by Orlando, FL – Florida may be best known for its beaches, theme parks, and sunshine, but the state also harbors a darker, spookier side. From haunted lighthouses and eerie cemeteries to cursed trees and ghost-filled theaters, the Sunshine State is a magnet for those who crave the creepy and macabre.
If you’re fascinated by ghost stories, paranormal investigations, or the unsettling remnants of history, Florida offers plenty of bone-chilling destinations worth exploring. According to a recent feature by River City Omaha, here are 10 of the most haunted and macabre sites in Florida you shouldn’t miss.
1. St. Augustine Lighthouse
One of Florida’s most famous haunted sites, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is notorious for eerie apparitions and unexplained footsteps. The tragic story of the Pittee sisters—two young girls who drowned nearby—adds to its chilling reputation. Visitors often report hearing children’s laughter echoing through the halls.
2. Florida Theatre (Jacksonville)
Built in 1927 on the site of a former police station, the Florida Theatre is said to be haunted by the ghost of a projectionist. Strange shadows, phantom figures in photos, and unnerving sensations are among the most commonly reported paranormal occurrences.
3. Key West Cemetery
Dating back to 1847, the Key West Cemetery holds about 100,000 burials, including some with bizarre stories. Perhaps the most infamous is Carl Tanler, a doctor who exhumed and preserved the corpse of his beloved. Ghostly figures, including a Bahamian woman and a little girl’s voice, are said to wander the grounds.
4. Fort Jefferson (Dry Tortugas)
This Civil War–era fortress, located on a remote island, served as a prison where disease and violence claimed many lives. The spirit of Dr. Samuel Mudd, who treated Lincoln’s assassin, is rumored to haunt its decaying walls.
5. Cuban Club (Tampa)
The historic Cuban Club, built in 1917, is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Legends include the ghost of an actor who died on stage, a drowned boy named Jimmy, and a mysterious woman in white. Visitors have also reported a piano that plays itself.
6. The I-4 Dead Zone
Nicknamed the Dead Zone, this stretch of Interstate 4 near Sanford was built over the graves of Swedish settlers. Drivers report electronics failing, ghostly voices, and unexplained sightings, making it one of the most haunted roads in America.
Read Also: 10 Creepy and Macabre Places to Visit in New Mexico
7. Koreshan State Park
Once home to the Koreshan Unity commune, the park is believed to be haunted by its former residents. Strange shadows, whispers, and glowing orbs of light have all been spotted by visitors exploring its historic buildings.
8. Castillo de San Marcos (St. Augustine)
Built in 1672, the Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. Beyond its military history, it carries tales of ghostly soldiers and tragic love stories. Many say spirits still roam the fort’s dungeons.
9. The Devil’s Tree (Port St. Lucie)
Located in Oak Hammock Park, the Devil’s Tree is linked to convicted serial killer Gerard John Schaefer, who murdered women in the area. Legends claim the tree is cursed—attempts to cut it down have failed, and stories of satanic rituals and ghostly apparitions persist.
10. May-Stringer House (Brooksville)
This Victorian-era mansion, dating back to the 1800s, is known for its paranormal activity. The attic, where the spirit of “Gary” is said to linger, is especially notorious. Cold spots, mysterious voices, and dark shadows make the May-Stringer House a favorite for ghost hunters.
Why Florida’s Creepy Side Draws Visitors
What makes these sites so compelling is the mix of history and horror. Florida’s long past of colonial battles, shipwrecks, disease outbreaks, and tragic deaths has left behind a spiritual footprint. Today, ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and curious travelers keep these legends alive.
For those who dare, exploring Florida’s haunted landmarks can be a thrilling way to experience the state’s history from a chilling perspective.
Would you visit these haunted spots in Florida—or are they too spooky for your taste? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
