Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by JJ
Florida is known for its sunny beaches, theme parks, and vibrant nightlife, but beneath its tropical paradise lies a darker, more mysterious past. The state is home to haunted mansions, eerie swamps, cursed dolls, and ghostly legends passed down through generations. From the haunted streets of St. Augustine to the supernatural tales of the Everglades, Florida’s folklore is as rich as it is spine-chilling.
This guide explores some of Florida’s most famous supernatural legends, haunted places, and must-visit spooky attractions, complete with history, eerie encounters, and travel tips for the brave-hearted.
1. The Ghosts of St. Augustine – America’s Oldest City
???? St. Augustine, FL
???? Haunted St. Augustine Tours
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is considered one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. With its cobblestone streets, Spanish forts, and centuries-old graveyards, the city has long been a hotspot for paranormal activity.
Spookiest Places in St. Augustine:
- Castillo de San Marcos – Florida’s oldest fort, where ghostly Spanish soldiers are still seen patrolling. Website
- St. Augustine Lighthouse – Haunted by the tragic spirits of three young girls who drowned nearby. Website
- The Old Jail – Formerly home to executions and gruesome prison conditions, many claim to hear disembodied voices and footsteps at night. Website
Where to Stay Nearby:
- Casa Monica Resort & Spa – A historic 1888 hotel rumored to have ghostly apparitions in Victorian attire. Website
2. Robert the Doll – Florida’s Cursed Toy
???? Fort East Martello Museum, Key West, FL
???? Robert the Doll Official Website
Robert the Doll is one of the most infamous haunted objects in the world. The doll once belonged to Robert Eugene Otto, a painter from Key West. According to legend, Robert would move on his own, whisper to his owner, and even cause misfortune to those who disrespected him.
Today, Robert resides in a glass case at the Fort East Martello Museum, where visitors must ask permission before taking his photo—or risk a lifetime of bad luck.
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Where to Stay Nearby:
- The Artist House – The former home of Robert Eugene Otto, now a haunted bed & breakfast. Website
3. Cassadaga – Florida’s Psychic Capital
???? Cassadaga, FL
???? Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp
Cassadaga is America’s oldest active Spiritualist community, founded in 1875. The town is known for its psychics, mediums, and haunted locations. Visitors can attend a séance, have their fortunes read, or explore one of Florida’s most haunted hotels.
Haunted Spots in Cassadaga:
- Cassadaga Hotel – Paranormal activity is so common here that guests report hearing whispering voices and doors slamming on their own. Website
- Lake Helen-Cassadaga Cemetery – Home to “The Devil’s Chair,” a bench where a beer left overnight is mysteriously emptied by morning.
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4. The Skunk Ape – Florida’s Bigfoot
???? The Everglades, FL
???? Skunk Ape Research Headquarters
Florida’s version of Bigfoot, the Skunk Ape, is said to roam the swamps of the Everglades, terrifying hikers and campers with its foul odor and red glowing eyes.
Best Places for Skunk Ape Sightings:
- Big Cypress National Preserve – Reported home to numerous Skunk Ape encounters. Website
- Ochopee Skunk Ape Headquarters – A museum dedicated to Florida’s Bigfoot, complete with exhibits and a research center. Website
Where to Stay Nearby:
- Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel – A rustic lodge offering swamp tours and Skunk Ape safaris. Website
5. The Bloody Bucket Bridge – A Terrifying Urban Legend
???? Wauchula, FL
According to local folklore, a midwife in 19th-century Wauchula murdered newborn babies, dumping their bodies into the river. When she finally died, her spirit allegedly haunted the bridge where she committed her crimes.
To this day, locals claim that on full moon nights, the river beneath turns red with blood.
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Where to Stay Nearby:
- Oak Park Inn (Arcadia, FL) – A vintage inn near Florida’s most haunted rural areas. Website
6. The Biltmore Hotel – Miami’s Most Haunted Landmark
???? 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL
???? The Biltmore Hotel Miami
Built in 1926, the Biltmore Hotel was once a Prohibition-era speakeasy, a WWII hospital, and a mobster hangout. The hotel is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Thomas “Fatty” Walsh, a mobster who was gunned down during a poker game in Room 1302.
Visitors report phantom footsteps, disembodied voices, and ghostly apparitions throughout the hotel.
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Nearby Attractions:
- Venetian Pool – A historic, spring-fed swimming hole built in the 1920s. Website
Plan Your Haunted Florida Adventure
Florida’s folklore and supernatural tales add a thrilling layer to the Sunshine State’s history. Whether you want to visit a haunted fort, explore a town of psychics, or hunt for Bigfoot, Florida is full of spooky stories waiting to be discovered.
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