Whether you’re a long time Florida resident in need of something fun to do this upcoming weekend, or you’re a guest and want to see all the state has to offer, look no further than the ten places that make up this list.
Not only do these various theaters, hotels, and attractions offer up many fun things to do…these ten places are considered the most haunted places to visit in Florida.
Josh/flickr and frightkingdom.com
Updated 2/10/2020 – So, get your EVP recorders and spirit boxes ready, and see how many of these places you can cross off your list – and still make it back alive.
10) Tampa Theatre – Tampa, FL
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If you’re looking for things to do in Florida at night, consider the Tampa Theatre.
Built in 1926, the architect and developers spared no expense with this lavish theater.
The interior is reminiscent of the Mediterranean.
Enjoy an upcoming classic play under the painted night sky of the theater’s ceiling.
Or, attend a Halloween-oriented event, such as listening to ghost stories or witnessing a paranormal investigation.
Tampa Theatre embraces the macabre, as the theater itself is haunted.
During the 1940s a projectionist passed away within the booth.
Today, his spirit continues to roam throughout the building.
Recently, a tourist reported seeing a large, shadowy man in the women’s bathroom.
When she went to ask him to leave, the man grabbed her by the neck and shook her.
9) Evergreen Cemetery – Jacksonville, FL
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Bank account looking a little bleak?
Well, there are plenty of free things to do in Florida this weekend, including visiting a cemetery!
The Evergreen Cemetery was established in 1880.
The park itself is 167 acres, and despite the fact that over 80,000 people are buried there, Evergreen has plenty more space.
For now, said space is used for seasonal, community events, such as the upcoming Pumpkin Run, or the Tales of our City tour, in which famous and historical events are reenacted for your family and friends.
No matter what event you attend at the Evergreen, just mind your step…
Some folks say that an English paranormal investigator accidentally woke a spirit up a few years ago.
The spirit is known to inhabit the closest dead body, and rise up from the ground.
Many believe it is demonic in nature, as it once possessed a young girl visiting Jacksonville.
The little girl began to speak English backwards, and blood ebbed from her eyes continuously until her parents found a priest to bless her.
8) Super 8 – Orlando, FL
hotels-for-everyone.com
There is so much stuff to do in Florida, it may feel a bit overwhelming.
Of course, if you have kids you may be visiting Disney World, Orlando Studios, or perhaps SeaWorld.
Big name attractions are all conveniently located near this Super 8, making your commute to and from each day a breeze.
Horrified by parking prices at the big name attractions? Fret not.
Super 8 offers a complimentary shuttle to all of its guests.
The moderately priced hotel also offers free continental breakfast, a large outdoor swimming pool and free HBO.
If you ever see people walking around with strange equipment, don’t be alarmed…chances are, they are paranormal investigators checking out the haunting in Room 206.
A handful of guests have reported waking up in the middle of the night to see someone stealing the blankets—only they were alone in the bed…. or supposed to be.
7) Casablanca Inn On The Bay – St. Augustine, FL
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For some tourists and Florida residents, nothing beats a day (or five) spent in St. Augustine.
For those who wish to stay in the area for their vacation, you’ll want to check into the Casablanca Inn.
Built in 1914, the building has been carefully restored to keep its ancient, Mediterranean charm all the while bringing the most modern of amenities to its guests.
Spend the day exploring the many museums, shops and eateries within the city, then return to a relaxing and pampered night at Casablanca.
Enjoy a nightly credit at the hotel bar, or enjoy the whirlpools as you gaze out over Matanzas Bay.
Looking for a spooky getaway for Halloween?
According to local legend, a young mother once checked herself into the hotel with her baby.
Horribly depressed, the woman drowned her baby in the bathtub, then ended her own life.
Now, guests will occasionally hear the sounds of a baby crying from their bathroom.
When some go to investigate, they find that all of their toiletries have been thrown around—and silently.
6) The Plaza Resort and Spa – Daytona Beach, FL
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The Plaza Resort and Spa is considered to be one of the most haunted places in Florida.
In 2013, a strange entity was captured on a closed circuit security camera on the premises.
After that appearance, the entity has become known for showing up in the shower with female guests.
A few employees are convinced it is the spirit of a man who died in Room 1111 several years ago.
But don’t let that deter you if you wish to have a romantic getaway with your significant other.
The Plaza offers up several amenities, such as a couple’s massage room, spa packages, and private Jacuzzi tubs.
Even a slow walk along the beach feels ten times more romantic here than anywhere else!
5) Fort East Martello Museum – Key West, FL
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Each year, thousands of people flock to Key West.
It is one of the most popular places to visit in Florida.
And one of the many reasons why it is so popular is because of a very special item on display at the Fort East Martello Museum.
Around the turn of the century, a German company called Steiff made a 40 inch doll with a sailor suit on.
The doll was made for and given to Robert Eugene Otto.
Robert liked to be called Gene, and decided to name the doll Robert.
From that day on, they were inseparable.
Whenever Gene would act out as a kid, he would tell his parents that Robert the Doll was responsible.
When Gene died in 1974, his house became a makeshift attraction of sorts…
Everyone became convinced that the disembodied voice and noises were coming from the doll.
Eventually Myrtle Reuter, the new owner of the house, donated Robert the Doll to Fort East Martello, and told staff the doll moved on its own and was most certainly haunted.
Today, the doll is still on display, and continues to make strange things happen.
Staff have reported that they get letters each year addressed to the doll, where people beg the doll not to hurt them anymore.
4) Stranahan House Museum – Fort Lauderdale, FL
wikipedia.org
This historic house was built in 1901 and began its life as a trading post, owned by Frank and Ivy Stranahan.
Frank converted it into a house five years later, and it is now the oldest house in the county.
During the Great Depression, Frank lost his fortune, and drowned himself in the river outside the home.
Ivy passed away in a bedroom of the house in 1971.
The couple is said to haunt the house now.
Stranahan house now operates as a museum, and has been restored to how it looked in 1915.
Those who attend the tour learn about the many changes of Fort Lauderdale during that time period.
Recently, a woman encountered the ghost of Frank while on the tour.
She said that each time she would stop on the tour, she would feel his presence standing right behind her, breathing cold air onto her neck.
3) Fort Desoto State Park – St. Petersburg, FL
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There are many parks in Florida that cater towards inexpensive ways to enjoy family and friends.
Fort Desoto State Park offers up a plethora of activities so you can have some fun in the sun.
Take a scenic walk and discover a species of bird you have never encountered before, or rent a kayak and hit the crisp, refreshing water.
Or perhaps you’re more in the mood for a relaxing day spent on the beach.
Regardless of what sounds appealing, Fort Desoto offers up 1,136 acres of endless possibilities.
Take a tour of the historic fort, camp overnight and hike the trails.
But whatever you do…if you wish to spend time in the water, make sure you have a friend go with you.
A couple of St. Petersburg residents believe that Fort Desoto is plagued by a grey colored humanoid that lurks in the water.
You may think that faint brushing on your ankles is just algae, when in reality it is the entity, attempting to drown you.
It is said that numerous people have lost their lives at Fort Desoto over the years, but those who disappear under the water are never recovered.
2) Seven Sisters Inn – Ocala, FL
roadtrippers.com
This quaint bed and breakfast is known for offering a slower paced lifestyle, for those who simply wish to get away from the chaos and drama of everyday life.
Enjoy its charming décor, and relaxed atmosphere as you spend an afternoon lounging with a good book, or getting to know the other guests.
Or perhaps you’re wanting something a bit scarier?
Well rest assured…the Seven Sisters Inn has developed the reputation of being one of the most haunted places in Florida.
One terrified young man reported seeing a woman with rotted flesh suddenly appear in his bathtub one evening.
Another guest is said to have run through the house screaming because she saw the apparition of a young boy standing on the ceiling, grinning at her with large pointed teeth.
1) The Biltmore Hotel – Miami, FL
flickr/patrik-bergstrom
If you’re visiting Miami and in need of a place to stay, be sure to see if a room is available at the Biltmore Hotel.
Built in 1926, the hotel operated normally until World War II, when it served as a makeshift hospital.
Afterward, it was used by the University of Miami medical school, and did not become a hotel again until 1987.
Today, the hotel offers many amenities, including golf, fine dining, spa and beauty services as well as a fitness center with pool.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to cook like a gourmet chef, classes are available to guests as well!
Just be weary if you have a room on the 13th floor…
Gangster Thomas Walsh was murdered at the Biltmore over a gambling dispute.
Now, every once in a while a guest will claim to have seen him standing beside their bed in the hotel room, drenched in his own blood.
Have you visited any of these places?
Tell us what your experience was like in the comments below.