12 Haunted Places in Florida That Will Give You Goosebumps

Of course, we haven’t seen it all! There’s still so much to learn and see. But one thing is for certain…we’ve experienced quite the scares at some haunted places in Florida!

From seeing ghostly shadows moving around in empty historic houses to hearing voices at Castillo de San Marcos, and even taking pictures of orbs for the first time at Cassadaga. When it comes to the haunted, I’m interested!

I won’t get into much detail, but I do believe there are a lot of stories to be told from those who came before us.

Whether we choose to believe it or not, that’s up to us. Regardless, the word ‘haunted’ always comes with some extra fun, any time of the year!

Eerie Haunted Places in Florida You Should Visit

Believer or non-believer, you can’t deny the fact that there are some places that you would describe as eerie and haunted.

As for me, I’ve had my share of personal experiences with this whole haunting thing.

Back in 2010, I dealt with the apparition of the ‘ghost’ of a 4-year-old kid every single night–for two months.

But what motivated me to write this post isn’t the fact that I’ve seen things firsthand. It’s just that believe it or not, many people do search for haunted places in Florida to visit and experience.

1. May-Stringer House – one of the most haunted places in Florida

If you’re looking for a haunted house that will give you all the chills, this one is it. But make no mistake, it’s not just for the spooky season.

The May-Stringer House is known to be one of the most haunted places in Florida and will all the more reasons.

Built in the 1800s, this beautiful Victorian house is a popular spot for paranormal investigators due to its history of strange energy and sightings.

One of the popular ‘ghosts’ named Gary is said to be right in the attic of the May-Stringer House. The attic is one of the most active hot spots for paranormal activity in this building.

Believed to have arrived in some kind of theatre chest, Gary has a very peculiar personality which has earned him the nickname “Mr. Nasty”.

Some people are quite fond of Gary while others are too scared to step foot anywhere near the attic.

During the Halloween season, this real-life 4-story haunted house transforms into a fictional haunted house that will surely scare the life out of you.

The haunted journey takes you through most of the sections of the house, except the attic, and each one of them has a different theme. Our favorite parts were the dining room, stairs, and the baby’s room.

With our visit to the May-Stringer Haunted House & Ghostfest last year, we crowned this to be the scariest and most exhilarating Halloween-themed haunted house.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most spooky places in Central Florida to visit during the fall season! No photos or videos are allowed inside the Halloween-themed haunted house even

Hauntings at May-Stringer House

The staff has experienced voices in empty rooms, cold spots, eerie shadows, the sound of children’s laughter, and glowing orbs.

Plan your visit: The Museum is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Visit their website for information and updates.

Address: 601 Museum Court, Brooksville, FL 34601.

2. Hotel Cassadaga, Cassadaga

Right in the center of Cassadaga, you’ll find this quaint 1920s hotel where spirit energies reign day and night. If you’re into the paranormal, Hotel Cassadaga will certainly not disappoint as it’s one of the most haunted places in Florida.

You’ll also find that the mysterious appeal of this hotel is both welcoming and eerie. This is why Cassadaga Hotel is said to be one of the best-kept secrets of haunted Florida.

During your visit, you’ll be able to experience readings along with a variety of other similar activities. Furthermore, the hotel encourages all guests to bring their cameras for their stay.

Whether you’re a believer or non-believer, the energy you’ll feel inside this hotel is one that you will always remember.

Many guests have captured photographs of energies in and around Hotel Cassadaga and some of these photographs can be seen in the albums kept inside the bookstore.

Although no filming or paranormal investigations are permitted, personal use photos are allowed.

Hauntings at Cassadaga Hotel

According to Haunted Travels USA, one of the most popular ghost stories of Cassadaga Hotel is one of Arthur–an Irish man who lived in the hotel’s room number 22, up until the day of his death.

Throughout the years, many have experienced the smell of Arthur’s cigar, taps on the shoulder when no one is around, objects moving without explanation, and flickering lights.

Address: 355 Cassadaga Rd., Cassadaga, Florida 32706

3. St. Augustine Lighthouse – one of the top haunted places in Florida

It had taken me a very long time to finally visit this beautiful lighthouse. I have all the intentions of going back, especially for their Lighthouse Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour.

The St Augustine Lighthouse–originally built in 1824, is said to be one of the most haunted places in Florida. It was even featured on Ghost Hunters.

There are a couple of the first lightkeepers who supposedly don’t want to leave the lighthouse. Reported sightings might be related to them.

Hauntings at the St. Augustine Lighthouse

A voice of a woman screaming for help, shadowy figures at the top of the lighthouse, and sightings of many spirits in the lighthouse. The basement of the lighthouse keeper’s house is also an active paranormal site.

Plan your visit: Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Tickets for the Lighthouse Museum are $12.95 for adults and $10.95 for children 13 and under. Dark of the Moon Ghost Tours is $25 for adults and $20 for children.

Address: 81 Lighthouse Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32080

4. The Don CeSar Hotel

I would’ve loved to show you a daylight photo of this hotel because it is gorgeous! Known as the “Pink Palace”, this historic hotel built during the “Roaring Twenties” era, was also used as a hospital during World War II.

Many tourists are surprised to learn that apart from its architectural beauty, The Don CeSar is one of Florida’s most haunted places.

The spirit of Thomas Rowe–the hotel’s former owner, is supposedly still lurking around The Don CeSar Hotel. Along with the love of his life, Lucinda.

Hauntings at The Don CeSar Hotel

One of the most haunted spots of this hotel is the lobby. People have reported sightings of a ghost that looks like a man smiling, mysterious door knocks, and swinging doors.

Also sightings of a man with a white hat strolling around with a woman dressed in a traditional Spanish dress. Could this be the ghost sightings of the former owner and his lifelong love?

Address: 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

5. Brooksville Train Depot

Built in 1885 and completely functional up until the early 70s, this hidden gem is located very close to the May-Stringer House.

I loved seeing this train depot because it looks a lot like a hidden treasure. I also learned this day that Brooksville is part of what they call Florida’s Adventure Coast. As I peeked inside, everything seemed very eerie!

Hauntings at Brooksville Train Depot

Lots of voices are heard coming from the restored train car and the sound of train whistles coming from the tracks. This is known as a very active paranormal location.

Plan your visit: Open on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2.00 for children ages 6-12. Visit the Hernando Historical Museum Association for more information and updates on tours.

Address: 70 Russell St, Brooksville, FL 34601

6. The Tampa Theatre

Although there are also tours available to go inside this theatre, I haven’t yet had the chance to do it. However, I’ve learned a lot about the history of this majestic place.

It’s known as one of the most haunted places in Tampa, and it was built in 1926 in the month of…wait for it…October!

Bonus: the building’s Mediterranean-type architecture is truly one of a kind!

Hauntings in the Tampa Theatre

Sightings of a lady in white moving across the theatre’s balcony, the sound of keys rattling, and taps on the shoulder when no one is around.

Also, a man wearing a fedora has been spotted in seat 308 when the theatre is closed.

Scary true story fact: a 1950s ticket taker, Robert Lanier, died inexplicably with his skull bashed inside the ticket booth he worked in. Could his spirit still be roaming around the theatre?

Visit the Tampa Theatre website for more information.

Address: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

7. Castillo de San Marcos

St Augustine is the oldest city in America. So it kind of makes sense that the center of the city is pretty much surrounded by haunted places.

Castillo de San Marcos, the 17th-century fortress built in 1672, is the home to many ghost stories and hauntings. The night I took this picture, we were taking the St Augustine Ghost Tour.

Hauntings at Castillo de San Marcos

Sightings of Spanish soldiers on the ground of the fort, Native Americans, and spirit orbs. You can also smell the sweet perfume from Colonel Garcia’s wife, Dolores, who disappeared with her supposed lover.

According to the Travel Channel’s ‘Ghost Adventures’, this love triangle is one of the best-known ghost stories of Castillo de San Marcos.

8. C. Green’s Haunted History Museum, Cassadaga

This is probably one of the best surprises that I’ve experienced. Not only is it located in the Psychic Capital of the World, but this haunted museum in Cassadaga definitely counts as a must-visit.

Explored only by flashlight, the C. Green’s Haunted History Museum takes you on a journey that begins with the history behind the historic city of Cassadaga.

Located in a building that’s over 119 years old, this museum is divided into a variety of themed rooms.

One of the most exciting things to see here is an original replica of Robert the Doll that’s said to be quite haunted and has many stories to tell.

According to the legend of Robert the Doll, you’re not allowed to take photos of him unless you directly ask Robert for his permission to do so.

Countless events have allegedly occurred to those who don’t follow this rule. We’re not taking any chances with that, just in case. Instead, we took a photo of Katie.

Photos and videos are allowed and encouraged inside the museum. Will you capture something interesting?

C. Green’s Haunted Museum entrance fee: $10 per person, open year-round

9. Mortem Manor Haunted House, Kissimmee

Not a real haunted house but one haunted attraction near Orlando that’s open all year long!

I have to admit that I never thought I would be recommending this one. In all honesty, I was surprised to have enjoyed this haunted house in Kissimmee.

Located in the popular tourist spot—Old Town, Mortem Manor is an excellent and well-made haunted attraction that will give you many scares from beginning to end.

Once you’re inside, there comes a time that you’ll think to yourself “How much longer?” because you’ll go through intense and bone-chilling moments at least 3 times before it’s all over.

I won’t spoil anything but my favorite part was all pitch black and everything felt eerie.

Mortem Manor has amazing animatronics, live actors, scents, and sounds that will give you quite the scare and it’s definitely worth a visit. No photos or videos are allowed inside the Mortem Manor.

Mortem Manor entrance fee: $18 per person, open year-round

10. The Haunted Road Haunted Drive-thru Experience, Orlando

Another haunted attraction but this one is only available during the Halloween season.

But before we get into the details of The Haunted Road, you must know that this is not for everyone.

If you suffer from a fear of the dark or are sensitive to gory scenes and loud sounds, this is not for you.

This 30-minute haunted drive-thru experience makes you stop at different theatrical scenes inspired by infamous happenings of the past.

Before entering the gates of this completely outdoor haunted experience, you’ll be prompted to tune your FM radio to their station where you will hear the live audio of the ghost sightings and scenes where you’ll be making your stops.

Although actors are permitted to approach your vehicle at each scene, visitors are not allowed to step out of their cars until after the end.

One of the most exciting things about The Haunted Road is that it takes place in a farm setting on a rural road in Orlando.

It’s also really dark throughout the drive except for where each scene will take place.

Your ticket to this haunted drive-thru attraction also includes entrance to the “After-life Party” which has a haunted barn, vendors, and food trucks.

Cameras without flash are permitted and you’re highly encouraged to dress for the occasion. Halloween costumes, anyone?!

The Haunted Road ticket information: At the moment of this publication, fees for the 2024 season have not yet been announced. Leading by last year’s fees, these can range from $23-$25 per person and are announced around August.

Each person inside the vehicle must have their ticket and these must be purchased online before the date/time you wish to visit. Open only during the Halloween season.

11. Spook Hill, Lake Wales

I was debating whether or not I should include this one on the list but I figured it’s kind of classic ‘urban legend’ that deserved a mention.

Spook Hill is located in Lake Wales at a short 2-minute drive from Spook Hill Elementary School which as a matter of fact, has Casper the Friendly Ghost as their school mascot. I mean, after all, this IS Florida, right?

Well, according to the legend and to the road sign you’ll see when arriving at the hill, if you park your car at the bottom of Spook Hill and put it in neutral, it will start rolling uphill all on its own! This strange phenomenon has become a ‘thing’ that many try to figure out.

For some unexplained reason, the optical illusion at Spook Hill can give the appearance that your car is defying gravity.

Many people who come here have reported an odd feeling as if their cars were seemingly moving against the laws of physics.

Furthermore, this area is believed to be steeped in Native American folklore, with tales of ancient battles and spirits lingering in the air.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Spook Hill is one of the spooky places in Central Florida that you just have to see to believe.

12. Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora

Nothing says spooky and haunted like the oldest hotel in Florida! The Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora opened its doors for the first time back in 1883 and it’s the oldest continuously operated hotel in the Sunshine State.

The enchantments of this beautiful historic hotel will easily captivate you, almost like stepping foot in a classic Hollywood movie setting.

Furthermore, this is one of the haunted places that’s best to visit at night. At least in my opinion.

Regardless of whether or not you know the history behind this place, just walking in the hallways and staircase, and hearing the sound of the squeaky wooden floor, will send shivers down your spine.

One of the oldest ‘residents’ of Lakeside Inn is the ghost of a 6-year-old girl called Amy who’s been around the hotel for more than 130 years.

There’s an actual photo taken in 1884 at the dining area of the hotel where you can supposedly see the ghost of Amy in the background.

During our ghost tour, they passed around this said photo and not gonna lie, it gave. me goosebumps!

If you ask the front desk staff of the Lakeside Inn, chances are they will probably agree to the fact that strange things happen here, day or night.

Objects moving, apparitions, laughs and sounds when no one is around, and even the smell of cigars and whispers to your ear are all things many have said to experience at the Lakeside Inn.

The best way to experience this haunted hotel is with Mount Dora Ghost Tours and with an EMF reader provided to you for the tour.

Lakeside Inn has become a popular destination for those looking for haunted places in Florida so I recommend you book your tour in advance.

Final Thoughts on Haunted Places in Florida

If I were to write the haunted stories behind each of these places, it would’ve been an extremely long post!

This is why I just concentrated on the key points and things that caught my attention the most.

If you feel like going on the hunt for ghost stories, go check them out! I know I got my good scare with the shadow in the attic over at the May-Stringer House! 👻

How about you? Have any good haunting experiences? Share in the comments!

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Yanitza Ninett

Yanitza is an avid adventurer with 15+ years of hiking experience and outdoor travel. As a PADI-certified scuba diver, she’s also passionate about ocean conservation. When she’s not exploring the great outdoors, Yanitza obsesses over The Vampire Diaries and dreams of traveling to Mallorca, Spain.