Orlando, FL – If haunted histories, eerie legends, and ghostly encounters pique your curiosity, Florida is a chilling playground for the macabre-minded. With its layered past and atmospheric locations, the Sunshine State is home to some of the most spine-tingling destinations in America.
From cursed highways to haunted lighthouses, here are ten must-see creepy attractions in Florida for those brave enough to explore the supernatural.
1. St. Augustine Lighthouse
This iconic lighthouse is a hotspot for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. Guests report shadowy figures, disembodied footsteps, and the laughter of children—thought to be the spirits of the Pittee sisters who tragically drowned nearby.
2. Florida Theatre (Jacksonville)
Constructed atop an old police station, the Florida Theatre is as eerie as it is elegant. Patrons and staff frequently report seeing the ghost of a projectionist and encountering strange shapes and voices that seem to come from nowhere.
3. Key West Cemetery
With over 100,000 bodies interred since 1847, this cemetery tells many ghost stories—most famously that of Carl Tanler, who lived with his beloved’s corpse for years. Visitors often encounter spectral figures and hear unexplained voices among the headstones.
4. Fort Jefferson (Dry Tortugas)
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this remote Civil War-era fort was once a prison. It’s haunted by the ghost of Dr. Samuel Mudd, who treated John Wilkes Booth. The isolation and history combine to create an unforgettable, eerie experience.
5. Cuban Club (Tampa)
This 1917 landmark is notorious for its tragic past and ghostly tenants. According to rivercityomaha, A drowned boy named Jimmy, a ghostly woman in white, and a piano that plays itself all contribute to the Cuban Club’s reputation as one of Florida’s most haunted places.
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6. The Dead Zone (Interstate 4)
This stretch of I-4 near Sanford was built over an old cemetery and is now infamous for accidents, electronic malfunctions, and ghost sightings. Locals warn drivers to avoid the area after dark.
7. Koreshan State Park
Founded by a cult that believed the Earth existed inside a hollow sphere, the remnants of the Koreshan Unity Settlement are now haunted by whispers and shadowy figures. Visitors describe feeling watched and seeing orbs floating through the trees.
8. Castillo de San Marcos (St. Augustine)
America’s oldest masonry fort is riddled with legends—from ghostly soldiers to secret lovers buried alive. The coquina stone walls seem to hold onto centuries of tragic energy that manifests after dark.
9. The Devil’s Tree (Port St. Lucie)
Located in Oak Hammock Park, this oak is tied to serial killer Gerard Schaefer. Stories of failed attempts to cut it down, occult rituals, and sightings of spirits give this twisted tree a dark and lingering aura.
10. May-Stringer House (Brooksville)
Dubbed one of the most haunted houses in Florida, this Victorian mansion is home to “Gary,” a playful and sometimes aggressive spirit said to occupy the attic. Cold spots, ghostly whispers, and unexplained movements are common here.
Whether you’re a ghost hunter or a casual thrill-seeker, these ten haunted and historic places across Florida offer a glimpse into the state’s eerier side. If you’ve visited any of these places—or dare to add them to your itinerary—share your stories in the comments and explore more haunted travel ideas at newyorkdailygazette.com.
