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Visiting the Sunshine State for Halloween and wondering what the most haunted places in Florida are? We are here to help!
Florida is known for its beauty and wonderful weather. Countless beaches offer vacation getaways for people all over the country.
And those beach destinations are, of course, quite popular with the Spring Break crowd.
But Florida is also a place of history. Home to the oldest city in America, St. Augustine, Florida has often been a place of upheaval over the years.
Many battles have been waged in wars with the Seminole Indians and between the Union and the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Along the way, the list of haunted places in Florida has grown long.
Read on to learn about 10 of the most haunted places in Florida that you can spend time visiting during your travels through the Sunshine State.
If you love things that go bump in the night, you’ll definitely want to check some of these places out. But if you have a ghostly encounter, don’t say we didn’t warn you!
1. St Augustine Lighthouse
- Address: St Augustine Lighthouse, 100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine, FL.
- Website: www.staugustinelighthouse.org
There is something so special about a lighthouse. The tall round structure seems so formidable when seas are calm and so vulnerable when the ocean waves rise up in a storm.
Yet the lighthouse stands as a beacon of safety to distant ships. And as a warning of land to those that venture too close.
The St Augustine Lighthouse has been standing strong since 1874 when it was built to replace the original lighthouse dating back to the 1800s.
And this lighthouse has been so special to so many people over the years, a number of them have refused to leave, even after death.
The most well-known of these spirits is former caretaker Peter Rasmussen, who apparently still watches over the place.
His spirit has the help of another former caretaker who fell to his death from the top of the tower.
Visitors to the tower can occasionally hear his screams. You also may encounter some young children playing some eternal game. Don’t be surprised if they try to get you to join them.
This hallmark of history is worth a visit, whether or not you meet any of the spirits who call it home. Whether you see a ghost or simply the ocean view from the top of the lighthouse, it’s bound to give you a shiver!
Although the lighthouse might be the most famous landmark in the city, there are also many other haunted places in St Augustine.
To learn more about them, make sure to book a ghost walking tour. It lasts a bit under 2 hours and is an excellent way to learn many spooky stories about St. Augustine’s Old Town!
2. Miami Biltmore Hotel
Address: Miami Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL
Looking for a haunted hotel in Florida? This one is for you!
Everything about the Biltmore Hotel in Miami is luxurious. Each of their rooms and suites is elegantly appointed with crown molding, chandeliers, tile floors, beautiful fabrics, and all the modern amenities.
Relax by the pool, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply hang out in your room and watch movies all day.
There is no wrong way to enjoy your stay at the Biltmore.
But this beautiful hotel wasn’t always an elegant vacation destination. In the past, the building also served as a military hotel and as a hangout for criminals.
It is hard to say how many people may have died on this property over the years. And it was during a period of abandonment that the hotel developed the reputation for being one of the most haunted places in Florida.
That reputation has lasted to this day. Guests still report experiencing glimpses from the other side, and if you’re lucky, you’ll hear about some of the more famous ghost stories from the staff during your stay. Now that’s my idea of a vacation!
HOW TO BOOK? The best way to experience the Biltmore Hotel is to book a stay! It’s one of the best hotels in Miami so no matter what, you won’t be disappointed by the level of service!
Click here to see the latest prices.
READ MORE: 38 Incredibly Interesting & Fun facts about Miami, Florida
3. Fort East Martello Museum
- Address: Fort East Martello Museum (home of Robert the Haunted Doll), 3501 Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL.
- Website: www.kwahs.org
The Fort East Martello Museum in Key West Florida was originally built in 1862 by the US Army to defend Key West during the civil war.
It is a wonderful place to visit if you want to learn a lot more about this special area of Florida known as The Keys.
But this old Army fort is also one of the most haunted places in Florida.
With all the strife and tension during the war, it isn’t any wonder that there might be a spirit or two lingering here.
But perhaps the real reason spirits have chosen to congregate in this museum is due to one special “guest” who resides here – Robert the Doll.
Considered one of the most haunted dolls in the world, Robert is known to make life pretty unhappy for visitors who dare to laugh at him or insult him.
In fact, the walls around his area are covered with letters from people apologizing to Robert for such things – and more. So if you visit Robert, be sure to be nice.
And if you want to take a picture of him, be sure you ask permission first and thank him after.
Otherwise, your letter may one day be hanging on the wall with all the others!
Want to discover more haunted places in Key West? Opt for the Ghost and Graveyards Trolley. It’s one of the best things to do in Key West at night! Click here to see the prices.
4. Sugar Mill Ruins
- Address: Sugar Mill Ruins, 600 Mission Drive, New Smyrna Beach.
- Website: www.volusia.org/sugarmillruins.html
Not all hauntings happen inside of buildings, and the Sugar Mill Ruins is a prime example.
On the surface, this 17-acre park looks like a place to learn a little history while enjoying a picnic lunch.
But this former plantation is named for the ruins of a sugar factory that was destroyed during a battle with the Seminole Nation.
And if you listen and watch very carefully, you may just see or hear some of the warriors who died in that terrible battle and are said to still run through the woods to this day.
READ MORE: 20 Beautiful Hidden gems in Florida
5. Capitol Theatre
- Address: Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL.
- Website: www.rutheckerdhall.com
If you want to catch some of the best comedy, music, and other cool entertainment acts, the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, FL is a cut above.
This modern entertainment value is more than just the shine and glitter of famous people performing their craft.
The Capitol is also the home of a number of spirits, including an old man known as “The Captain.”
So if you spend time at the Capitol Theatre checking out your favorite band, don’t be surprised if the person standing next to you turns out to be “not of this world”.
After all, maybe ghosts like music, too!
READ MORE: 14 Incredible Hidden Gems in St Petersburg (FL), Clearwater & Tampa
6. The Cuban Club
- Address: The Cuban Club, 2010 N Avenida Republica de Cuba, Tampa, FL.
- Website: cubanclubybor.com
Moving to a new country can be a difficult adjustment, and this has certainly been true for Cubans immigrating to Florida.
At the turn of the century, the Cubans living and working in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida gathered together for community and support, and one of their favorite places to do so was The Cuban Club.
Still a popular location to this day, The Cuban Club is known for hosting events – large and small.
You’ll find anything from boxing matches to concerts to wedding receptions going on at The Cuban Club. And your chances of bumping into “the other side” are pretty significant, too.
Since 1902, the variety of activities at the Cuban Club have ranged from happy and celebratory to criminal and violent.
Numerous deaths have happened over the years and the original building burned to the ground in 1917 (and was replaced with a new building the following year).
Patrons to the club report such things as elevator doors opening and closing by themselves, orbs and ghost images have been captured, and mysterious voices are heard by some.
The Cuban Club is so haunted, it made the Travel Channel’s “Top Ten Most Haunted Places” List.
So if you decide to visit The Cuban Club, be sure to bring your camera.
You might just manage to capture the image of a patron from long ago – a cool addition to any Vacation Photo Album!
Want to learn more? Opt for the haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub walking tour. You’ll get to learn many spooky stories while discovering amazing bars! Click here to see the prices.
READ MORE: 22 Best Day Trips From Tampa, Florida
7. Ashley’s of Rockledge Restaurant
- Address: Ashley’s Restaurant, 1609 South US1 Rockledge, FL.
- Website: www.ashleysofrockledge.com
If you happen to get hungry when you’re in the Rockledge, FL area, consider a visit to Ashley’s Restaurant.
Since 1933, this location has been associated with good food, good drinks, and a sense of fun.
Originally called “Jack’s Tavern”, the business changed hands and names over the years. And in 1985, it became Ashley’s Restaurant and Bar.
This family-owned establishment is popular for good food, friendly staff, two bars, and loads of fun. It is also known for being quite haunted.
Guests and staff alike occasionally experience paranormal activity. Dishes and glasses fly off tables and shatter on the floor, people report feeling pushed by unseen hands or followed by footsteps in empty halls.
In fact, so much paranormal activity has been reported over the years that Ashley’s has become a popular location for ghost hunters.
So, whether you are looking for an encounter with the great beyond, or simply a great meal, the folks at Ashley’s Restaurant would love for you to stop by!
8. Castillo de San Marcos
- Address: Castillo de San Marcos, 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL.
- Website: www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm
Sometimes it can be a bit of a puzzle trying to figure out why a place is haunted.
If there isn’t something obvious in the known history of a location, things get pretty mysterious at times. But there are no mysteries as to why Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine is haunted.
This Spanish stronghold was built to protect Florida and has been the site of many tragic deaths over the years.
Hard battles were fought here. And at one time, the Castillo was used to imprison Native Americans (Seminoles) captured in battle.
It is hard to accurately determine the number of ghosts that reside in this ancient place, but they are truly numerous.
Visitors report disembodied voices and cold spots. Some have even reported seeing the headless ghost of Seminole leader Osceola.
A number of other spirits reside here, too. So while you walk around this mighty fortress and learn all about the history of this place, keep your eyes open. And try not to jump if someone unseen walks up behind you.
9. The Florida Theatre
- Address: The Florida Theatre, 128 E Forsyth St #300, Jacksonville, FL.
- Website: www.floridatheatre.com
The Florida Theatre has a long and varied history. Since 1927, it has been a popular entertainment venue – showing movies, live concerts, and more.
A “white only” theater during segregation, the venue has gone through many changes over the years, including leaving its bigotted past behind.
And through the years, it also became the regular hangout for spirits sitting in two special seats – Balcony seats E1 and E2.
In 2020, Covid gave the owners the opportunity to close down the Florida theater for a complete renovation, including replacing all the seats in the theater with new ones.
All the seats, that is, except for the two haunted seats in the balcony. Instead of replacing those seats, they were shipped off to Michigan to be restored to their original beauty.
This was done out of respect for the spirits said to inhabit them during every performance.
The theatre has since reopened, and the event calendar is full once again. If you happen to be spending time in Jacksonville, be sure to stop by for a visit.
Just don’t try to reserve seats E1 or E2. Those are already occupied.
10. Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
- Address: Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, 14 St George St, St. Augustine, FL.
- Website: www.oldestwoodenschoolhouse.com
If you’ve wanted to catch a glimpse of how children went to school in the 1800s, a visit to the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in St. Augustine is in order.
Part of the Juan Genopoly homestead from the 1700s, the schoolhouse offers you a self-guided tour. Once completed, you receive your very own diploma.
But while there, be sure to take note of the “dungeon” under the staircase, where naughty students were sent for a time-out they’d be unlikely to forget.
Perhaps the experience was so traumatic, it has caused some spirits to return to the little schoolhouse in their afterlife. Maybe they are looking to make amends. Or perhaps they are hoping to get even with their teacher from so long ago.
No matter why they are there, visitors occasionally hear voices, the giggles of children at play, and orbs have been seen, too.
The schoolhouse is part of a larger museum surrounded by beautiful gardens, so be sure to spend time enjoying all there is to see. And if you happen to hear some children playing, don’t be surprised if you can’t quite see them.
They’ve probably been playing their game for a very, very long time!
11. Villa Paula
- Address: 5811 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127, United States
Villa Paula is one of the most famous haunted places in Miami. It was originally built in the 20s and served as the Cuban consulate.
Unlike you may think, it’s not located in Little Havana but actually is in Little Haiti.
The most famous resident of this house is Paula Milord (hence the name). She was the wife of the first consul, Domingo Milord.
Paula died in the 30s and that’s when rumours started about her husband keeping her remains in the house. The story later on broke on Miami Herald who ‘confirmed’ the rumours about her being buried in the garden.
There were also a lot of reports about ghost whispering things to visitors.
Of course, all of this was actually debunked later but it’s still a local legend that is worth mentioning.
Map of these haunted spots in Florida
Itinerary for a Haunted Florida Road Trip
📍 The Florida Theatre 🎭
📍 Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse 🏫
📍 Castillo de San Marcos 🏰
📍 St Augustine Lighthouse 🗼
📍 Sugar Mill Ruins 🌿
📍 Ashley’s Restaurant 🍽️
📍 Villa Paula 🏠
📍 Miami Biltmore Hotel 🏨
📍 Fort East Martello Museum 🪖
📍 The Cuban Club 🎶
📍 Capitol Theatre 🎬
Total Distance: 🚗 Approx. 1,575 km
This Haunted Florida Road Trip is perfect for ghost hunters, history lovers and anyone curious about the Sunshine State’s darker side. 👻🌙📸
The Sunshine State is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. From Disney World and Epcot Center to the Everglades, there is so much to offer.
But if you’d rather commune with spirits than hang out with Mickey Mouse, this list of haunted places in Florida gives you some great ideas for your own spooky vacation itinerary. Happy travels!
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