11 Things to See in Florida if You’re Into the Creepy & Macabre

Florida is known for its sunny beaches, theme parks, and tropical vibes—but the Sunshine State also has a dark and eerie side.

From haunted mansions and spooky cemeteries to mysterious roadside oddities, Florida has plenty to offer if you enjoy the creepy and macabre. Here are 11 strange and spine-chilling places to check out on your next trip.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum – St. Augustine

This historic lighthouse is one of the most haunted spots in Florida. Visitors report hearing footsteps, children’s laughter, and even seeing ghostly figures on the spiral staircase. Ghost tours here are popular for thrill-seekers.

Key West Cemetery – Key West

Known for its quirky and creepy vibe, this cemetery features unusual gravestones with epitaphs like “I told you I was sick.” The above-ground tombs and eerie atmosphere make it a must-see for dark history lovers.

The Devil’s Chair – Cassadaga

Located in the spiritualist town of Cassadaga, this old brick chair in a cemetery is surrounded by spooky legends. Locals say if you sit on it at midnight, you might hear the devil whispering to you.

The Biltmore Hotel – Coral Gables

This luxury hotel has a glamorous past but also a dark one. During the 1920s, mobsters reportedly used it for shady dealings, and today, guests claim to see apparitions wandering the halls.

Coral Castle – Homestead

Built by a single man, Edward Leedskalnin, using massive coral blocks, Coral Castle remains a mystery. No one knows exactly how he moved the huge stones, sparking theories of magic and supernatural help.

The Riddle House – West Palm Beach

Originally a funeral home, the Riddle House is said to be haunted by spirits, including one of its former employees. Visitors report strange noises and objects moving on their own.

St. Petersburg’s Haunted Don Cesar Hotel

Nicknamed the “Pink Palace,” this grand hotel looks beautiful but comes with ghostly tales. Guests have reported encounters with the original owner, Thomas Rowe, still roaming the grounds.

Skunk Ape Research Headquarters – Ochopee

Florida’s version of Bigfoot, the Skunk Ape, is said to lurk in the Everglades. At this quirky roadside stop, you’ll find exhibits, photos, and even possible evidence of the legendary creature.

The Ma Barker House – Ocala National Forest

This lakeside house was the site of a famous FBI shootout in 1935. Bullet holes from the battle are still visible, and the story adds an eerie atmosphere to the preserved home.

The Old Jail – St. Augustine

Built in 1891, this historic jail is now a museum with ghost tours. Many visitors say they’ve experienced cold spots, strange voices, and sightings of inmates who never left.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium – Orlando

While not haunted, this museum is filled with bizarre and macabre exhibits, from shrunken heads to strange medical oddities. It’s creepy fun in the middle of touristy Orlando.

Florida isn’t just sunshine and palm trees—it’s also a playground for those who enjoy the creepy and mysterious. From haunted lighthouses and hotels to eerie cemeteries and strange legends, the state offers plenty of places to give you goosebumps.

Whether you’re chasing ghost stories in St. Augustine or hunting for the Skunk Ape in the Everglades, Florida’s darker side is sure to keep you intrigued.

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