Hey there, fellow thrill-seekers!
My name is Jenny, and I’m a ghost hunter at heart.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated with the supernatural.
I remember going on a
road trip
with my friends a few years back and we stopped at this old hotel in St.
Augustine, Florida.
The minute we entered the lobby, I felt like something was watching me.
As we were waiting to check-in, the chandelier started swinging by itself, and we heard strange noises.
Suffice to say; we ran out of there like our lives depended on it!
That was the moment I realized that Florida is one of the most
haunted places
in the country.
So, you’re here to find out about the spookiest places in Florida? Well, buckle up, my friend, because we’re about to embark on a paranormal journey!
What Makes Florida so Haunted?
Florida is known for its sunny beaches, amusement parks,
and retirement communities
.
But beneath the surface, there is a dark and eerie history that makes it one of the most
haunted places
in the world.
The state has a long and rich history of pirate raids, Native American battles, Spanish colonization, and Civil War skirmishes.
All of these events have left behind their fair share of restless spirits.
From abandoned hotels to historic battlefields, the state is riddled with ghost stories that will make your skin crawl.
So, if you’re brave enough to face the unknown, here are some of the most haunted places in Florida that you should visit:
My Top Haunted Places in Florida
1.
St.
Augustine Lighthouse
If you’re a fan of lighthouses, this one is a must-visit.
But be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart.
The St.
Augustine Lighthouse has a dark history that includes the tragic death of the head lighthouse keeper’s children.
Many visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures in the tower and hearing unexplained noises.
Some even claim to have seen the spirits of the two girls playing on the grounds.
Location: 81 Lighthouse Ave, St.
Augustine, FL 32080
Ticket price: $12.
95 for adults, $10.
95 for seniors and children
Best time to visit: At night, when the ghosts are said to be most active
2.
The Biltmore Hotel
The Biltmore
Hotel in Coral Gables is one of the most luxurious and haunted hotels in Florida
.
It was built in the 1920s and has hosted some of the most famous people in the world, including Al Capone and Judy Garland.
But along with the glamour comes a dark history that includes several deaths and disappearances.
Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing strange noises, and feeling cold spots throughout the hotel.
Location: 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Room rates: Starting from $249 per night
Best time to visit: Halloween season when the hotel hosts ghost tours
3.
The Devil’s Chair
Located in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Tarpon Springs, the Devil’s Chair is a creepy stone chair that is said to be cursed.
Legend has it that if you sit on the chair at night and leave a can of beer, it will be empty in the morning.
Visitors have reported feeling an eerie presence and hearing strange noises while sitting on the chair.
Some even claim to have seen a ghostly figure in the nearby mausoleum.
Location: Oak Hill Cemetery, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Best time to visit: Late at night, when the cemetery is empty
4.
Castillo de San Marcos
The Castillo de San Marcos in St.
Augustine is a historic fort that has stood for over 300 years.
It has been the site of many battles and has seen its fair share of death and destruction.
Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions in the cells and hearing unexplained noises throughout the fort.
Some have even claimed to have seen the spirits of Spanish soldiers roaming the grounds.
Location: 1 S Castillo Dr, St.
Augustine, FL 32084
Ticket price: $15 for adults, free for children under 16
Best time to visit: At night, when the fort is said to be most haunted
5.
The Riddle House
The Riddle House in West
Palm Beach
is a historic home that is said to be haunted by the ghost of its former owner, Karl Riddle.
Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures in the windows and hearing strange noises throughout the house.
Some even claim to have felt a cold hand on their shoulder while exploring the property.
Location: 2200 Virginia Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Ticket price: $20 per person for ghost tours
Best time to visit: At night, when the ghosts are said to be most active
These are just a few of the many
haunted places in Florida that you can explore
.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, there’s no denying the thrill of a good ghost story.
Just remember to keep an open mind and be respectful of the spirits.
6.
The Old Jail
The Old Jail in St.
Augustine is a former jail that was in use from 1891 to 1953.
It is now a museum and has been the site of many paranormal investigations.
Visitors have reported hearing strange noises and seeing ghostly apparitions, including the ghost of a former inmate named Charlie Powell who was hung in the gallows.
The museum even offers nighttime ghost tours for those brave enough to explore.
Location: 167 San Marco Ave, St.
Augustine, FL 32084
Ticket price: $13.
50 for adults, $6.
50 for children
Best time to visit: At night, when the ghosts are said to be most active
7.
The Don CeSar Hotel
The Don CeSar Hotel in St.
Pete Beach
is a luxurious hotel that has been in operation since the 1920s.
It has hosted many famous guests over the years, including F.
Scott Fitzgerald and Al Capone.
But along with the glamour comes a dark history, including several deaths and suicides.
Guests have reported seeing apparitions and hearing strange noises, including the sound of a child laughing in the hallways.
Location: 3400 Gulf Blvd, St.
Pete Beach
, FL 33706
Room rates: Starting from $335 per night
Best time to visit: Halloween season when the hotel hosts ghost tours
8.
The Cuban Club
The Cuban Club in Ybor City is a historic building that was once a social club for Cuban immigrants.
It is now a popular event space, but many believe that it is haunted by the ghosts of its former members.
Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and hearing strange noises, including the sound of children laughing and playing.
The club even offers ghost tours for those interested in the paranormal activity.
Location: 2010 N Avenida Republica de
Cuba
, Tampa, FL 33605
Ticket price: $25 per person for ghost tours
Best time to visit: At night, when the ghosts are said to be most active
These are just a few of the many haunted places in Florida.
Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, these locations offer a glimpse into the state’s spooky history.
9.
The Biltmore Cemetery
The Biltmore Cemetery is
located in Clearwater and is said to be one of the most haunted cemeteries
in Florida.
Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and hearing strange noises coming from the cemetery.
Legend has it that the cemetery is haunted by the spirits of those buried there, including a woman in a white dress who is said to wander the grounds.
Location: 2400 Druid Rd S, Clearwater, FL 33764
Best time to visit: Late at night, when the cemetery is empty
10.
The Vinoy Hotel
The Vinoy Hotel in St.
Petersburg is another luxurious and haunted hotel in Florida.
Built in the 1920s, it has a rich history that includes famous guests like Babe Ruth and Marilyn Monroe.
But along with the glamour comes a dark history that includes several deaths and suicides.
Guests have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and hearing strange noises throughout the hotel.
Location: 501 5th Ave NE, St.
Petersburg, FL 33701
Room rates: Starting from $299 per night
Best time to visit: Halloween season when the hotel hosts ghost tours
11.
The Vinoy Renaissance St.
Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
The Vinoy Renaissance St.
Petersburg Resort & Golf Club is a luxurious hotel in St.
Petersburg that was built in the 1920s.
It has a long history of paranormal activity, including ghostly apparitions, strange noises, and unexplained smells.
One of the most famous ghost stories is about a woman in white who haunts the fifth floor of the hotel.
Location: 501 5th Ave NE, St.
Petersburg, FL 33701
Room rates: Starting from $249 per night
Best time to visit: Halloween season when the hotel hosts ghost tours
12.
The Casa Monica Resort & Spa
The Casa Monica Resort & Spa in St.
Augustine is a luxurious hotel that was built in 1888.
It has a long and dark history, including several deaths and tragic events.
Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing strange noises, and feeling cold spots throughout the hotel.
Some even claim to have seen the ghost of the original owner, Franklin W.
Smith.
Location: 95 Cordova St, St.
Augustine, FL 32084
Room rates: Starting from $279 per night
Best time to visit: Halloween season when the hotel hosts ghost tours
13.
The Leesburg Opera House
The Leesburg Opera House in Leesburg is a historic building that was built in 1923.
It has been used for a variety of purposes over the years, including a movie theater, a dance hall, and a church.
People have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and hearing strange noises throughout the building, especially in the balcony.
Location: 108 S 5th St, Leesburg, FL 34748
Best time to visit: Late at night, when the building is empty
14.
The Tampa Theatre
The Tampa Theatre in downtown Tampa is a historic movie theater that was built in 1926.
Folks have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and hearing strange noises throughout the building, especially in the projection room.
One of the most famous ghost stories is about a former projectionist who still haunts the theater.
Location: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Best time to visit: Late at night, when the theater is empty
15.
The Vinoy Renaissance Hotel
The Vinoy Renaissance Hotel in St.
Petersburg is a historic hotel that has been in operation since the 1920s.
It has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Babe Ruth and Marilyn Monroe.
But along with the glamour comes a dark history that includes several deaths and suicides.
Guests have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and hearing strange noises, including the sound of a woman crying in the hallways.
The hotel offers ghost tours, where you can learn more about the hotel’s haunted history and even visit some of the most haunted rooms.
Location: 501 5th Ave NE, St.
Petersburg, FL 33701
Room rates: Starting from $250 per night
Best time to visit: Halloween season when the hotel hosts ghost tours
My Haunting Experience
During my visit to St.
Augustine, I had a chance to explore the Old Jail, which is said to be one of the most haunted places in Florida.
As soon as I entered the building, I felt a cold breeze, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
The cells were small and cramped, and I could feel the weight of the past on my shoulders.
I even caught an EVP recording of what sounded like a woman’s voice whispering my name.
Needless to say, I didn’t stick around for too long!
FAQs
What should I do if I see a ghost?
First of all, don’t panic!
Most ghosts are harmless and simply want to be acknowledged.
If you do see a ghost, try to remain calm and respectful.
You can acknowledge their presence by saying hello or simply nodding your head.
If you feel uncomfortable or scared, you can always leave the area.
Are these haunted places safe to visit?
Yes, these places are safe to visit during their regular operating hours.
However, if you plan on exploring them at night, make sure to take precautions and bring a friend or two.
It’s also a good idea to bring a flashlight and some snacks, just in case!
Are there any other haunted places in Florida?
Yes, there are many other haunted places in Florida, including the Miami Biltmore Hotel, the Deering Estate, and the Don CeSar Hotel.
Do some research and explore the ones that interest you the most!
What should I do if I suspect my house is haunted?
If you suspect that your house is haunted, you may want to try and document any strange occurrences that you experience.
This can include taking pictures or videos of any unexplained phenomena.
You can also try talking to the ghost, and respectfully asking them to leave if their presence is bothering you.
If the situation becomes too overwhelming or frightening, you may want to consider contacting a professional paranormal investigator or a spiritual advisor for help.
Can anyone become a ghost?
According to many ghost stories and legends, it is believed that anyone who dies can potentially become a ghost.
However, not everyone who dies becomes a ghost.
There are many different theories and beliefs about what happens to a person’s soul after they die, and whether or not they can remain on Earth as a ghost.
Why do people like to visit haunted places?
People visit
haunted places
for many different reasons.
Some people are interested in the history and stories behind the hauntings, while others are looking for a thrill or a sense of adventure.
For some, visiting a haunted place can be a way to confront their fears or overcome anxiety.
Others may be interested in paranormal investigation and want to explore these places in search of evidence of ghostly activity.
Conclusion: Don’t Let the Ghosts Scare You Away
Florida may be known for its sunny beaches
and theme parks, but it’s also home to some seriously spooky places.
From haunted hotels to cursed chairs, there’s no shortage of ghostly tales to explore.
So the next time you’re in the Sunshine State, why not take a detour and visit one of these haunted places?
Who knows, you might just have a paranormal encounter of your own!
