Autumn has arrived, and Halloween is just around the bend! If you’re on the hunt for an exciting way to celebrate the spooky season, consider embarking on a haunted road trip. We’ve curated a list of some of the eeriest locations in Florida, so fill up the tank and prepare for a ghostly adventure. Who would have thought that the most haunted sites in Florida could be explored through one thrilling journey?
To assist you in navigating this chilling road trip to Florida’s spookiest spots, you can utilize this interactive map. Happy haunting!
St. Augustine Lighthouse
Let’s embark on an adventure to explore some of Florida’s most eerie locations, starting with its oldest city, renowned for its haunted history. St. Augustine is home to a lighthouse that has stood since 1874, a site associated with numerous tragic tales. One of the most notable events involves the Pettee sisters, aged 13 and 15. Their father, employed in the lighthouse’s construction, lost his daughters when a construction cart tumbled into the Bay. Tragically, they could not be rescued in time and drowned. Today, visitors often report hearing the sounds of children’s laughter and the patter of footsteps echoing on the staircase.
Location: 81 Lighthouse Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Cassadaga
Our upcoming destination is a quaint town that has attracted many curious souls intrigued by the supernatural. Known as the “Psychic Capital of the World,” this charming place is home to a plethora of psychic mediums and spiritual practitioners. In Cassadaga, numerous locations are said to be haunted, including the historic Cassadaga Hotel and the eerie Devil’s Chair located in the Lake Helen-Cassadaga Cemetery.
Location: 355 Cassadaga Road, Lake Helen, FL 32744
Launch Complex 34
Our next destination on the journey to Florida’s eeriest locations is a poignant site linked to the history of space exploration. Complex 34, once designed to be a pivotal launch site for NASA, became the scene of a heartbreaking incident in 1967 when a cabin fire claimed the lives of three astronauts. Following this tragedy, the launch pad was closed, transformed into a memorial honoring the brave souls lost. Visitors have reported experiencing unusual phenomena, including anguished screams and an intense feeling of unease. This site is accessible through special tours organized by the Kennedy Space Center.
Location: Cape Canaveral, FL, 32920
Ashley’s Of Rockledge
After a long day of ghost hunting, you’re likely feeling peckish, and you’re in luck—our next destination is also a pub! This establishment is steeped in one of Florida’s most chilling ghost tales, supported by historical accounts from the era. The story revolves around a young woman named Ethel Allen, who was last seen at this venue, which was formerly known as Jack’s Tavern, before her body was discovered near the Indian River. Employees and patrons alike have reported eerie experiences, such as being nudged or tapped, witnessing objects move seemingly on their own, and encountering a woman dressed in vintage attire.
Location: 1609 US-1, Rockledge, FL 32955
The Biltmore Hotel, Miami
This journey will likely span several days, making it fortunate that we have a few hotels along the way. One particularly renowned establishment has a fascinating tale associated with it: it’s said to be haunted by the ghost of a mobster who was murdered over a gambling disagreement. Guests and staff have reported eerie occurrences, such as lights flickering on and off independently and the elevator mysteriously stopping at the wrong floors. This spectral inhabitant is also known to assist restaurant workers by holding doors open. It’s considered one of the most haunted locations in Florida.
Address: 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134
The Opera House, Arcadia
Next, we’ll visit a quaint little town to explore a historic Opera House. Built in 1905, this theater now houses an antique store and a museum. There are stories that it may be haunted by the spirit of a young girl who allegedly leaped from the second-story window. Visitors have reported hearing mysterious footsteps and the sounds of laughter echoing through its halls.
Location: 106 W Oak Street, Arcadia, FL 34266
Tampa Theatre
Next, we’ll make our way to Tampa to explore a stunning theater built in 1926, which remains operational to this day. Numerous staff members have reported strange occurrences while alone in the theater, as it is said to be haunted by the former projectionist who served there from 1930 until his passing from a heart attack in the projection booth in 1965.
Location: 711 N Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602
May-Stringer House (Hernando Historical Museum Association), Brooksville
Finally, our journey will take us to the Victorian house famously known as Florida’s most haunted location. Legend has it that the spirits of former inhabitants linger on the premises after their deaths. Today, this historic home operates as a museum featuring a collection of antiques and relics from the Victorian period. After dark, it offers exclusive haunted tours for adults, attracting paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers alike.
Location: 601 Museum Court, Brooksville, FL 34601