Ten Top Spooky Spots in Central Florida

These spine-tingling locations are very real, and very scary.

It’s that time of year again when Florida’s haunted attractions are in full swing. With major players like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld dominating the scene, there’s no shortage of options for those seeking a thrill.

For individuals looking for a more genuine paranormal experience, Florida Experience Magazine teamed up with a group of psychics and mediums to compile a list of Florida’s most authentic haunted locations.

Each week in October, we will focus on a different region of the Sunshine State.

Here’s our selection of the top ten sites for those interested in exploring Central Florida’s more mysterious side.

1. Wall Street and Court Avenue

On the surface, Wall Street and Court Avenue may seem like an ordinary intersection. However, former employees of the Kit Kat Club, a previous establishment at this location, have reported unusual activity—bottles moving without cause, unexplained apparitions in the restrooms, and sightings of a woman dressed in black blocking entrances. Given that this spot was once home to a jailhouse, such stories are perhaps not so surprising.

2. The Angebilt Hotel

Just around the corner stands the historic Angebilt Hotel. Once Orlando’s most luxurious accommodation, the hotel also served as a courthouse in the 1970s.

Today, most of the building houses offices and restaurants, but the underground tunnels beneath the hotel are widely reported to be the site of significant paranormal phenomena.

3. Super 8 on International Drive

While not as historic as other entries on this list, the Super 8 on International Drive has still attracted attention for its reported hauntings. Guests staying in room 206 have experienced unexplained phenomena, including impressions on the bed, sudden temperature drops, and the sensation of an unseen presence. Despite its unassuming reputation, the hotel has become a point of interest for those investigating paranormal activity.

4. Interstate 4: The Dead Zone

A section of Interstate 4 near Sanford has developed a reputation for unusual occurrences. The area was originally settled by German immigrants in the 1800s, and after a yellow fever outbreak, several were buried nearby. Although developers intended to relocate the graves during construction, that promise was not fully kept. Reports now include ghost sightings, unexplained radio disturbances, and a higher-than-average rate of serious car accidents.

5. Enzian Theater

The Enzian Theater in Maitland is known for its unique cinematic experiences and, according to some, for its paranormal activity. Guests have reported witnessing a disembodied head and hearing chilling screams late at night. The venue’s historic ambiance appears to have attracted more than just film enthusiasts.

6. Church Street Station

Today, Church Street Station is a hub for dining and entertainment, but its history is extensive. The property has served as a brothel, a railroad depot, and, in the 1970s, Rosie O’Grady’s Good Time Emporium.

Reports of paranormal activity include sightings of a woman from the 1800s, a priest, and unexplained phenomena at Hamburger Mary’s. The location’s storied past has left a lasting impression.

7. Orange County Regional History Center

For those interested in history, the Orange County Regional History Center stands out. Formerly an Orlando courthouse and the site of Ted Bundy’s trial, the building is frequently cited by psychics and paranormal investigators as one of the city’s most haunted locations. The center offers both educational and unique supernatural experiences for visitors.

8. Sunland Mental Hospital

Sunland Mental Hospital stands out as one of the most unsettling locations on our list. Originally built as a tuberculosis hospital, it later operated as the Sunland Training Center for Retarded Children, a name reflecting a less sensitive era.

Over the years, the facility faced numerous allegations of neglect, abuse, and repeated health code violations. Today, visitors report unexplained phenomena: the sounds of children screaming, sightings of apparitions, and playground equipment moving inexplicably at night. Despite considerable interest from paranormal investigators, our recommendation is to avoid the site for safety and liability reasons.

9. Greenwood Cemetery

Greenwood Cemetery is a staple entry for any list of haunted sites. Its unique distinction lies in its direct connection to Sunland Mental Hospital. Many children from Sunland, along with unidentified minors, are interred in a section referred to as “Baby Land.”

Reports from visitors frequently mention the sound of children’s laughter and the faint melody of a music box during nighttime hours. Such accounts only reinforce the site’s reputation for paranormal activity.

10. The Devil’s Chair in Cassadaga

Cassadaga has established itself as a hub for spiritualists and mediums, attracting visitors from across the globe in search of readings and healings. The local cemetery is notable for the so-called “Devil’s Chair,” a large brick seat shrouded in legend.

According to local lore, those who sit in the chair at midnight may experience supernatural communication. Additionally, there are reports that leaving an unopened can of beer on the chair results in the beverage being mysteriously consumed overnight.

Regardless of personal beliefs, the site continues to draw significant interest from both tourists and paranormal enthusiasts.