Florida’s 11 Most Chilling and Haunted Spots You Need to Visit if You Crave the Creepy and Macabre
Florida may be known for sunshine, beaches, and theme parks, but it also has a dark, chilling side. Beneath the palm trees and pastel exteriors, you’ll find haunted mansions, cursed dolls, bizarre museums, and ghost-infested cemeteries. Whether you’re a fan of paranormal history, true crime, or just love a good scare, Florida offers plenty of spine-tingling attractions to explore.
Here are 11 creepy and macabre places you won’t want to miss on your next Sunshine State adventure.
1. The Haunted St. Augustine Lighthouse
St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., and its historic lighthouse is famously haunted. Visitors report hearing footsteps, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling cold spots while climbing the 219-step tower. Ghost tours reveal tales of past lighthouse keepers and children who tragically died nearby. Paranormal investigators regularly feature the lighthouse on TV for its intense activity.
2. Robert the Doll in Key West
Arguably one of the most infamous haunted dolls in the world, Robert the Doll sits behind glass at the Fort East Martello Museum in Key West. Once belonging to local artist Robert Eugene Otto, the doll is blamed for years of misfortune, accidents, and even death. Visitors are warned to ask permission before taking photos — or risk Robert’s wrath.
3. Cassadaga: Florida’s Psychic Capital
Known as the “Psychic Capital of the World,” Cassadaga is a small town near Daytona Beach filled with mediums, healers, and spiritualists. Founded in the 1800s, Cassadaga offers seances, aura readings, and spirit walks through its quiet streets. Visitors describe an eerie, otherworldly vibe — and many believe the town is a gateway to the afterlife.
4. The Devil’s Chair in Cassadaga Cemetery
While you’re in Cassadaga, visit the famous Devil’s Chair in Lake Helen Cemetery. Legend says if you sit in the brick chair at midnight, the devil might whisper in your ear — or leave you a can of beer, mysteriously empty by morning. Whether it’s superstition or not, locals dare each other to sit and test the legend.
5. Spook Hill in Lake Wales
At Spook Hill, gravity seems to defy itself. When you park your car at the bottom of the hill, it appears to roll backward — uphill — on its own. The phenomenon has baffled visitors for decades. Legend claims a Native American chief or ghostly alligator causes the strange pull, though scientists say it’s an optical illusion. Either way, it’s a fun and spooky roadside stop.
6. The Riddle House in West Palm Beach
The Riddle House was once a funeral parlor and now sits inside Yesteryear Village, a history park with historic buildings. Workers and visitors claim to see shadow figures, hear disembodied voices, and experience sudden feelings of dread inside the house. The most notorious spirit is said to be Joseph, a former employee who hanged himself in the attic and now haunts the space.
7. The Miami City Cemetery
Established in 1897, Miami City Cemetery holds some of the city’s earliest pioneers, soldiers, and even the first mayor. It’s a mix of beauty and eeriness — with crumbling tombstones, above-ground vaults, and ghost stories tied to Civil War veterans and victims of the 1918 flu pandemic. Haunted tours guide you through the cemetery’s chilling history.
8. The Old Jail in St. Augustine
Built in 1891, the Old Jail in St. Augustine once housed some of Florida’s most dangerous criminals — and many died within its walls. Today, visitors can tour the cells and gallows, learning about harsh prison conditions and reported hauntings. Brave guests take nighttime ghost tours, where they often hear phantom footsteps and disembodied voices.
9. The House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar
Located in Stuart, the House of Refuge is the last remaining of ten original shipwreck life-saving stations on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Built in 1876, it served as a shelter for shipwreck survivors. While it’s now a peaceful museum, many claim to hear echoes of past storms, voices of lost sailors, and unexplained footsteps inside the historic building.
10. The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables
Once a hotspot for celebrities, gangsters, and even Al Capone, the luxurious Biltmore Hotel has a dark history. During World War II, it served as a military hospital, and some believe the spirits of soldiers and patients still roam its hallways. Guests and staff report flickering lights, ghostly apparitions, and even sounds of phantom parties in the now-restored hotel.
11. The Cursed Devil’s Tree in Port St. Lucie
Deep in Oak Hammock Park stands the Devil’s Tree, an oak where a 1970s serial killer reportedly hanged his victims. The tree is said to be cursed — people who try to cut it down report equipment failure, accidents, or sudden illness. Urban legend claims dark rituals still take place under its branches, and visitors often feel watched or experience strange sensations when they approach.
Final Thoughts
Florida is more than just beaches and theme parks — it’s a playground for the curious, the brave, and those drawn to the darker corners of history. From haunted lighthouses to cursed trees, the state is packed with eerie legends and chilling locations. Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or just love the thrill of the unknown, these 11 creepy places are sure to leave you with unforgettable (and maybe unsettling) memories. So next time you visit Florida, dare to look past the sunshine — and explore its spine-tingling secrets.