Florida might be all sunshine and theme parks by day but once the sun goes down, things get real spooky.
We’re talking haunted lighthouses, creepy dolls, ghost towns, and places where the lights flicker even when there’s no one around.
From whispers in old theaters to footsteps in empty hotels, the stories coming out of these spots will give you goosebumps.
Whether you’re a full-on ghost hunter or just here for the chills, these 13 haunted places in Florida are packed with strange sightings, eerie legends, and more than a few things that go bump in the night.
1. Pensacola Lighthouse (Pensacola)
The Pensacola Lighthouse is located right on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, and it’s one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the state, built way back in 1859.
You can climb all 177 steps to the top for amazing views of Pensacola Bay, but don’t be surprised if you feel like someone’s watching you as this place is seriously haunted.
Its first keeper was Jeremiah Ingraham, assisted by his wife Michaela, who later ran the lighthouse alone for 15 years.
Ghost tours are held at night, and folks have reported hearing footsteps, seeing shadowy figures, and even getting tapped on the shoulder when no one’s around.
Please note that ghost tours run from spring through November on varying dates, so check the website for updates, and during the after-hours tours, civilians must use the Lighthouse shuttle since personal vehicles aren’t allowed without a military ID.
2. Bellamy Bridge (Marianna)
About two hours from Pensacola, Bellamy Bridge in Marianna takes ghost stories to a whole new level as this one comes with a full-on legend.
Locals swear the ghost of Elizabeth Bellamy haunts the swampy trail near the bridge, often pictured in a white wedding dress.
The bridge itself is old-school iron from 1914, and you can reach it by hiking a spooky 0.5-mile trail through dense woods that feel straight out of a horror movie.
People have seen glowing lights, heard crying in the trees, and even captured eerie voices on tape so yeah, maybe don’t go alone.
3. St. Augustine Lighthouse (St. Augustine)
Next up is the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and if you thought one haunted lighthouse was enough…think again.
This one is 165 feet tall, built in 1874, and it’s packed with spooky stories, including the tragic drowning of two young sisters and an African-American girl during construction.
People touring the lighthouse have reported hearing children’s laughter, spotting shadowy figures peeking over the railings, and even catching doors slamming shut on their own.
You can join a Dark of the Moon ghost tour at night, climb all 219 stairs, and maybe meet one of the spirits who never clocked out.
4. Kerr City ghost town (Marion County)
If haunted lighthouses aren’t your thing, how about an actual ghost town?
Kerr City in Marion County was founded in 1884, boomed briefly, and then collapsed after the Great Freeze of 1894-1895 wiped out the area’s crops and economy.
Now it’s private property with just a handful of old wooden buildings still standing, and people say strange things happen around the abandoned homes like lights flickering with no power and voices coming from empty rooms.
You can’t just wander in, but some folks who’ve visited (with permission!) describe it as a place that feels frozen in time…almost like the whole town is watching you.
5. Annie Russell Theatre (Winter Park)
The Annie Russell Theatre in Winter Park brings the drama and the ghosts.
This theater sits on the campus of Rollins College and opened in 1932, named after actress Annie Russell, who some say never really left.
Students and staff have reportedly seen doors swing open by themselves, stage lights flicker with no one at the controls, and even spotted a woman in period clothing watching rehearsals from the balcony.
Whether you’re into Shakespeare or spooky sightings, this place has a flair for the paranormal that’s hard to miss.
6. Brooksville Train Depot (Brooksville)
Now let’s hop over to Brooksville, where the old Train Depot is less about choo-choos and more about chills.
Built in the 1880s, this place, once bustling with passengers and freight, is now known both for its role in railroad history and for ghost tours that attract visitors intrigued by its haunted reputation.
Visitors have heard footsteps pacing the platform, seen shadowy figures darting between rooms, and even caught glimpses of past employees and passengers in old-timey clothes.
The depot is now a museum, but don’t be surprised if something—or someone—from the past decides to say hi while you’re exploring.
7. Tampa Theatre (Tampa)
In downtown Tampa, the Tampa Theatre mixes classic movie magic with some seriously spooky energy.
This 1926 movie palace is full of vintage charm with twinkling stars on the ceiling, Mediterranean Revival architecture, and a ghost named Foster Fink Finley who supposedly never left his projection booth.
Staff and visitors have reported cold spots, strange voices, and other eerie noises echoing through the empty theater, especially after hours.
Even if you come for a film or a concert, you might leave with a ghost story of your own.
8. Don CeSar Hotel (St. Petersburg Beach)
Heading to St. Pete Beach, the Don CeSar Hotel is big, pink, and maybe haunted by love.
This fancy spot opened in 1928 and looks like a giant pink castle, but behind all the glam, guests and staff have reported seeing the ghost of founder Thomas Rowe roaming the halls.
Legend says he built the hotel as a tribute to his lost love, Lucinda, and now folks claim to see the couple walking hand in hand near the garden courtyard and on the beach at sunset.
It’s a luxury stay with ocean views, but don’t be surprised if your romantic getaway comes with a ghostly feel.
9. The Gator Club (Sarasota)
In downtown Sarasota, The Gator Club keeps things spooky and stylish.
This two‑story brick building, constructed in 1912 by William David Worth, originally housed a grocery store with living quarters above, and now it’s a popular nightclub with a haunted past that won’t quit.
Bartenders and regulars have reported glasses moving on their own, footsteps on the upstairs floor when no one’s there, and sightings of shadowy figures.
It’s got live music, craft cocktails, and maybe a few spirits that aren’t on the menu.
10. Riddle House (West Palm Beach)
Next up, over in West Palm Beach, the Riddle House is straight-up ghost central with a seriously creepy backstory.
Originally built in the early 1900s as a funeral parlor, it was later moved to Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds and the spirits apparently came with it.
The attic is said to be the most haunted spot, with reports of banging noises, flying objects, and a male ghost who really doesn’t like men.
It’s so infamous that TV crews from Ghost Adventures featured it in Season 1, highlighting its ghostly reputation.
11. Villa Paula Miami (Miami)
And now we’re heading down to Miami, where Villa Paula proves even old consulates can be haunted.
Built in 1926 as the Cuban consulate, this neoclassical house might look fancy from the outside, but inside, it’s full of eerie vibes especially where the former consul’s wife, Paula, died from complications following a leg amputation.
People have reported smelling strong Cuban coffee with no apparent source and seeing doors slam shut on their own.
Today, it’s used as a private art gallery and cultural venue, but don’t be surprised if you get a ghostly side-eye while admiring the paintings.
12. Coral Castle (Homestead)
Just 40 minutes from Miami, Coral Castle in Homestead is super mysterious.
This massive stone structure was built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin, using more than 1000 tons of oolite, a porous rock that resembles coral, and no one really knows how he did it—some say magnetism, others say… aliens?
Edward claimed he built it for his lost love, and now visitors report strange energy and sudden chills.
You can walk through the 9-ton stone gate, but don’t be shocked if you feel like Ed is still watching from the shadows.
13. Fort East Martello Museum (Key West)
And finally, way down in Key West, the Fort East Martello Museum is home to Florida’s most famous creepy resident—Robert the Doll.
This old Civil War fort turned museum looks harmless enough, but once you lock eyes with Robert (who’s inside a glass case), you’ll understand why people say he’s cursed.
Visitors who mock him or take his photo without asking have reported accidents, illnesses, and seriously bad luck—some even mail apology letters back to the museum.
The rest of the museum is cool too, but let’s be real… you’re here for the haunted doll with the sailor suit and side-eye.
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