If you’re looking for an adventure that’s equal parts eerie and unforgettable, Florida offers a full itinerary of ghostly destinations within driving distance from South Florida. From centuries-old forts to haunted hotels, these places carry stories of love, loss, and lingering spirits. Here’s a road map for those brave enough to explore them.
St. Augustine Lighthouse – St. Augustine (310 miles from Fort Lauderdale)
The St. Augustine Lighthouse has long been a magnet for ghost hunters and history buffs alike. Built in the 1870s, this towering beacon witnessed tragedy when two young sisters—known as the “Pittee Girls”—drowned after a construction cart rolled into the water. Visitors still report the sound of children’s laughter echoing through the spiral staircase, the appearance of tiny wet footprints, and shadowy figures on the catwalk at night. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the nighttime “Dark of the Moon” tour will test your nerves as the Atlantic wind howls through the lantern tower and footsteps echo behind you.
Biltmore Hotel – Coral Gables (30 miles from Fort Lauderdale)
Closer to home, the Biltmore Hotel’s Spanish-style arches and grand ballroom conceal a darker side. During the 1920s, the hotel was the scene of a notorious gangster’s murder—Thomas “Fatty” Walsh—who was shot during a gambling dispute. Guests and staff have since reported elevator doors opening to an empty 13th floor, the faint smell of cigars, and flickering lights in empty hallways. The Biltmore’s glamorous past, from hosting FDR to serving as a World War II hospital, seems to have left behind more than just memories. Some say Walsh still roams the corridors, eternally keeping watch over his old haunts.
May-Stringer House – Brooksville (275 miles from Fort Lauderdale)
Often called Florida’s most haunted house, this Victorian mansion dates back to the 1850s and is now a museum—and a hotspot for paranormal investigators. Visitors claim to see the spirit of Jessie May, a young girl who died of illness in the home and now allegedly lingers, laughing or weeping in the upstairs nursery. Others have captured eerie EVPs, felt sudden temperature drops, and even seen curtains move when no breeze was present. The museum offers ghost tours, but be warned: more than a few skeptics have left convinced that something—or someone—is still living there.
Cassadaga Hotel – Cassadaga (240 miles from Fort Lauderdale)
Known as the “Psychic Capital of the World,” the tiny town of Cassadaga was founded by spiritualists in the late 1800s, and its hotel is the beating heart of its supernatural reputation. Guests frequently report whispers in empty rooms, moving objects, and doors that close on their own. Room 22, in particular, has become infamous for sudden cold bursts and flickering lights. Whether it’s spirits or suggestion, Cassadaga’s energy is hard to ignore—especially after a session with one of the town’s mediums or tarot readers.
Key West Cemetery & Robert the Doll – Key West (160 miles from Fort Lauderdale)
You don’t need to leave South Florida for a dose of paranormal activity. The Key West Cemetery, with its eccentric epitaphs (“I Told You I Was Sick”) and sun-bleached tombs, has long been rumored to host wandering spirits. But the island’s most famous haunting belongs to Robert the Doll at the Fort East Martello Museum. Once owned by a local boy, Robert is said to move on his own, change expressions, and even curse those who take his picture without permission. Museum staff insist he’s responsible for hundreds of apology letters they receive each year from visitors begging forgiveness for disrespecting him.
Castillo de San Marcos – St. Augustine (310 miles from Fort Lauderdale)
Florida’s oldest masonry fort might also be one of its most haunted. Built in the 1600s, the Castillo has survived sieges, executions, and centuries of conflict. Legend has it that Spanish soldiers still patrol its coquina walls, and visitors report seeing ghostly sentries pacing the ramparts at dusk. Others have claimed to hear footsteps echo through the stone corridors or to feel a sudden chill while standing near the dungeon where prisoners once languished. The fort’s heavy silence at night feels like an echo of centuries past.
Spook Hill – Lake Wales (150 miles from Fort Lauderdale)
Not every haunting needs a ghost. In Lake Wales, cars left in neutral appear to roll uphill—defying gravity and logic. According to local legend, the hill was the site of a battle between a Native American chief and a giant alligator spirit. Today, visitors park their cars at the white line and watch them mysteriously drift backward “uphill.” Whether it’s an optical illusion or something supernatural, the phenomenon has puzzled and entertained travelers for decades.
The Ultimate Haunted Road Trip
From the candlelit streets of St. Augustine to the ghostly glamour of the Biltmore, Florida is a haunted traveler’s paradise. Most of these destinations can be reached within a day’s drive from South Florida, making them perfect for weekend explorers with a taste for mystery.
So grab a few friends, fill up the tank, and hit the road—but keep your eyes on the rearview mirror. In the Sunshine State, even the ghosts don’t retire.
