Is St. Augustine Haunted?
Salem, Transylvania, and—St. Augustine? You may be unaware that the aptly nicknamed Ancient City is among America’s most haunted locations. Beyond spending relaxing, sunny days at the beach, St. Augustine locals and tourists can embark on a spine-tingling adventure through spooky attractions fit for everyone from skeptics to paranormal enthusiasts.
Atlantic Self Storage has curated your ghoulish guide to the eerie side of St. Augustine, exploring its haunted history from ghostly legends of the Castillo de San Marcos to chilling encounters in historic inns. Next time you’re in the mood for a weekend getaway off the beaten path, hit some of these hair-raising hot spots in the oldest city in the U.S.
St. Augustine, FL, Haunted History
Before giving our list of must-visit ghostly attractions in this seaside city, we thought it’d be beneficial to dive into what gives the Old City its paranormal flair. St. Augustine, FL, is the oldest continuously occupied city of European and African-American origin in the United States. In 1513, 94 years prior to the establishment of Jamestown by the English, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon colonized the area that would become St. Augustine decades later.
The Spaniards intended to maintain St. Augustine as a permanent military colony, though they quickly became involved in conflicts with the British. The Treaty of Paris ended this period of violence, and the city fell into the hands of the British after the French and Indian War. However, St. Augustine’s familiarity with war had only begun. It became a key site for battles during the Civil War and German U-boat activity during World War II.
Why Is St. Augustine Haunted?
With such an extensive history of war and famine, it’s no wonder that paranormal experts consider St. Augustine one of the country’s most haunted cities. Thousands of visitors come each year to stroll these spooky streets, speckled with historic charm and sinister sites. Enjoy the many haunted tours St. Augustine offers, led by local experts on St. Augustine’s uncanny culture.
Most Haunted Places in St. Augustine, FL
Are you shivering with anticipation about what spooky stories and otherworldly locations are to be found in old St. Augustine? Read on for some of the most popular St. Augustine ghost tour attractions.
St. Augustine Haunted Lighthouse
One of America’s oldest and most haunted structures resides on St. Augustine’s rocky shores. The St. Augustine Lighthouse was built in 1874 to recreate a wooden watchtower built by the Spanish in 1589 at the same site. Beyond its ghost tours, visitors to St. Augustine’s most popular attraction can explore the Maritime Museum to learn about the history of the surrounding sea.
Perhaps the most infamous story of the haunted St. Augustine Lighthouse involves the tragic tale of the Pittee girls. In 1873, during the lighthouse’s construction, the three daughters of the Superintendent of Lighthouse Construction and an unknown young African-American girl enjoyed riding a railway cart as a rustic roller coaster from the supply ships to the lighthouse. One day, the cart went into the water, trapping the girls underneath and causing all but the youngest to perish.
In the years since, many paranormal experiences have led back to the Pittee girls. A lighthouse keeper attested to hearing footsteps overhead but, upon closer inspection, found no one upstairs. A staff member recalled hearing giggling at the top of the tower late one night, and some guests reported seeing apparitions of the little girls themselves!
Castillo de San Marcos
Standing tall on the coast of St. Augustine is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument spans over 450 years of history, including numerous wars and conflicts, to give it a fascinating, unsettling energy. Park rangers and volunteers in period dress offer living history experiences, with historic weapon demonstrations on weekends. For an immersive cultural experience, Castillo de San Marcos is a must.
Given its history, it’s no wonder that the fort hosts an abundance of ghosts. Among its more tantalizing tales is that of the lovers of Castillo de San Marcos. In 1784, the neglected wife of a colonel, Dolores, began an affair with her husband’s assistant, Captain Manuel Abela.
Upon shaking Manuel’s hand and smelling his wife’s distinct perfume, the colonel realized what had been happening, and the following day, the forbidden lovers were nowhere to be found. Years later, the chained skeletons of Dolores and Manuel were found within the fort’s walls.
Today, visitors report smelling a sweet, flowery perfume of unknown origin and feeling watched. Many say they see orbs and apparitions near the wall where the skeletons of the lovers were discovered. If you head into the Castillo de San Marcos dungeon, you, too, may glimpse the tragic lovers.
Haunted Hotels in St. Augustine
Are you looking to stay in the middle of the paranormal action? St. Augustine has a variety of haunted hotels in which to explore and spend the night. Here are some of the most popular:
- Casa de Solana. As St. Augustine’s second-oldest inn, Casa de Solana balances Spanish charm and otherworldly energy. The house was known for taking in injured soldiers, Indigenous peoples, and travelers seeking refuge, and accounts of paranormal occurrences, from mysterious whispers to darting shadows, precede its reputation.
- Casa de Sueños. This romantic bed and breakfast began as a funeral home, offering a spooky romantic getaway for couples. If you’re lucky, you may encounter the inn’s most mischievous resident—Randolph. The spirit is known for temporarily taking and returning items as a playful prank, so don’t turn your back for too long.
- Saint Francis Inn. With its gorgeous gardens and darling verandas, the mysteries surrounding this peaceful inn may come as a surprise. A girl, Lily, is said to be searching the halls for her long-lost love. Among her playful habits include whisking off bedcovers and emptying purses, and many request her room with the hope of meeting her!
Was There a St. Augustine Ghost Ship Washed Ashore?
In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, word of a mysterious 1700s ghost ship washed to shore in St. Augustine made its rounds online. While this myth was quickly debunked, it does contribute to the ever-growing list of lore surrounding St. Augustine, including the history of various other ghost ships that have made their way onto Florida beaches.
Best Ghost Tours in St. Augustine
Tingling with anticipation to experience all the haunted happenings in the Ancient City? Check out these popular St. Augustine ghost tours:
- St. Augustine Ghost and Gravestones
- A Ghostly Encounter St. Augustine
- GhoSt Augustine
- Ghost City Tours
Scare Away Excess Clutter With Atlantic Self Storage
Don’t let clutter haunt your home. Whether you need a spot for ghost-hunting gear, Halloween decorations, or other spooky possessions, Atlantic Self Storage has residential storage in St. Augustine to keep your attic and basement free for spirits to roam. Contact us to find your ideal storage unit, and visit an Atlantic Self Storage facility near you today!