Florida's most haunted spots
Florida’s tourism relies heavily on its miles of golden shore and joy-filled theme park meccas. Tucked away in the shadows, though, shrouded by a darkness that predates even Mickey himself, something sinister draws the curious-minded. Generations of history cloud the Sunshine State’s past, tales of murder and war staining dense greenery and white sands with blood.
Within Florida’s most haunted cities, these eerie and unsettling stories unfold, replayed time and time again by residual echoes and wandering apparitions. In three of Florida’s most notable vacation cities, ghost stories serve as a link to yesteryear, an eternal connection to historic events, lost loves, and tragic happenings. Explore beyond the thrills of Orlando, the cobalt waters of Key West, and the quaint charm of St. Augustine to find some of Florida’s most haunted spots.
Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, St. Augustine
As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine is a prime location for travelers wanting a ghostly encounter. Cobblestone streets guide visitors along historic paths, while the 450-year-old Castillo de San Marcos fort stands as a reminder of the city’s conflict-ridden beginnings. You won’t be hard-pressed to find somewhere with a spooky past, but it’s the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum that the most curious travelers will want to visit.
The haunted St. Augustine lighthouse may be Florida’s most infamous haunted location among the ghost hunter community. During a 2006 investigation, the TAPs team from Warwick, Rhode Island, captured a seemingly impossible shadow peeking over an upper level of the staircase. You don’t have to go off of televised footage to determine if the lighthouse is haunted or not, though. Former keepers still patrol the property, ensuring the light is shining bright for vessels coming ashore.
Near the lighthouse, the Maritime Museum boasts its own spectral goin-ons. Two daughters of Superintendent of Lighthouse Construction Hezekiah Pittee remain bound to the location’s foundation, their tragic passing separating them from their father and younger sister forever. They’re joined by a fourth girl, who unfortunately succumbed to the same accident. They remain active throughout the museum and lighthouse, as if seeking out their long-dead loved ones.
Fort East Martello Museum, Key West
Some will say Fort East Martellow Museum has been haunted since its earlier years as an active military installation. Others will claim that the spectral activity didn’t start until after the museum made a home for Robert the Doll. Looking at Robert, one wouldn’t guess he’s one of the nation’s most feared haunted objects. Sure, he has theljkhljkinherent haunting quality of a vintage doll, but he’s no more of a visual menace than Annabelle, the Raggedy Ann doll.
Tucked away behind protective glass, Robert wasn’t always a museum display piece. He once belonged to a young boy, Robert Eugene Otto, whose early 20th-century relationship with the doll sparked spooky stories throughout Key West. Whispers from neighbors claiming they spotted the doll peering down from them, strange behaviors witnessed by Eugene’s parents, and the boy’s own admission that the doll was more than it appeared to be, steeped Robert the Doll in legend. Today, many believe the doll is cursed. Take a picture without asking his permission, and you may be in for some very bad luck.
Robert isn’t the only otherworldly being trapped in the museum. The total count of entities is up to 42, many of which are believed to be uniform-clad soldiers from the fort’s earliest days. It’s just difficult to decide if it’s one of the 42 or Robert’s negative energy that affects the museum more.
The Rogers Building, Orlando
While the most famous spectral hotspot in Orlando is tucked away within the gates of Disney World, the whimsical Haunted Mansion isn’t quite the bed of ghosts we’re looking for. Rather, that honor goes to The Rogers Building, the 130-year-old, zinc-plated, architectural oddity in Downtown Orlando.
The pride of English immigrant Gordon Rogers, the aptly named building, popular on Orlando ghost tours, was originally designed by the British businessman to be a gentleman’s club. Dubbed The English Club, the space attracted affluent men all looking for an escape from the monotony of life. They could partake in billiards and cards, though a more lively entertainment was likely what attracted most. To be blunt, women weren’t allowed at The English Club unless it was strictly for the pleasure of a man.
It’s believed one of the spirits of this fascinating piece of Orlando history is a jaded spouse, possibly even Gordon’s own wife. It was no secret what went down at the club, and not every housewife could look the other way. The strong feelings of jealousy and anger left an imprint on the club. Every so often, a sudden intense energy can be felt. It’s a stark contrast to the presence of ‘ole Rogers himself, said to still watch over the club today.
The Biltmore Hotel, Miami
On both of the nation’s coasts, you’ll find a haunted Biltmore Hotel. To the west, it’s the Millennium Biltmore of LA, where spirits cause mischief on the second and ninth floors. To the east, near the shimmering shores of Miami, it’s the Coral Gables property that once served as a military hospital during World War II. It’s here where you may spot the spirit of an old mobster and the sorrowful Woman in White, and hear the sounds of soldiers patrolling the property.
Opened in 1926, The Biltmore became a destination for influential figures, like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Al Capone, the Vanderbilts, and many Presidents. Though it was temporarily closed to the public during World War II, it returned to operations, still recovering from the dark mark left by a rather nefarious period: The Prohibition.
During the brief period of mob control, Thomas “Fatty” Walsh was killed on the 13th floor. The deadly gambling dispute trapped Walsh within the property, his spirit often seen on the very same floor where he died. Even the elevator acts up, stopping on the 13th floor regardless of the intended destination. Joining Walsh, the Lady in White and World War II soldiers bring their own tragedies that replay decades later, the former a jilted bride who killed herself when her beau left her at the altar.
Make sure to hop on a haunted Miami ghost tour for the full haunted Miami experience!
Exploring Haunted Florida
It’s near impossible not to get caught up in one of the staples of Florida. Whether it’s the golden sands that run the state’s perimeter or the boisterous entertainment of Orlando’s parks, it’s a state that really caters to all travelers. Even those who prefer to walk with the macabre. Florida’s most haunted spots ooze with spectral activity. Apparitions and phantoms remain bound to various locations, their ethereal visions tying the past to the present. While no one can ever guarantee a run-in with the otherworldly, any of these eerie Florida destinations should increase your chances of a haunting encounter.