Last Updated on March 28, 2024
Florida has a vast history of strange occurrences, ghost stories, and paranormal activity. If you’ve been around long enough, you know that strange things happen here.
The good news for the brave souls seeking out a strange phenomenon, the Sunshine State has some of the most haunted locations in the United States.
Here are six of the most haunted places in Florida
If you venture to any of these eerie places, don’t be surprised if you’re met with mysterious voices, shadowy figures, cold spots, and other frightening things.
Table of contents
St. Augustine Lighthouse – St. Augustine, FL
Located in America’s oldest city, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is a popular St. Augustine attraction. It’s almost 150 years old and on the National Register of Historic Places.
Most people aren’t aware that during its construction in the late 1800s, it was the site of a tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of three young girls.
Strange occurrences at this site are attributed to these three girls. The lighthouse keepers say they hear footsteps in the lighthouse when no one is there. They also hear giggles at night in the tower.
Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse for the Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour, the only tour that gets you on the lighthouse grounds at night.
Tips:
- Ghost tours are typically on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Tickets are available for adults and children. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
- Make your reservation early. They fill up quickly.
- You can rent gear at the location or bring your own to enjoy the experience.
- The “girls” that haunt the lighthouse are known to be mischievous.
- Don’t be surprised if the ghosts untie your shoes or cause your flashlight to flicker.
Learn more at the St. Augustine Lighthouse Website.
Castillo de San Marcos – St. Augustine, FL
Castillo de San Marcos is a National Monument located in St. Augustine. It is known for its ghostly figures.
Staff members have witnessed paranormal occurrences over the years, including mysterious shadow figures and the ghosts of dead soldiers and military prisoners.
Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures has featured the fortress. The ghost stories include strange disappearances and a woman apparition in a white dress.
Night watchmen have reported seeing the ghosts of Spanish soldiers roaming the property.
Tips:
- Castillo de San Marcos is a stop on various St. Augustine ghost tours, which allow you to explore many haunted sites with a guide at night.
- Tickets are available for adults and children. They must be purchased in advance.
- Ghost experiences at the Castillo de San Marcos vary as multiple stories are told about this location’s losses.
Learn more at the Ghost City Tours website.
The Biltmore Hotel – Coral Gables, FL
The Biltmore Hotel is a historic hotel in the Miami-area city of Coral Gables. The luxury hotel is one of the most haunted hotels in Florida.
Built in 1926, the Biltmore endured a murder in 1929 on the 13th floor and a transformation into a military hospital during World War II. It was abandoned in 1968.
The city renovated the hotel in the 1980s, but the history of the Biltmore ghost stories remains.
Tips:
- Stop by the Biltmore and see if you feel any paranormal energy in this haunted place.
- You may book a room on the infamous 13th floor if you’re brave.
- This location does not offer an official haunted tour.
- You may have a paranormal experience just staying on the property.
Learn more at the Biltmore Hotel Website.
Tampa Theatre – Tampa, FL
Tampa Theatre is a non-profit Florida theatre in Tampa Bay that opened in 1926. The theatre is said to be haunted by a woman struck and killed by a carriage on the property.
The property later became the theatre. Spooky encounters include seeing a woman in a white gown walking across the mezzanine hallway.
Tips:
- Tampa Theatre offers the Ghosts of Tampa Theatre Tour, where guests can learn more about the historic building’s haunted history.
- Tickets are available online.
- The theatre has a few ghosts and multiple haunted locations as part of the tour. Make sure to book it early to keep it from selling out.
Learn more on the Tampa Theatre Website.
Key West Cemetery – Key West, FL
Key West Cemetery is considered to be one of the most haunted places in South Florida. Following a devastating hurricane in 1846, the beachside cemetery was established shortly thereafter.
The Key West Cemetery is estimated to be the final resting place of 80,000 to 100,000 people.
Tips:
- Visit Key West Cemetery to learn more about its history and the lives of the people buried there.
- Guided ghost tours take you to the most haunted areas in Key West at night.
- Reservations are required.
- Tours may not be suitable for children under 13.
Learn more on the Trolley Tours Website.
Bellamy Bridge – Marianna, FL
Bellamy Bridge, built in 1914, is one of the oldest bridges in Florida. It is located on the Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail in Jackson County. It’s considered a haunted spot and the site of one of Florida’s best-known ghost stories.
A woman named Elizabeth Jane Bellamy, who died in 1837, is said to haunt the bridge and the surrounding swamp. She’s searching for her husband, buried miles away 15 years after she passed.
If you find yourself in Marianna, stop by the Bellamy Bridge. Elizabeth’s ghost has reportedly been sighted many times.
Tips:
- Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail is open daily.
- It’s located at 4057 County Road 162, Marianna, Florida.
- It’s free to visit.
- The Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail is only open during daylight hours.
Learn more on the Visit Jackson County Website.
Honorable Haunted Mentions
Several of our Authentic Florida readers and Facebook followers provided these additional haunted places in Florida to check out:
- Cassadaga Hotel, Lake Helen – 355 Cassadaga Rd, Lake Helen, FL 32744
- Robert the Haunted Doll, Fort East Martello Museum – 3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
- The Cuban Club, Tampa – 2010 N Avenida Republica de Cuba, Tampa, FL 33605
- The Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach – 117 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
- The Pensacola Lighthouse, Pensacola – 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508
- Stranahan House, Fort Lauderdale – 335 SE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- The Plaza Resort and Spa, Daytona Beach (Hit by Hurricane Ian; Reopening in 2024)
- The Blue Anchor Pub, Delray Beach – 804 E Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483
- Paranormal Bad Boys also visits a variety of Authentic Florida haunts and rates them. Read more on the Paranormal Bad Boys Website.
Do you have a favorite haunted place in Florida that was not mentioned? Let us know in the comments below.
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