Florida is a captivating state that has endured through many changes over time, so it should come as no surprise that its sprawling peninsula hosts numerous ghost tales.
From lighthouses to hotels, Florida boasts plenty of haunted locations that make for the ideal Halloween fright night experience!
1. Castillo de San Marcos
Built by Spanish settlers in the 1600s using coquina limestone, a rare and highly valued form of limestone. Since then, this fort has seen war and bloodshed both inside and out; even being used as a prison by pirates and European soldiers alike.
In 1702, English forces attempted to take Castillo de San Marcos; however, its walls held firm against cannonball fire and did not crumble or crack under pressure from attack.
Visitors have reported encountering two forsaken lovers haunting Fort San Marco. Shadowy figures can often be seen moving about inside, with cold breezes sometimes making visitors queasy or suddenly becoming sickened when passing by certain areas of the fort. Even US Ghost Adventures conducted a investigation at this mysterious castle! It has become one of the most visited stops on St Augustine ghost tours.
2. The Bridge of Lions
Florida is well known for its beach resorts and warm temperatures, but this state also features haunted hotspots where visitors have reported hearing mysterious voices or feeling as though someone is watching them.
Some of Florida’s most haunted locations are old abandoned buildings that have lain abandoned for years or centuries; often, their ghosts still inhabiting these structures are present.
The Tampa Theatre has long been considered one of Florida’s most haunted spots, making frequent appearances on ghost hunting shows. Paranormal activities recorded include ghostly apparitions in the projection booth and sounds such as screen turning/turning off. Former projectionist Fink Finkley has often been seen around, though other ghosts can often be heard or seen around as well.
3. Ashley’s – Rockledge
On Florida’s Space Coast, this eatery and pub opened for business in 1933. The Tudor-style building looks as though you would find in England, filled with antique pictures. Staff and customers have reported strange occurrences such as being touched or pushed.
According to reports, it appears that Ethel Allen’s murder in 1934 may be responsible for creating the supernatural atmosphere here. Her body was discovered near a restaurant on a beach nearby with multiple body parts cut away; her train tracks nearby also contribute to this paranormal presence.
Ghostly voices have been heard laughing and running around the building, and some witnesses claim to have seen a child figure as well as feel they are being followed by some unseen entity.
4. Island Hotel – Cedar Key
Cedar Key’s Island Hotel has long been considered one of the more haunted places in Florida. Though only small in size with 10 rooms, multiple ghosts have been reported: these include former owners as well as Bessie Gibbs herself who died several years ago but is said to roam her former haunts rearranging furniture and locking doors!
The Island Hotel was constructed between 1859 and 1860 as Parsons and Hale’s General Store and converted into a hotel by Simon Feinberg in 1945. It boasts wooden floors supported by seashell tabby supports that have weathered many hurricanes and storms while its bar features Helen Tooker murals depicting King Neptune.
5. Ted Bundy History Center
People consider this hotel one of the most haunted places in Florida due to all the paranormal activity it hosts. Guests have reported hearing strange noises, feeling someone sitting on their bed, and even seeing ghostly figures!
Bundy was found guilty of killing several women during the 1970s. Following his execution in 1989, his ghost is said to haunt the courtroom where his final trial took place, with people hearing and seeing him walking around and even smelling beef stew – his favorite meal!
Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail opens daily and serves as one of Florida’s best-known haunted spots, making the Bellamy Bridge haunted site and haunting story a haunted one.
