Welcome to Florida, a land full of eerie legends — and allegedly ghostly activity. From lighthouses and cemeteries to hotels and highways, we’ll take you on a journey through the Sunshine State’s most thrilling places.
- Have a spooky good time by visiting St. Augustine Lighthouse, ghostly inhabitants of Key West Cemetery or Orlando’s Greenwood Cemetery and otherworldly experiences in Cassadaga.
- Enjoy spirited entertainment at Tampa Theatre.
- Visit one of Florida’s haunted hotels — The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach or The Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables.
- Driven souls can also explore the mysterious and possibly cursed I-4 Dead Zone.
Eerie St. Augustine Lighthouse
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.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse, built in 1874, is one of the oldest city's eeriest 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 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, you can explore the Old Jail, known for its terrifying atmosphere and ghostly happenings, or visit the historic Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress, where many visitors have claimed to encounter spectral figures from the fort's long past.
Intriguing Key West Cemetery
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. You’re invited to take a picture of him — if you can.
Get in the Spirit in Cassadaga
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 emptying beer cans), however, in reality, it serves as a solemn reminder of the town's past rather than 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 its historical significance. Either attend a 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.
Haunted Hotels: A Night to Remember
Searching for a distinctive and exciting accommodation? Some 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.)
The Don CeSar
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
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.
Mysterious Happenings at the I-4 Dead Zone
Are you ready to confront the enigmatic events of the I-4 Dead Zone near the Johns River Bridge? Travel along the I-4 Dead Zone, a so-called “cursed” highway that 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 and were buried; 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, paving the way for the activity that would soon follow. The I-4 Dead Zone has since become a hotbed for mysterious happenings, including:
- Unusual lights
- Strange sounds
- Sudden temperature drops
- Unexplained electrical disturbances
These are just some of the paranormal activities that have made the I-4 Dead Zone, a site with a dark history dating back to World War II, so legendary. 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.
Orlando's Greenwood Cemetery: A Walk Among the Dead
Start a journey among the spirits at Orlando’s Greenwood Cemetery. This historic burial site is home to some of Orlando’s most well-known families and individuals, making it a must-see for paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs. From ghostly whispers to unexplained encounters, this haunted graveyard offers a spine-tingling experience for those who dare to explore it.
One of the most interesting is a soldier in front of the Wilcott mausoleum who is not known to be a member of the family. There's also Babyland, a part of the cemetery where numerous children under 5 are buried, leading to 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.
Tampa Theatre
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 whispers tales of its ghostly guests and preternatural patrons. The theater even offers "balcony to backstage" tours focusing on its phantom residents, providing visitors a unique chance to delve into its haunted past.
According to those who work there, the theater is haunted by an array of spirits, 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, such as Ybor City’s Cuban Club, a historic social club turned event center, which has its spooky reputation.
Know Before You Go
What types of phenomena can be found in Florida?
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.
Can I take a ghost tour at some of these spooky places?
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.
AAA Travel provides peace of mind when you travel — before, during and after your vacation! Members enjoy the advantages of membership including exclusive benefits, map routing, savings with the AAA Discounts & Rewards® program as well as recommendations for AAA Diamond-designated hotels and restaurants across the U.S. and Canada. Let AAA provide the rest of your travel needs with AAA Travel Guides, TourBook® guides, access to travel agents and counselors and travel insurance. Your next vacation starts with AAA — your complete travel solution. Visit AAA.com/Travel.