The Most Haunted Places in Florida (And the Stories Behind Them)
In the heart of St. Augustine, just a few blocks from the bustling historic district, the Casa Monica Hotel stands as a monument to both elegance and eerie lore. About a 45-minute drive southeast of Jacksonville, this 1888 hotel blends Moorish Revival architecture with a reputation for unexplained phenomena. Guests and staff have reported ghostly footsteps, flickering lights, and shadowy figures moving silently through its grand halls. Visitors can explore the ornate lobby with its intricate tile work and heavy wooden beams, imagining the Victorian-era travelers who once stayed here. The combination of its historic charm and spectral stories makes an evening visit especially atmospheric, particularly on a misty autumn night when the hotel’s old-world ambiance feels most palpable.
On Florida’s west coast, the historic city of Tampa harbors the mysterious Hotel Haya, located near the downtown core and just a short drive from Tampa International Airport. Known for its proximity to the old Floridan Hotel, which was demolished in the 1990s, Hotel Haya’s basement is rumored to contain portals to the past where restless spirits linger. Though younger compared to other haunted sites, the hotel’s blend of modern luxury and whispered tales of apparitions in the hallways attracts curious visitors. Guests can enjoy the rooftop pool and bar by day, then explore the nearby Ybor City district at night, where the streets hum with nightlife and old cigar factory stories. The strange energy at Hotel Haya is best experienced late evening when the city slows, and the shadows lengthen.
Farther south along the Miami coastline, Coral Castle is an enigmatic structure about 30 minutes south of Miami proper in Homestead. Built by a single man, Edward Leedskalnin, this massive stone sculpture garden of megaliths and curved walls has long attracted speculation about supernatural energy. Visitors can wander the grounds like a labyrinth, marveling at how Leedskalnin moved and carved huge coral blocks without heavy machinery. Beyond its engineering feats, some say the castle emits mysterious vibrations or eerie chills, especially near the obelisk-shaped “Magnetizer.” The subtropical setting, with its lush palms and warm Gulf breezes, creates an otherworldly atmosphere, best savored during the cooler winter months when the humidity drops, making outdoor exploration more comfortable.
In the northern panhandle, the town of Marianna, about 30 minutes south of Tallahassee, holds the haunting legacy of the Florida State Hospital, a large psychiatric institution established in the late 19th century. Its sprawling grounds and gothic-style buildings embody a chilling piece of medical history that many believe retains residual energies from past patients. Though access to the hospital itself is restricted, the surrounding area offers guided tours focusing on the institution’s dark past and reportedly haunted dormitories. Autumn, with its fallen leaves and cooler nights, brings a palpable sense of history and unease, perfect for those intrigued by the intersection of mental health history and paranormal lore.
Travel to the historic district of Key West, situated about four hours southwest of Miami by scenic Overseas Highway, and you’ll find the eerie charm of the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. This lush garden estate was the author’s residence in the 1930s and is famed for the six-toed cats that roam the grounds today. Visitors explore the house’s rooms filled with Hemingway’s memorabilia, but many also report ghostly sightings and unexplained noises in the dim evening hours. The island’s tropical twilight paints the whitewashed walls with soft shadows, adding to the sense of uncanny presence. Winter months, when the island buzzes with tourists, offer a livelier atmosphere, but the genuine chills are often felt in the quieter shoulder seasons when the crowds thin.
Just outside Orlando, the historic town of Sanford features the old Sanford Cemetery, about a 30-minute drive from downtown. Known for its haunting beauty and well-preserved 19th-century graves, this cemetery holds stories of early settlers and Civil War veterans. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to read inscriptions and learn about the town’s turbulent past. The melancholy ambiance is deepened at twilight when the setting sun casts long shadows amid ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss. Local legend says the cemetery is home to spirits who linger near the weathered headstones, making late afternoon visits during the fall months especially evocative.
In the small coastal city of Fernandina Beach, located on Amelia Island about 30 miles north of Jacksonville, the haunted Old Fernandina Historic District is a must-see for ghost enthusiasts. This charming area features Victorian-era homes and buildings, some turned into quaint shops and eateries, where reports of paranormal activity are common. Walking tours at dusk weave through cobblestone streets, revealing tales of pirates, shipwrecks, and Civil War intrigue. The district’s salt-kissed air and preserved architecture provide an atmospheric backdrop, especially during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the island’s natural beauty is at its peak.
Finally, in the heart of Tampa’s suburb of Ybor City, the Columbia Restaurant stands as Florida’s oldest restaurant and a hotspot of ghost stories. Established in 1905, this Spanish-Cuban eatery is known for its vibrant flamenco dancers and signature Spanish cuisine. Amid the lively atmosphere, staff and diners often share accounts of mysterious footsteps, flickering candles, and piano music playing on its own. The historic interior, with its tiled floors, stained glass, and dark wood accents, transports visitors back to the early 20th century cigar factory days. Evening dining here is magical, especially when the restaurant fills with music and the flickering of candlelight enhances the sense of old-world mystery.
These locations offer not just tales of hauntings, but immersive experiences where history, architecture, and legend combine. From the misty halls of St. Augustine to the tropical shadows of Key West, Florida’s haunted places invite visitors to explore the intriguing overlap of the state’s rich past and the supernatural. Whether strolling through ancient cemeteries, historic hotels, or whimsical stone castles, each destination provides a distinct glimpse into the stories that continue to haunt the Sunshine State.