St. Augustine, FL, is not only the oldest city in the United States, but it’s also one of the most haunted! With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1565, this charming coastal city has seen its share of eerie events, battles, and unsolved mysteries that have left behind lingering spirits. If you’re a fan of ghost stories and paranormal activity, St. Augustine offers several haunted spots you can’t miss. Here are the top haunted sites to explore on your next spooky adventure.
1. Castillo de San Marcos
Location: 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
This 17th-century Spanish fortress is a must-see for any history buff—but it's also infamous for its ghostly residents. The Castillo de San Marcos has witnessed centuries of bloody battles, sieges, and executions. Many visitors report hearing ghostly cannon fire, the cries of soldiers, or seeing apparitions of Spanish troops wandering the fort. One of the most famous legends involves a tragic love affair between a colonel’s wife and a young officer, both of whom vanished under mysterious circumstances and are said to haunt the fort to this day.
2. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Location: 100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is both an iconic landmark and one of the city’s most haunted locations. Climb to the top for breathtaking views by day, but by night, the lighthouse becomes a hotspot for paranormal investigators. Several spirits are believed to haunt the grounds, including that of two young sisters who died in a tragic accident during the lighthouse’s construction. Visitors and staff have reported hearing the girls’ laughter, seeing shadowy figures, and experiencing other unexplained phenomena. The lighthouse even offers nighttime ghost tours if you dare!
3. The Old Jail
Location: 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Built in 1891, The Old Jail housed some of St. Augustine’s most notorious criminals—and many of them never left. Known for its harsh conditions and violent executions, the jail is a hub of paranormal activity. Visitors often experience cold spots, see shadowy figures, and hear the footsteps of former inmates. There are even reports of ghostly prisoners tugging at clothing or whispering in visitors’ ears. For a real fright, take the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour after dark and experience the jail’s sinister history for yourself.
4. Huguenot Cemetery
Location: 3 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Dating back to 1821, Huguenot Cemetery is one of the city’s oldest graveyards and home to many mysterious occurrences. This cemetery was used to bury victims of the yellow fever epidemic, and it is believed that several restless souls still roam the grounds. The most famous ghost said to haunt Huguenot Cemetery is that of Judge John Stickney, whose remains were disturbed during a reburial. Witnesses have reported seeing his ghost searching for his lost possessions, while others claim to have seen mysterious orbs and misty apparitions.
5. The Spanish Military Hospital Museum
Location: 3 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Located on one of the oldest streets in America, the Spanish Military Hospital Museum offers a chilling glimpse into the city's history. In the 1700s, the site was a hospital where countless soldiers died from war injuries, amputations, and diseases and that's only the beginning. Many paranormal investigators believe the souls of these soldiers still linger in the building. Visitors often report hearing the groans of patients and seeing ghostly figures in the hallways. The museum offers ghost tours where you can learn more about the site's dark past and perhaps even encounter some of its restless spirits. See for yourself what happens when an old hospital with a twisted past meets the burial ground of a native tribe.
6. Tolomato Cemetery
Location: 14 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Another historic burial ground, Tolomato Cemetery was active from the 18th to the late 19th century. With over 1,000 documented burials, including Spanish settlers, Native Americans, and soldiers, it's no surprise that this site is considered one of the most haunted places in St. Augustine. The cemetery is closed to the public, but visitors peering through the gates have claimed to see ghostly apparitions, including that of a young boy named James Morgan, whose restless spirit is said to linger near his gravestone.
7. The Casa de Suenos Bed & Breakfast
Location: 20 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
If you're looking to stay somewhere with a little supernatural flair, Casa de Suenos Bed & Breakfast might be the perfect spot. This charming inn, housed in a historic building that used to be a funeral home, is said to be haunted by several ghosts from its storied past. Guests have reported strange occurrences such as lights flickering, cold drafts, and even seeing the apparition of a woman dressed in old-fashioned clothing. While the hauntings here are said to be friendly, it’s still a perfect stop for those looking for a haunted stay in the nation’s oldest city.
8. The St. Francis Inn
Location: 279 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
The St. Francis Inn is one of the oldest bed-and-breakfasts in St. Augustine—and possibly one of the most haunted. Several ghosts are rumored to haunt the building, most notably Lily. Lily was a young slave girl from Barbados that fell in love with the nephew of the house owner. Tragically, their love story ended in heartbreak, and now her spirit is said to roam the inn. Guests have reported doors opening and closing on their own, mysterious cold breezes, and even seeing Lily’s figure in mirrors.
9. The St. Augustine City Gates
Location: St. George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
The City Gates of St. Augustine have stood since 1808, guarding the entrance to the historic district. However, this iconic landmark is also associated with one of the city’s most famous ghost stories. According to legend, the ghost of a young girl named Elizabeth can be seen wandering near the gates at night. Elizabeth was a victim of the yellow fever epidemic, and it’s believed her spirit remains tied to the area where she passed away. Many visitors report seeing her figure dressed in white, standing near the gates before disappearing into the night.
10. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
Location: 19 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Before it became a museum of oddities, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! was the Warden Castle, a grand hotel built in 1887. This historic building has seen its share of eerie happenings. Guests and staff have reported seeing ghostly figures and experiencing cold spots, particularly in rooms that were once part of the original hotel. The most well-known ghost is said to be a former hotel guest who died in a fire. Known for playful pranks, the spirit supposedly moves objects and even opens doors. The museum offers ghost tours where you can explore this haunted history and decide for yourself if the paranormal activity is real.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just a fan of St. Augustine’s rich history, exploring these haunted sites offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. From ancient forts and old jails to historic cemeteries and bed-and-breakfasts, there’s no shortage of spine-chilling stories and ghostly encounters waiting for you in the nation’s oldest city. So, if you’re up for a supernatural adventure, make sure to visit these haunted spots and discover the eerie side of St. Augustine for yourself!
Ready to experience the haunted side of St. Augustine? Share your ghost sightings or favorite haunted spots in the comments below! 👻
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