltmore Hotel in Miami. This historic hotel is known for its luxurious amenities and beautiful architecture, but it’s also famous for its ghostly inhabitants.

One of the most well-known ghosts at the Biltmore is Fatty Walsh, a notorious mobster who was killed in the hotel during a gambling dispute. Guests and staff members have reported seeing his ghost wandering the halls and opening doors for waitresses carrying trays in and out of the restaurant. Some people even claim to have seen him sitting at the end of their bed in the middle of the night!

But Fatty Walsh isn’t the only ghost at the Biltmore. There have been reports of a woman in white wandering the halls, as well as a ghostly couple dancing in the ballroom. Some guests have even reported feeling a cold breath on their necks or hearing strange noises in the middle of the night.

Despite its ghostly reputation, the Biltmore is still a popular place to stay for those looking for a luxurious and historic experience. With its stunning pool, beautiful gardens, and elegant rooms, it’s no wonder that the hotel has attracted celebrities, politicians, and other famous figures over the years.

If you’re brave enough to stay at the Biltmore, be sure to keep an eye out for any ghostly visitors. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you might want to sign up for one of the hotel’s ghost tours to learn more about the hotel’s haunted history.

Coral Castle

If you’re looking for a mysterious and enigmatic structure in Florida, Coral Castle should be on your list of places to visit. Located in Homestead, Florida, Coral Castle is a unique attraction that captivates visitors with its massive megalithic stones and sculptures. Built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin from 1923 to 1951, the castle is a testament to his incredible engineering and artistic skills and one of the great castles to visit in Florida.

Legend has it that the castle is haunted, making it a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. While there is no concrete proof of any paranormal activity, many people claim to have experienced strange occurrences while visiting the castle. Some have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a sense of unease in certain parts of the castle.

Despite its spooky reputation, Coral Castle is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in history, engineering, or art. The castle features numerous sculptures and carvings, including a nine-ton gate that can be easily opened with just a touch of a finger. Visitors can also see the famous “Polariod Coral Castle Flywheel,” a massive stone wheel that Leedskalnin claimed could harness magnetic energy.

Villa Paula

The Villa Paula mansion was built in 1925 for the first Cuban Consulate in Miami, Senior Don Domingo Milord, and his wife, Paula, whose name graces this mansion.

The villa is known for its intriguing ghost stories and is often referred to as one of the most haunted places in the city. According to legend, Paula died from complications of a leg amputation, and her spirit still haunts the mansion. Visitors have reported hearing strange noises, seeing apparitions, and feeling cold spots throughout the house.

Despite its haunted reputation, Villa Paula is a beautiful mansion to visit. The architecture is a mix of Mediterranean and Spanish styles, with a beautiful courtyard and fountain. The mansion has been restored to its former glory and is now open for tours.

The Cuban Club

The Cuban Club in Ybor City is an historic building that is known for its paranormal activity and has been featured on the Travel Channel as one of the top 10 most haunted places in the United States.

The Cuban Club was originally built in 1917 to replace the previous club that burned down in the same location. The building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972 and was once a popular gathering place for light-skinned Cubans in Ybor City.

According to TAPs, a paranormal investigation team, The Cuban Club is haunted, and they have dubbed it “Club Dead.” Many visitors have reported seeing floating orbs in the clubhouse, and several pictures of the supposed orbs have surfaced on the internet.

The Cuban Club has a long and extensive history, and the location has seen a few deaths in its time, including the death of a child. On another occasion, a man was shot over an argument in the lobby. These tragic events may be the reason behind the paranormal activity in the building.

If you are brave enough, you can visit The Cuban Club and take a guided tour to learn more about its history and paranormal activity. Who knows, you may even experience something supernatural while you are there!

Tampa Theatre

Numerous reports of ghost sightings, strange noises, shadows, and paranormal activities have been associated with the Tampa Theatre since its inception, in 1926. Some visitors have even claimed to have seen the ghost of a former projectionist who died in the projection booth.

The Tampa Theatre offers a Ghost Tour that takes visitors on a behind-the-scenes look at the theater’s haunted history. During the tour, you’ll hear stories of the theater’s past, learn about the ghostly sightings and experiences of previous visitors, and even have the chance to take a peek inside the projection booth, where the ghost of the former projectionist is said to reside.

If you’re a fan of horror movies, you’ll also want to check out the theater’s annual Halloween horror movie festival, A Nightmare on Franklin Street. The festival includes not only scary movies but also ghost tours of the theater.

Cassadaga Hotel

The Cassadaga Hotel was built in 1927 and has been a popular spot for paranormal enthusiasts ever since. It’s rumored to be haunted by several ghosts, including a former owner named Arthur who is said to roam the halls at night. The hotel also has a reputation for being a hotbed of paranormal activity, with guests and staff reporting strange occurrences like unexplained noises, cold spots, and ghostly apparitions.

Despite its spooky reputation, the Cassadaga Hotel is a charming and cozy place to stay. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with antique furnishings and modern amenities like air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar, as well as a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and spiritualist books.

The Riddle House

Located in Palm Beach County, this Edwardian-style house was originally built in West Palm Beach in 1905 by Henry Flagler’s hotel construction workers. At first, it was known as the “Gatekeeper’s Cottage” and was home to the groundskeeper of Woodlawn Cemetery.

By 1920, the house was privately owned by Karl Riddle, a city manager. It was then converted into a funeral parlor, which explains why it’s rumored to be haunted. Visitors have reported everything from mysterious flashes of light to sightings of a hanging torso in the attic window.

Today, the Riddle House is one of the most popular haunted hotspots in Florida. It was moved to Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds, Royal Palm Beach, where it now stands as a testament to Florida’s haunted history. If you’re brave enough, you can take a ghost tour throughout the summer and fall.

Bellamy Bridge

If you’re a fan of ghost stories, then you must visit Bellamy Bridge in Marianna, Florida. This historic steel-frame bridge is over 100 years old, and it is the oldest of its kind in Florida. However, the main attraction of the bridge is the legend of the Ghost of Bellamy Bridge.

According to the story, Elizabeth Bellamy, the daughter of a local plantation owner, fell in love with a Confederate soldier during the Civil War. Her father did not approve of the relationship and forbid them from seeing each other. One night, Elizabeth snuck out to meet her lover, but they were caught by her father. In a fit of rage, he killed the soldier and Elizabeth. It is said that Elizabeth’s ghost still haunts the bridge to this day.

If you’re brave enough to visit the bridge, you can take the Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail, which was opened to the public in 2012. You can reach the bridge by walking along a short, easy hike that leads you to the historic site. The bridge is located on Jacob Road, about 7 miles off of US-231.

While you’re there, keep an eye out for the mysterious light that shines at the bridge. The strange tale of the Ghost of Bellamy Bridge has been called “Florida’s best-known ghost story.” It is also one of the most compelling!

The Devil’s Chair

The Lake Helen-Cassadaga Cemetery in Florida is home to the infamous Devil’s Chair, a large red brick bench that is said to be cursed.

Legend has it that if you sit in the Devil’s Chair at night, the Devil himself will come to speak to you. Some people even claim to have heard voices in their heads when they sat in the chair. But be warned, sitting in the Devil’s Chair is said to come with a terrible price. Some say that those who sit in the chair will die within seven years.

Despite the ominous reputation of the Devil’s Chair, it remains a popular spot for thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. The cemetery itself is also home to many other spooky legends, including the ghost of Cassadaga founder George Colby.

If you’re planning a visit to the Lake Helen-Cassadaga Cemetery, be sure to bring a camera and a friend. Who knows what kind of paranormal activity you might encounter? Just remember to be respectful of the cemetery and its inhabitants, both living and dead.

Spook Hill

If you’re looking for a spine-tingling experience, Spook Hill in Lake Wales, Florida, is a must-visit destination. This gravity-defying hill is said to be haunted, with some claiming that the spirits of Native Americans who once lived in the area are responsible for the strange phenomenon that occurs here.

When you park at the bottom of the hill and put your car in neutral, it will appear to roll uphill all by itself. This is due to an optical illusion created by the surrounding landscape, which makes it look like you’re going uphill when you’re actually going downhill. It’s a fun and spooky experience that you won’t soon forget.

Legend has it that the Native Americans who lived in the area believed that the hill was sacred and that it was a place where spirits could be summoned. They would hold ceremonies on the hill, and it is said that the spirits of their ancestors still haunt the area to this day.

Ashley’s of Rockledge

If you’re looking for a spooky dining experience, Ashley’s of Rockledge is the place to be. This restaurant is widely known as the most haunted restaurant in Florida, and for good reason. Located in Brevard County, Ashley’s of Rockledge has a long and storied history that dates back to the 1920s.

The building that houses Ashley’s of Rockledge has been many things over the years, including a general store, a brothel, and a speakeasy during Prohibition. It wasn’t until the 1980s that it became the restaurant it is today. But the building’s past still haunts it, and many visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and feeling strange presences.

One of the most famous ghosts at Ashley’s of Rockledge is the spirit of Ethel Allen, a young woman who was murdered in the 1930s. Her body was found near the Indian River, and she was known to frequent the tavern that was located in the building at the time. Some visitors have reported seeing her ghostly figure in the restaurant, and others have reported feeling her presence.

Vinoy Renaissance Hotel

The Vinoy Renaissance Hotel in St. Petersburg is historic hotel has been around since 1925 and has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in Florida.

The Vinoy Renaissance Hotel has been the site of many paranormal experiences over the years. Guests and staff members alike have reported seeing apparitions, hearing strange noises, and feeling a general sense of unease in certain parts of the hotel. Some of the most commonly reported sightings include a woman in white who appears in the hallway, a man in a top hat who wanders the lobby, and a little girl who plays in the hallways.

One of the most haunted rooms in the hotel is Room 305. Guests who have stayed in this room have reported feeling an eerie presence and hearing strange noises throughout the night. Some have even reported waking up to find a ghostly figure standing at the foot of their bed.

Despite its spooky reputation, the Vinoy Renaissance Hotel is still a popular destination for travelers looking for a luxurious stay in St. Petersburg. The hotel features a variety of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, and multiple restaurants. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or not, the Vinoy Renaissance Hotel is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Florida.