Sunny Florida is known to the whole world as a tropical paradise and a haven for those who love sunny skies, pristine beaches, and amazing natural and manmade attractions. However, there’s another side to the tropical state that a lot of paranormal enthusiasts and experts love to explore and investigate. Before the state became what it is now, it experienced generations of wars and has been invaded by countless pirates. That is why Florida is also known for its lost spirits, paranormal encounters, and unexplainable events. If you want to experience the spooky side of the sunshine state, here are the top haunted places in Florida, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 20, 2025.
1. The Don CeSar (from USD 467)
Limited restaurant options, overpriced food, small menu variety, high drink prices, disappointing dinner experiences
High prices for food, drinks, and amenities
Stunning beachfront location in Florida, close to shops and attractions
Beautiful beach, complimentary kayaks, live music, heated pool, spa services, beach and pool towel amenities, paddle boarding, yoga
Known as the Pink Palace, the Don CeSar in St. Petersburg, Florida is one of the most famous hotels not only in the state but in the world. Since it opened its doors in 1928, it has accommodated to the world’s elite: celebrities, renowned authors, baseball players, and even presidents of the United States. However, there are rumors that this luxurious hotel is haunted. It was constructed by Thomas Rowe as a symbol of his love for a Spanish girl from a sophisticated family. The girl’s parents took her away, and when Rowe died in 1940, she received the news of his death and left a note revealing that she reciprocated his feelings. Since then, there have been sightings of a man in a white suit and a Panama hat roaming around the property. Others have claimed they saw the couple together.
The Don CeSar This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 3400 Gulf Boulevard
194.09 km (120.6 mi) from Blue Spring State Park
2. St. Augustine (from USD 25.0)
Known to be the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine has magnificent churches, famous buildings, and historic military fortresses that everyone will want to explore and visit. Since it is the oldest city in the nation, it has experienced countless wars, famines, and death. Little wonder why it is also known as one of the most haunted places in the country. Today, tourists and paranormal enthusiasts flock to St. Augustine to experience the spooky side of the city.
Secrets of St Augustine Ghost Tours
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
3. Biltmore Hotel (from USD 496)
Amazing Sunday Brunch, fabulous service at the bar. Very nice dinner, good breakfast, but overpriced brunch. Amazing breakfast and great drinks and food at the Biltmore bar. Great food, friendly servers, and excellent breakfast service. Good standard of food in all venues, with a cafe offering a variety of options. Beautiful breakfast area, limited room service. Good food and service at the Fontana restaurant. Delicious breakfast, but overpriced and disappointing dining experience. Delicious Italian cuisine, but breakfast options are limited. Delicious room service meals, but limited breakfast options.
Luxury and refined, with an iconic lobby. Reasonable rates for a luxury hotel, especially during weekdays. Expensive but worth it. Great value for money with high-quality amenities. Reasonably priced historic hotel with character. Great value for money with refurbished rooms. Affordable luxury with free parking and great views.
Best views in Coral Gables, historic and grand. Beautiful property with scenic golf course, close to attractions. Perfect location, beautiful architecture, and a great pool. Convenient location in Coral Gables for walking and golfing. Conveniently located near the airport and within walking distance of Coral Gables. Convenient location, close to UM. Convenient location with attractions nearby. Charming old building with beautiful surroundings, free parking. Amazing location with stunning views and a golf course. Close to Miami attractions, yet a peaceful oasis.
Pet-friendly floor, fantastic pool, attentive staff. Gorgeous lobby, well-maintained pool, complete exercise facility. Elegant and classy with a unique pool, gym, and steam room. Fantastic pool, beautiful property, great amenities. Huge pool, excellent gym, and beautiful architecture with a touch of European and Hollywood style. Large rooms, amazing pool, gym needs updating. Beautiful architecture, amazing pool, excellent spa and gym. First-class facilities, largest hotel pool in continental US. Lovely pool and helpful staff. Stunning pool, spacious rooms, and elegant decor.
Another famous location is Biltmore Hotel in Miami, Florida. Contrary to what the majority think, this place wasn’t always a hotel. It was established in 1926 by a developer named George Merrick, who also founded Coral Gables. It was once the top venue for exquisite fashion shows, aristocratic galas, and water shows, as it was home to the largest pool in the world at that time. However, a gangster named Thomas Walsh was gunned down by another gangster on the 13th floor, which started the ghost rumors. This property was also converted into a hospital during World War II. After being abandoned and falling into disrepair in 1968, a lot of kids started sneaking inside, and the ghost rumors and sightings increased over time.
Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables
Address: 1200 Anastasia Avenue
371.47 km (230.9 mi) from Blue Spring State Park
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4. Casa Marina Hotel (from USD 192)
Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida is considered to be one of the most beautiful and historic hotels in the country. It is known for its elegant guest rooms and amazing views of the ocean. But its history also has a spooky side. Guests have reported hearing shuffling noises coming from an empty suite on the second floor. Unexplained voices are heard sometimes, and patrons have reported smelling cigar smoke even though this is a non-smoking property.
Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant - Jacksonville Beach
Address: 691 1st Street North
149.98 km (93.2 mi) from Blue Spring State Park
5. The Devil's Tree - Oak Hammock Park
While Oak Hammock Park is frequented by families and kids, there is a single tree in the park that has a very brutal and scary back story. This particular tree is called the Devil’s Tree. It is said to be the place where a serial killer raped and mutilated two teenage girls and hung them on one of the tree’s branches during the 1970s. In January 1977, two men found the skeletons of the girls together with two decomposing ropes tied in a hangman’s noose. Since then, some have reported seeing a group of hooded satanic worshippers dancing around the tree. Some also say that they can hear the girls screaming.
The Devil's Tree - Oak Hammock Park
Address: 1982 SW Villanova Rd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953, United States
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
6. The Devil's School
Annie Lytle Elementary School, or Public School Number Four, was a great building when it opened in 1918. However, the ruins of the school no longer shows its amazing past. The halls are full of trash and falling debris, and the walls are covered with graffiti. As it is already a condemned and abandoned building, rumors have sprouted and it earned the reputation of being the “most haunted place in Jacksonville” and has been called “The Devil’s School.” One rumor is that a school janitor used to bring students down to the boiler room to burn them alive. The legend goes that one of the abducted students managed to escape and somehow caused the boiler room to explode, engulfing the building in flames.
The Devil's School
Address: Jacksonville, FL 32204, United States
7. Greenwood Cemetery
There’s nothing spookier than being in a cemetery. Of course, this is where the bodies of our deceased loved ones are buried. Probably the spookiest cemetery in Florida is Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando. People who visited the cemetery have reported seeing the spirits of children playing and laughing around the tombstones. Ghosts of confederate soldiers also roam the oak trees that surround the area. Make your experience here even spookier by joining a tour that explains the city’s haunted past.
Greenwood Cemetery
Address: 1603 Greenwood St, Orlando, FL 32801, United States
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
8. Fort Pickens
Fort Pickens, named after war hero Andrew Pickens, is situated at Pensacola Beach. It was once used as a prison for the legendary Apache chief Geronimo and his allies. Some visitors to the fort have claimed they saw mysterious lights, ghosts of soldiers, and the spirit of Geronimo himself loitering around the fort. There are also some who have heard footsteps.
Fort Pickens
Address: 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, United States
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)
9. Fort East Martello Museum
Fort East Martello in Key West is one of the most historic places in Florida, and it was built during the Civil War. Today, the fort is now home to Robert the Haunted Doll, one of the scariest dolls that exist in the world. The supposed haunted doll belongs to Key West artist Robert Eugene Otto and it was given to him by a Bahamian servant. Those who have seen Robert the Doll claimed they saw his facial expressions change. Apparently, you should always ask for his permission first before you take a photo or you will experience bad luck.
Fort East Martello Museum
Address: 3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, United States
Opening hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
10. Cassadaga Hotel (from USD 157)
Delicious food at the restaurant, but limited options and closed on certain days.
Reasonably priced historic hotel with a rustic feel.
Conveniently located near Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, with easy parking and a quaint, peaceful setting.
Charming old hotel with a peaceful atmosphere and a large outside deck.
Known to be the Psychic Capital of the World, the small town of Cassadaga in Florida is laden with people who consider themselves spiritualists. In fact, there is a group named “Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association” that gathers in Cassadaga Hotel. They say this property is haunted by a man named Arthur, who stayed and died in room 22 sometime in the 1930s. Today, guests claim that they can smell the alcohol Arthur used to drink and the cigar he used to smoke.
Cassadaga Hotel and Spiritual Center
Address: 355 Cassadaga Road
10.21 km (6.4 mi) from Blue Spring State Park
Get spooked in Florida
Florida has always been known as a tropical paradise, but the state also has a very scary side that is worth exploring. Experience these spooky places soon - who knows, maybe you yourself will encounter paranormal sightings on your visit.
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