South Florida’s history is built on beauty, ambition, and a little mystery. Beneath the palms and pastel facades lie stories of pioneers, pirates, and dreamers — some of whom, locals say, never quite left. From Miami’s early settlers to Key West’s sea captains, the region’s oldest buildings are alive with legends. Whether you believe in the paranormal or simply love a good story, these ghost tours and haunted landmarks reveal a side of South Florida that’s as rich in history as it is in chills.
1. The Deering Estate (Miami / Palmetto Bay)
Perched along Biscayne Bay, the Deering Estate was built in 1916 by industrialist Charles Deering, brother of International Harvester founder James Deering (of Vizcaya fame). The property spans prehistoric burial mounds, a Tequesta village site dating back thousands of years, and the ruins of early pioneer homes — making it a layered archaeological gem.
Deering was a collector of art and antiquities, and his mansion became a social hub for Miami’s elite in the 1920s. But tragedy followed: hurricanes, disease, and mysterious accidents struck over the decades. Paranormal investigators claim the estate’s deep limestone foundation — and its ancient graves — act like a magnet for spiritual energy.
Today, the estate’s Historic Ghost Tours allow visitors to explore the Stone House and Richmond Cottage by flashlight, hearing firsthand accounts from guests who felt cold drafts or saw silhouettes in the ballroom’s mirror.
Don’t Miss: The Cutler Burial Mound trail — one of the few publicly accessible ancient Native American burial sites in Miami-Dade.
2. The Biltmore Hotel (Coral Gables)
The Biltmore Hotel, opened in 1926 by developer George Merrick and hotel magnate John McEntee Bowman, was the crown jewel of Coral Gables — a Mediterranean Revival masterpiece that hosted celebrities, royalty, and even Al Capone’s associates.
During Prohibition, the 13th floor was rumored to be a speakeasy run by mobsters. In 1929, gangster Thomas “Fatty” Walsh was shot there during an argument over gambling debts. Staff and guests still report the elevator inexplicably stopping on that floor, lights flickering, and the faint sound of jazz echoing through empty halls.
During World War II, the U.S. military converted the Biltmore into a hospital for wounded soldiers, adding another layer of spectral lore. Some claim former patients still roam its corridors, whispering in old hospital wards now turned luxury suites.
Fun Fact: The Biltmore’s tower was once the tallest building in Florida and used as a coastal observation point during the war.
3. Stranahan House (Fort Lauderdale)
Built in 1901, the Stranahan House stands as Broward County’s oldest surviving structure. It began as a trading post where Frank Stranahan, Fort Lauderdale’s founding pioneer, traded goods with Seminole tribes. Later, he and his wife Ivy Cromartie Stranahan turned it into their family home.
But tragedy struck in 1929 when Frank, facing financial ruin during the Great Depression, took his own life by jumping into the nearby New River — right outside his home. Visitors have since reported unexplained cold spots, creaking floors, and sightings of a shadowy figure near the riverbank.
Guided ghost tours share both the love story and the loss that shaped Fort Lauderdale’s early days. It’s not just haunted — it’s a living museum of the city’s beginnings.
4. Key West: The Island of Bones
Long before it became a paradise for artists and wanderers, Key West was a maritime hub marked by shipwrecks, yellow fever outbreaks, and naval conflicts. Its Spanish name, Cayo Hueso — “Island of Bones” — comes from the skeletal remains early explorers found scattered along the shore.
Robert the Doll (East Martello Museum)
In the early 1900s, a young boy named Robert Eugene Otto received a hand-sewn doll from a Bahamian servant skilled in voodoo. Soon after, neighbors claimed to hear voices and laughter when no one was home. As an adult, Otto kept the doll in his mansion, blaming it for strange accidents and misfortunes.
Today, Robert the Doll resides in the East Martello Museum, where visitors are warned to ask his permission before taking photos — or risk bad luck. The museum staff receive hundreds of apology letters each year from those who didn’t.
Haunted Key West Tours
Old Town’s narrow streets come alive after dark with lantern-lit tours recounting hauntings at the Audubon House, Old Monroe County Jail, and Marrero’s Guest Mansion. The latter, built in 1889 by a cigar baron for his bride, is said to be haunted by her spirit after her untimely death. Guests report perfume in the air and soft footsteps at night.
Why Go: Key West’s blend of Caribbean folklore, pirate history, and isolation has given birth to some of Florida’s oldest ghost stories — all within walking distance of a mojito.
5. The Coral Castle (Homestead)
Built by Latvian immigrant Edward Leedskalnin between 1923 and 1951, the Coral Castle is one of Florida’s greatest mysteries. Standing 25 feet tall and weighing over 1,100 tons, every block was carved and positioned single-handedly using primitive tools.
Leedskalnin claimed he built it as a monument to his lost love, Agnes Scuffs, who left him the day before their wedding. No one ever saw him move the giant stones, and modern engineers still can’t explain his technique.
Visitors have reported magnetic anomalies, humming sensations, and “energy fields” near the castle walls — leading some to believe Leedskalnin may have tapped into ancient or otherworldly forces.
6. The Old Davie School (Davie)
The Old Davie School opened in 1918 and served as Broward’s first permanent schoolhouse. During the 1940s, hurricane refugees and soldiers sheltered here; since then, staff have reported children’s laughter echoing through empty hallways.
Today, the building transforms each October into one of South Florida’s most immersive haunted attractions, blending its real history with theatrical scares.
Why Visit: It’s educational by day, spooky by night — a perfect stop for families who like their history with a little haunting.
7. Haunted Events & Ghostly Gatherings (October 2025)
Deering Estate Ghost Tours (Miami) – October. Walk the historic halls by candlelight and hear tales backed by real archaeological findings.
Haunted Circus Miami (Tropical Park) – A circus-meets-haunt experience mixing live performance, illusions, and classic carnival fear.
Ghosts of Palm Beach Walking Tours – Palm Beach’s gilded mansions and Worth Avenue hide more than wealth; this evening tour spills the stories.
Haunted Key West Pub Crawl – Haunted bars, ghost lore, and a drink or two with the island’s friendlier spirits.
8. Planning Your Haunted South Florida Getaway
Where to Stay:
- Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables — elegant and eerie in equal measure.
- Marrero’s Guest Mansion, Key West — Victorian beauty with a ghostly reputation.
- Hotel Redland, Homestead — local favorite near Coral Castle, rumored to have its own resident ghost.
What to Bring:
- Flashlight or lantern
- Comfortable shoes for night tours
- Insect repellent (you’ll thank yourself)
- Optional: EMF meter, voice recorder, or infrared camera for true believers
Pro Tip:
October is the busiest haunted-tour month. Book early — and consider a weekend loop: Miami → Homestead → Key West for a full haunted coast experience.
From the limestone halls of Deering to the moonlit streets of Key West, South Florida’s ghosts tell the story of the state itself — ambition, love, tragedy, and survival. Whether you’re wandering with a tour guide or just following your curiosity, these places remind us that paradise has a past.
So this Halloween, skip the costume party. Step into the shadows, listen for the whispers, and discover the haunted heart of South Florida — where history never truly dies.
