Exploring Haunted Florida: 8 Most Creepy Places to Visit

Welcome to Florida, a land full of eerie legends — and allegedly ghostly activity. From haunting lighthouses and cemeteries to infamous hotels and highways, we’ll take you on a journey through the Sunshine State’s most thrilling places.

AAA / Sherry Mims

St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, has a rich and varied history. First claimed by Spain when Juan Ponce de León landed there in 1513, it was later colonized under orders from King Phillip II by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565, who named it after the saint on whose feast day he arrived. Despite being sacked by pirates in the 16th and 17th centuries, its strategic coastal location made it a significant military outpost and must-visit destination.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse, built in 1874, is one of the oldest city's storied spots and a beacon for paranormal enthusiasts due to its tragic history and odd experiences, such as strange lights and whispers. It’s said to be where several spirits linger, including the Pittee sisters and their friend, who was said to have tragically died during the construction of the lighthouse.

The popular TV show "Ghost Hunters" even featured the local landmark in one of its episodes, further solidifying its reputation as a paranormal hotspot. According to the 2023 "A Life with Ghosts: True, Terrifying, and Insightful Tales from My Favorite Haunts," paranormal investigator and author Steve Gonsalves wrote, "The paranormal and personal experiences I've gone through at the St. Augustine Lighthouse have been profound and, I daresay, life-changing. It's also one of the few places that I can say is truly haunted."

Apart from the renowned St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, you can explore the Old Jail, known for its allegedly terrifying atmosphere and ghostly happenings, or visit the historic Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress, where many visitors have claimed to encounter spectral figures from the fort's long past.

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Venture to the historic Key West Cemetery in the Old Town district. It’s not only a resting place for more than 100,000 of the dearly departed but also a site rich in ghostly tales of restless spirits. A stroll through this cemetery, with its uncanny ambience and intriguing tales, is a fun thing to do if you love history. Some of the tombstones are more quirky than scary; “I told you I was sick” being one of the most famous. However you choose to visit, be on your best behavior! An unnamed Bahamian woman is rumored to visit those who disrespect the graves

Besides the Key West Cemetery, don’t miss another legendary Key West landmark, which will offer you a broader glimpse into the city's allure. The East Martello Museum is home to Robert the Doll, who allegedly moves and laughs and is possibly one of the best-known legends in Key West — as well as arguably one of the most haunted objects in the U.S.. You’re invited to (respectfully) take a picture of him — if you can.

AAA / Thuyvi Gates

Nestled between Orlando and Daytona Beach, the small town of Cassadaga holds a unique distinction as the "Psychic Capital of the World.” Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp dates back to 1894 when George P. Colby followed his spirit guide’s direction and claimed the special site, which is said to have energy vortices. Like Lily Dale, New York, it was founded by Spiritualists, who believe souls remain and communicate. To that effect, there are a number of psychic mediums and healers who practice within the district, named a historic district in 1992.

One of the most notable places to visit in Cassadaga is the Devil's Chair, but take note, it’s more hype than history. Locals will tell you the bench is not a haunted location but one of two mourning benches in the Lake Helen–Cassadaga Cemetery. Its ominous reputation has led to numerous rumors (like mysteriously emptied beer cans), however, in reality, there's a sobering place to sit and reflect, not a meeting spot for the devil.

For a more engaging experience, visit the séance room located in the brick Colby Memorial Temple. This room, only accessible to authorized individuals, is said to be frequented by spirits, adding an eerie aura to the quaint religious building. Either attend a historical tour to peek in (from the threshold) or sign up for a séance, which is held each second, fourth and fifth Saturday of the month. Participants are limited to 12, so be sure to reserve your space in advance.

Courtesy of The Don CeSar

Searching for a distinctive and exciting accommodation? Some top AAA-Diamond hotels promise an unforgettable night, with spectral inhabitants and creepy stories lurking behind every door. The Don CeSar and The Biltmore Hotel are two Florida hotels you'll want to get to know. (If you are intrigued, check out some haunted hotel stories from AAA inspectors.)

Immerse yourself in the rich history of The Don CeSar, a renowned Florida destination in St. Pete Beach. Known for its pink hue, this historic grand resort built by Thomas Rowe in 1928 has become a magnet for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. Its haunted reputation not only adds an unusual twist to your stay but also significantly contributes to its flourishing business.

Throughout the hotel, tales of a figure known as the man in white circulate among guests and staff. This person, clad in an immaculate white suit, is frequently sighted strolling on the beach before mysteriously disappearing. Many speculate that this apparition is none other than the hotel's founder, Thomas Rowe, eternally mourning his beloved Lucinda. Following his demise, reports of inexplicable occurrences and sightings of a gentlemanly ghost have escalated within the hotel's confines. Embark on this extraordinary journey and decide for yourself whether Thomas and Lucinda share an eternal bond beyond the grave. However, fear not, as this AAA Diamond property guarantees a top-tier place to stay and fun experiences.

The Biltmore Hotel, a National Historic Landmark in Coral Gables, has gone through several incarnations. As a hotel in the 1920s, it hosted an assortment of interesting guests, including mobsters like Thomas "Fatty" Walsh, who was killed on the 13th floor during a party; supposedly Walsh's ghost can still be seen today. During World War II, the federal government changed the Biltmore into a military hospital, and then the University of Miami used it as a medical school. It was later a Veterans Administration before being left empty for years, almost inviting ghost stories.

The city of Coral Gables put an amazing $55 million into restoring the Biltmore in 1983, giving the old building new life. Upon reopening to the public in 1987, the hotel recaptured its early vibe of luxury and service but also capitalized on its more unusual history by holding tours and events; check the calendar for offerings.

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Orlando’s Greenwood Cemetery is home to some of the City Beautiful's most well-known families and individuals, making it a must-see for paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs. From unexplained encounters to ghostly whispers, this allegedly haunted graveyard offers a great experience for those who dare to visit; its website lists historic information as well as self-guided tour tips and moonlight walking tours.

One of the most interesting tales includes a soldier in front of the Wilcott mausoleum — someone who is not known to be a member of the family. There's also Babyland, a part of the historic burial site where numerous children under age five are buried, leading to spine-tingling stories of childlike sounds. (In a similar vein, children’s giggles have been heard at nearby Church Street in Downtown Orlando, where many buildings are said to be haunted.)

istockphoto.com / photohoo

Should you be driven to confront the mysterious happenings of the I-4 Dead Zone near the Johns River Bridge: Be cautious. This so-called cursed highway carries a tragic history and uncanny phenomena. The legend of the I-4 Dead Zone dates back to the 1880s, when settlers to the area tragically died from yellow fever; their graves now lie beneath the highway, near the section near the bridge.

When the government planned to build the interstate in the 1950s, they purchased the land and constructed the highway over the graves and perhaps paved the way for the activity that would soon follow. The I-4 Dead Zone has since become a hotbed for mysterious happenings, including:

These paranormal activities, dating back just after World War II, have made the I-4 Dead Zone somewhat of an urban legend and irresistible to many ghost hunters. However, it’s not a great place to investigate because first, the state owns it, and second and most importantly, it’s dangerous. According to The Daytona Beach News-Journal, a fatal accident occurred on the day it opened in 1963, and hundreds of crashes have occurred since, with a higher fatality-to-accident ratio than many other highways in the state.

Courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay

Tampa Theatre, an iconic venue in Downtown Tampa, holds a reputation for more than just its cinematic offerings. Known as one of the most haunted buildings in Tampa, this historic movie palace is said to be teeming with spectral inhabitants and supernatural occurrences. From the mighty Wurlitzer organ that sits on the stage to the grandiose interior that mimics a night sky, every corner of this theater seems to whisper tales of its preternatural patrons. The theater even offers "balcony to backstage," providing a unique opportunity to delve into the Tampa landmark's haunted past and ghostly guests.

According to those who work there, the theater is home to not only special features but also spectral inhabitants, each with a unique backstory. During the annual Halloween horror movie festival, "A Nightmare on Franklin Street," ghost tours are held, giving attendees a spine-chilling glimpse into the theater's spectral lore. Whether these stories are fact or fiction is up for debate, but one thing is certain — a visit to the Tampa Theatre promises beautiful architecture and entertainment. Sign up for a tour in person or check out the Virtual 360 Tour.

Besides the Tampa Theatre, there are other reportedly haunted locations in Tampa worth exploring. One is Ybor City’s Cuban Club, a historic social club turned event center, which is a must for anyone spending a day in Ybor.

It’s Florida, so you can expect everything from cursed highways to energy vortices and spirits. These types of hauntings can be said to be residual haunts, intelligent haunts or object haunts, such as Robert the Doll in Key West.

Yes, you can take a tour at many of the allegedly haunted places in Florida such as Cassadaga and St. Augustine Lighthouse. In October, Tampa Theatre offers a ghost tour as well as several other tours weekly. For an all-encompassing experience, sign up in advance for a ghost tour in St. Augustine, which will take you to numerous local sites and provide some history and entertainment. There are also self-guided versions, such as Haunted Miami: A Smartphone Audio Driving Tour, which you can access through AAA's Trip Canvas. Additionally, you can map out your version and add the I-4 Dead Zone to your itinerary, but do so with caution, as it’s a dangerous section of highway.