13 Haunted Places in Florida That Will Give You Goosebumps

We haven’t seen it all. There’s still so much to explore. But one thing I know for sure when it comes to haunted places, I’m all in.

From seeing ghostly shadows moving around in empty historic houses to hearing voices at Castillo de San Marcos and the St Augustine Lighthouse, to even capturing orbs in our photos for the first time at Cassadaga.

We definitely have stories to tell from these haunted places in Florida we’ve visited so far.

I won’t get too deep into it, but I do believe there are stories to be told from those who came before us. Back in 2010, I dealt with the apparition of a 4-year-old child every single night for two months. So yeah, I’ve seen things firsthand.

Whether you choose to believe or not, it’s up to you. Nonetheless, the word “haunted” always comes with a little extra excitement, no matter what time of year it is.

Here are 13 haunted places in Florida that are worth visiting, whether you’re a believer or just love a good ghost story.

Quick Facts

• Florida is home to America's most haunted restaurant in Rockledge and a cursed stretch of I-4 built over unmarked graves from an 1887 Yellow Fever outbreak.

• The Seven Sisters Inn in Ocalan was featured on Ghost Hunters.

• For believers and the curious, these 13 haunted spots across Florida offer a mix of dark history, paranormal activity, and spine-tingling experiences any time of year.

1. May-Stringer House, Brooksville

If you’re looking for a haunted house that will give you all the chills, this one is it. And it’s not just for spooky season.

The May-Stringer House is known as one of the most haunted places in Florida, and for good reason. Built in the 1800s, this Victorian house has become a hotspot for paranormal investigators due to its history of strange energy and sightings.

One of the most well-known spirits is a man named Gary, who supposedly arrived in some kind of theatre chest and now resides in the attic.

He’s got a peculiar personality that’s earned him the nickname “Mr. Nasty.” Some people are actually fond of Gary. Others won’t step foot anywhere near the attic.

I’ve been here. And that shadow I saw moving in the attic? I still think about it.

During the Halloween season, this 4-story house transforms into a fictional haunted house experience that will genuinely scare you.

Carlos and I went to the May-Stringer Haunted House & Ghostfest, and we crowned one of the top 3 scariest Halloween events we’ve ever done in Florida.

The dining room, the stairs, the baby’s room… all of it was incredible. No photos or videos are allowed inside the Halloween event, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Hauntings at May-Stringer House: Voices in empty rooms, cold spots, eerie shadows, children’s laughter, glowing orbs, and of course, Gary in the attic.

Plan your visit: The museum is open Thursday through Saturday. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Check their website for Halloween event updates.

Address: 601 Museum Court, Brooksville, FL 34601

2. Hotel Cassadaga, Cassadaga

Right in the center of Cassadaga (aka the Psychic Capital of the World), you’ll find this quaint 1920s hotel where spirit energies are present day and night.

Hotel Cassadaga has a mysterious appeal that’s both welcoming and eerie at the same time. It’s one of the best-kept secrets of haunted Florida.

During your visit, you can experience psychic readings and other spiritual activities. The hotel actually encourages guests to bring their cameras.

Many visitors have captured photographs of energies in and around the property, and some of these photos are displayed in albums inside the bookstore.

We took pictures here, and for the first time ever, we captured orbs. Whether you’re a believer or not, the energy inside this hotel is something you’ll remember.

One of the most popular ghost stories involves a man named Arthur, an Irishman who lived in room 22 until the day he died. Guests have reported smelling cigar smoke, feeling taps on the shoulder when no one is around, objects moving on their own, and flickering lights.

Hauntings at Hotel Cassadaga: The smell of Arthur’s cigar, taps on the shoulder, objects moving without explanation, flickering lights, and spirit orbs in photographs.

Address: 355 Cassadaga Road, Cassadaga, FL 32706

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

Originally built in 1824, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is one of the most haunted places in Florida. It’s been featured on Ghost Hunters.

A couple of the first lightkeepers supposedly never wanted to leave, and their spirits are still reported there. The basement of the lighthouse keeper’s house is also known as an active paranormal site.

When I visited, I could feel the energy down there. It’s hard to explain, but something felt different.

Hauntings at the St. Augustine Lighthouse: A woman’s voice screaming for help, shadowy figures at the top of the lighthouse, spirits throughout the building, and paranormal activity in the basement of the keeper’s house.

Plan your visit: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Lighthouse Museum tickets are $12.95 for adults and $10.95 for children. The Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour is $25 for adults and $20 for children.

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

4. The Don CeSar Hotel

I wish I had a daylight photo of this hotel because it’s absolutely gorgeous. Known as the “Pink Palace,” this historic hotel was built during the Roaring Twenties and was even used as a hospital during World War II.

But beyond its beauty, The Don CeSar is one of Florida’s most haunted places.

The spirit of Thomas Rowe, the hotel’s former owner, supposedly still lingers here, along with the love of his life, Lucinda.

Guests have reported seeing a man in a white hat strolling around with a woman in a traditional Spanish dress. Could this be Thomas and Lucinda reunited in the afterlife?

Hauntings at The Don CeSar Hotel: Sightings of a smiling man in the lobby, mysterious door knocks, swinging doors, and apparitions of a couple dressed in period clothing.

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

5. Brooksville Train Depot

Built in 1885 and operational until the early 1970s, this hidden gem is located close to the May-Stringer House.

I loved seeing this train depot because it feels like a hidden treasure. I also learned that Brooksville is part of Florida’s Adventure Coast. As I peeked inside, everything felt eerie. The kind of eerie that makes your skin prickle.

Hauntings at Brooksville Train Depot: Voices heard from the restored train car and the sound of train whistles coming from the tracks when no train is there. This is known as a very active paranormal location.

Plan your visit: Open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-12. Check the Hernando Historical Museum Association for tour info.

Address: 70 Russell Street, Brooksville, FL 34601

6. The Tampa Theatre

I haven’t had the chance to do a tour inside this theatre yet, but I’ve learned a lot about its history. It was built in 1926… in the month of October. Of course it was.

The Tampa Theatre is known as one of the most haunted places in Tampa. The Mediterranean-style architecture is stunning, but the ghost stories are what really draw people in.

Hauntings at the Tampa Theatre: Sightings of a lady in white moving across the balcony, the sound of keys rattling, and taps on the shoulder when no one is around. A man wearing a fedora has been spotted sitting in seat 308 when the theatre is closed.

There’s also a darker story: in the 1950s, a ticket taker named Robert Lanier died under mysterious circumstances, his skull bashed inside the ticket booth where he worked. Could his spirit still be roaming the theatre?

Address: 711 N Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602

7. Castillo de San Marcos

St. Augustine is the oldest city in America, so it makes sense that the center of town is basically surrounded by haunted places.

Castillo de San Marcos, the 17th-century fortress built in 1672, is home to countless ghost stories and hauntings. The night I took photos here, we were on the St. Augustine Ghost Tour. And I heard things. Voices. The kind that makes you stop walking and look around.

Hauntings at Castillo de San Marcos: Sightings of Spanish soldiers, Native American spirits, and glowing orbs. You can also smell the sweet perfume of Colonel Garcia’s wife, Dolores, who disappeared along with her supposed lover.

According to the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures, this love triangle is one of the most famous ghost stories of the fort.

Address: 1 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084

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

This place was one of the best surprises I’ve experienced. Not only is it located in the Psychic Capital of the World, but this museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves the paranormal.

Explored only by flashlight, the C. Green’s Haunted History Museum takes you on a journey through the history of Cassadaga. The building itself is over 119 years old and divided into themed rooms.

One of the most exciting things here is an original replica of Robert the Doll, which is said to be quite haunted. According to legend, you’re not allowed to take photos of Robert unless you ask for his permission first.

Countless events have allegedly happened to people who ignored this rule. We didn’t take any chances. Instead, we took a photo of Katie, a haunted doll that was found inside the walls of a home, along with her chair.

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

Entrance fee: $10 per person, open year-round

9. Seven Sisters Inn, Ocala

If you want to sleep with ghosts, the Seven Sisters Inn in Ocala is the place to do it.

This Victorian bed and breakfast has been called the “Most Haunted Inn in Florida,” and it was featured on the SyFy Channel’s Ghost Hunters back in 2008.

The investigators confirmed a presence. But the owners didn’t need them to tell them what they already knew.

Built in 1890, the inn was originally home to Charles and Emma Rheinauer. Charles was a prominent businessman who became Ocala’s second Jewish mayor in 1906. He lived in the house until he passed away in 1925, and Emma stayed until 1942.

Today, the property is said to be haunted by seven different spirits, including the original residents. The other ghosts include three playful children and a flirtatious male spirit named George.

The owners embrace the haunted reputation. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras, and many have captured unexplained images. Objects move on their own. Books are found open as if someone was reading them. Shoes have mysteriously ended up in rooms their owners never entered.

Hauntings at Seven Sisters Inn: Objects moving on their own, apparitions of the original owners, children’s laughter, cold spots, unexplained noises, and a feeling of being watched.

Plan your visit: The inn operates as a bed and breakfast with themed rooms. Book a stay and experience the hauntings for yourself.

Address: 820 SE Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471

10. Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora

Nothing says haunted like the oldest continuously operated hotel in Florida.

The Lakeside Inn opened its doors in 1883 in Mount Dora, and walking through the hallways and staircases, hearing the squeaky wooden floor… it sends shivers down your spine, whether you know the history or not.

One of the oldest “residents” is a 6-year-old girl named Amy who’s been around the hotel for more than 130 years. There’s an actual photograph from 1884 taken in the dining area where you can supposedly see Amy’s ghost in the background.

During our ghost tour, they passed the photo around. Not gonna lie, it gave me goosebumps.

If you ask the front desk staff, they’ll probably agree that strange things happen here, day and night. Objects move. Apparitions appear. Laughter echoes when no one is around. Some guests have even reported the smell of cigars and whispers in their ear.

The best way to experience this haunted hotel is with Mount Dora Ghost Tours. They provide EMF readers, and you get to explore the property after hours.

Hauntings at Lakeside Inn: Objects moving, apparitions, children’s laughter, the smell of cigars, whispers, and sightings of a 6-year-old girl named Amy.

Plan your visit: Book the Mount Dora Ghost Tour in advance. This is a popular destination for ghost hunters.

Address: 100 N Alexander Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757

11. Volco Road Bridge, Edgewater

If you’re looking for a lesser-known haunted spot, Volco Road in Edgewater is one that locals have whispered about for years.

This dirt road stretches for miles through dense forest and swampland in Volusia County. (Fun fact: the name “Volco” comes from Volusia County.) The most haunted section is the bridge.

According to local legend, a woman who practiced dark rituals crashed her car into a tree near the bridge and died on impact.

As members of her group passed away over the years, they supposedly joined her at the bridge. Now, people report seeing dark shadows walking across the road at night, only to vanish when headlights hit them.

Visitors have also reported hearing screams and eerie laughter echoing through the woods, especially around midnight. Some have captured orbs in their photos.

Hauntings at Volco Road: Dark, shadowy figures crossing the road, screams and laughter, orbs in photographs, and an overwhelming feeling of being watched.

Best time to visit: Midnight, if you’re brave enough.

Address: Volco Road, Edgewater, FL (Volusia County)

12. I-4 Dead Zone, Sanford

Every day, thousands of drivers pass over this quarter-mile stretch of Interstate 4 near Sanford without knowing they’re driving over unmarked graves.

Known as the “I-4 Dead Zone,” this section of highway is considered one of the most haunted roadways in America.

The story goes back to 1887, when a German immigrant family died during a Yellow Fever outbreak at a small Catholic colony called St. Joseph’s. Four family members were buried quickly without receiving their last rites because the priest who was supposed to perform the ceremony also died from the fever.

The graves were supposed to be relocated when I-4 was built in 1959, but between the chaos of Hurricane Donna (which eerily changed course and passed directly over the gravesite) and construction delays, the bodies were never moved. The highway was paved right over them.

On the very first day I-4 opened to traffic, a shrimp truck jackknifed and killed the driver directly above the graves. Since then, this stretch has seen an unusually high number of accidents.

Hauntings at the I-4 Dead Zone: Orbs floating across the highway, ghostly hitchhikers, phantom trucks, cell phones losing signal or picking up strange voices, CB radios blasting with static, and an overwhelming sense of unease while passing through.

Location: I-4 southbound, just before the St. Johns River Bridge near Sanford

13. Ashley’s of Rockledge

This one isn’t a cemetery or an old hotel. It’s a restaurant. And it’s been named “America’s Most Haunted Restaurant.”

Ashley’s of Rockledge has been serving food since 1933 (back then it was called Jack’s Tavern). The Tudor-style building with dark wood and stained glass has an old English pub vibe, but the real draw is the paranormal activity.

In 1934, a 19-year-old woman named Ethel Allen was found brutally murdered on the shores of the nearby Indian River. She had been a regular at Jack’s Tavern, and it was one of the last places she was seen alive. Her murder was never solved.

Many believe Ethel’s spirit never left. The ladies’ restroom is one of the most active spots. Employees have seen the feet of a woman in 1930s-era shoes in the next stall, only to find it empty when they exit. Patrons have reported seeing a young woman’s apparition in the bathroom mirror.

But the hauntings aren’t limited to the restroom. Guests have felt invisible hands push them on the stairs, watched dishes fly off tables, and photographed figures in 1930s clothing that weren’t there when the photo was taken.

A paranormal investigator comes to the restaurant every Monday evening to discuss the legends with customers. If you’re into ghost hunting, this is a must-visit.

Hauntings at Ashley’s of Rockledge: Apparitions of a woman in 1930s attire, objects flying off tables, feeling pushed on the staircase, cold spots, flickering lights, and unexplained whispers after closing.

Plan your visit: Ashley’s is open for lunch and dinner. Check their Facebook page for hours and paranormal investigation nights.

Address: 1609 South US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955

Final Thoughts on Haunted Places in Florida

If I wrote out the full haunted history behind each of these places, this would be the longest post on my blog. So I focused on the key points and the experiences that stuck with me most.

If you’re ready to go ghost hunting, check these places out. I know I got my good scare from that shadow in the attic at the May-Stringer House. 👻

Have you been to any of these haunted places in Florida? Or do you have a spooky experience of your own? Share in the comments!

Which haunted place are you adding to your list? Tell me in the comments!

Yanitza Ninett

Hey, I’m Yanitza 👋 Adventure Travel & U.S. Destination Specialist, travel writer, and hidden-gem hunter with over 8 years of experience helping travelers explore deeper and travel slower. I specialize in crafting authentic, stress-free adventures from small towns to scenic hikes and scuba dives. I’m a firm believer that the best stories happen when you venture beyond tourist hotspots. When I’m not planning getaways or writing travel guides, I’ll probably be home rewatching The Vampire Diaries like it’s my job and daydreaming about future adventures in Spain.