Haunted Hotels in St Augustine, Florida You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in St Augustine with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
6 Haunted Hotels Found in St Augustine
Casa de Suenos
20 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Casa de Suenos, 'House of Dreams,' built in the early 20th century, contributes to St. Augustine's haunted narrative mostly through atmosphere and history rather than specific ghost tales. Being over a century old, like many buildings in the area, it's considered by some to hold residual energies. Guests seeking paranormal experiences might interpret feelings of presence or minor environmental oddities (like sudden temperature shifts) as signs. However, it's more known for romance and tranquility, suggesting any spiritual presence is benign or very subtle, contributing to the overall sense of history permeating St. Augustine.
Southern Wind Inn
18 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
The Southern Wind Inn, comprising historic homes from the early 1900s, fits into St. Augustine's haunted landscape through typical 'old house' phenomena. While not known for dramatic or malevolent entities, guests sometimes speak of subtle occurrences. These may include feeling a 'presence,' hearing faint footsteps on wooden floors when alone, or doors seeming to have a mind of their own. It's often attributed to the lingering essence of previous inhabitants enjoying their eternal stay in the historic district, contributing mildly to the city's overall ghostly ambiance rather than having specific named spirits.
Kenwood Inn
38 Marine St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
The Kenwood Inn, dating back to 1865, shares in St. Augustine's haunted heritage. While it doesn't boast a singular famous ghost story like some other local inns, its age suggests residual energies. Guests have reported common paranormal indicators: unexplained cool breezes, faint sounds like whispers or movement in adjacent empty rooms, and occasionally, items slightly misplaced. These are generally perceived as benign, possibly the echoes of individuals who lived, worked, or passed through the inn over its nearly 160-year history. It contributes to the overall 'historic and possibly haunted' atmosphere of staying in old St. Augustine.
St. Francis Inn
279 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
As likely St. Augustine's oldest inn (1791), the St. Francis Inn has a deep history intertwined with tragic love stories. The most prominent haunting involves 'Lily,' a young enslaved woman who worked at the inn. She fell in love with a nephew of the owner. Their forbidden affair was discovered, leading to her dismissal and the young man's subsequent suicide in despair, often associated with an attic room. Guests report seeing Lily's apparition, dressed in white, sometimes searching for her lost love. Other paranormal occurrences include lights flickering, doors opening/closing, cold spots, and items moving on their own, cementing its haunted reputation.
Casablanca Inn on the Bay
24 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Located across from the Castillo de San Marcos, the Casablanca Inn claims a notable ghost story tied to the Prohibition era. Legend says the original owner was involved in smuggling and would signal offshore bootleggers by swinging a lantern from an upstairs window. It's said her spirit continues this duty, and people report seeing a flickering light in an empty upstairs window, interpreted as her signal. Others report hearing footsteps, soft voices, or feeling cold drafts, attributing them to her or other past residents watching over the bay. The proximity to many historic St. Augustine sites adds to its atmospheric appeal.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
95 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Opened in 1888, the Casa Monica Resort, despite not officially acknowledging paranormal activity, has numerous reports from staff and guests. The 4th floor is often cited as a hotspot, with sounds of phantom children running. Specific suites hold darker tales: Room 511 is associated with a reported suicide by hanging, leading to feelings of cold spots and unexplained footsteps. In Room 411, figures were reportedly seen by a guest. The Flagler Suite features an inexplicable child's handprint and a strange welcoming voice heard by staff in an empty room. The Ponce de Leon suite is allegedly visited by a 'woman in white,' reportedly captured in a photograph, and experiences electrical disturbances like radios turning on spontaneously. Additionally, apparitions dressed in 1920s attire have been sighted, possibly former guests connected to its early glamorous days before closing during the Depression.
Haunted History of St. Augustine, Florida
As the nation's oldest continuously inhabited city, St. Augustine has had more than 450 years to accumulate ghosts. Its history is a long and often brutal tale of colonial wars, pirate raids, devastating plagues, and natural disasters. Every narrow cobblestone street and ancient coquina wall in the historic district has witnessed centuries of human drama, and it seems many of the city's former residents have refused to move on.
The paranormal activity here is not just a collection of isolated stories; it's an inseparable part of the city's identity. From the spectral Spanish soldiers still guarding the forts to the ghostly victims of yellow fever epidemics wandering the old cemeteries, St. Augustine is a city where the past is intensely present. It's not just a haunted city—it's a living, breathing repository of American history, and its ghosts are the eternal storytellers.
Other Haunted Attractions in St. Augustine, Florida
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: This iconic landmark is considered one of the most haunted lighthouses in America. Its most famous ghosts are the young Pittee sisters, who tragically drowned on the property during its construction. Visitors on the popular "Dark of the Moon" ghost tour often report hearing children's laughter and seeing the spectral figure of a former lighthouse keeper. You can book a tour on their official website.
- Castillo de San Marcos: This 17th-century Spanish fort has seen centuries of battle and imprisonment, and its walls are said to hold the psychic energy of those events. The most famous legend tells of two lovers who were sealed alive in a dungeon, their spirits now forever trapped. Visitors also report seeing the apparition of a Spanish soldier patrolling the ramparts at sunset. Learn more at the National Park Service site.
- The Old Jail: This historic jail, built in 1891, was known for its brutal conditions and has a heavy, oppressive atmosphere. Now a museum, it is said to be haunted by the spirits of former inmates, including those executed on the gallows. Visitors on ghost tours have reported hearing disembodied voices, cell doors slamming, and the chilling sensation of being touched by unseen hands.
- Ghosts & Gravestones St. Augustine: For a comprehensive and theatrical look at the city's haunts, the Ghosts & Gravestones tour is a must-do. The tour takes you by trolley to some of the most active locations, including exclusive access to the Old Jail for a nighttime investigation.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in St. Augustine, Florida
- A Ghost Tour is Essential: In a city this haunted, a guided ghost tour is the best way to learn the specific legends and tragic histories behind the city's most famous spirits. There are dozens to choose from, ranging from walking tours to trolley tours.
- Walk the Historic District at Night: After the sun sets and the crowds thin out, the narrow, gaslit streets of the old city take on a completely different, much spookier atmosphere. It's the perfect time to wander and see what spirits you might encounter.
- Visit the Lighthouse After Dark: The St. Augustine Lighthouse offers special nighttime tours that focus on its haunted history. Climbing the 219 steps in the dark is a thrilling experience you won't forget.
- Listen for Cannon Fire: When you're near the Castillo de San Marcos in the evening, listen closely. Some locals and visitors claim to still hear the phantom sounds of cannon fire and the shouts of soldiers echoing from the ancient fort.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in St. Augustine, Florida
Are haunted hotels in St. Augustine, Florida safe to stay in? Yes, absolutely. St. Augustine is a major tourist destination, and all of its hotels prioritize guest safety. The hauntings are part of the city's historic charm and are not a threat to visitors.
Why is St. Augustine, Florida so haunted? Its reputation comes from its incredible age and violent history. As the oldest city in the U.S., it has seen centuries of conflict, disease, and tragedy, creating an environment where paranormal experts believe countless spirits have remained.
What is the most famous haunted landmark in St. Augustine, Florida? The St. Augustine Lighthouse is arguably the most famous and actively investigated haunted location in the city. Its well-documented history and the tragic story of the Pittee sisters have made it a world-renowned destination for ghost hunters.
Are the ghost tours in St. Augustine, Florida worth it? Definitely. Ghost tours are one of the most popular attractions in the city for a reason. They are a fun, spooky, and informative way to experience the city's incredible history and legendary ghost stories.
What time of year is best for a haunted visit to St. Augustine, Florida? The fall, especially September and October, is a fantastic time to visit. The summer crowds have thinned, the weather is more pleasant, and the entire city embraces its haunted reputation for the Halloween season.