Top 10 Most Haunted Places in Miami

When you think of Miami, your mind probably goes straight to sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Art Deco architecture. But peel back the sunny, pastel-colored surface and you’ll find a city with a dark and haunted history lurking just out of view. The most haunted places in Miami are full of ghost stories, urban legends, and unexplained encounters that add an unexpected layer of mystery to this coastal paradise.

Wander Florida is fully reader-supported. For that reason, this article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This revenue helps keep Wander Florida free and updated. I only recommend products or services that I would use myself. Read the full disclosure here.

From historic hotels where guests check out but never really leave, to eerie cemeteries and abandoned estates with restless spirits, Miami’s haunted spots are as varied as the city itself. You’ll hear about haunted ballrooms at the Biltmore Hotel, shadow figures at the Deering Estate, strange happenings at Coral Castle, and lingering apparitions in Pinewood Cemetery. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just love a good ghost story, Miami delivers on the creepy factor.

So if you’re ready to explore the city’s supernatural side, this list is for you. Keep reading for a countdown of 10 of the most haunted places in Miami, each with its own spine-chilling backstory and a few lingering guests you definitely didn’t invite.

1. Deering Estate

The Deering Estate is one of Miami’s most beautiful historic landmarks by day—and one of its most notoriously haunted locations by night. Built in the early 20th century by Charles Deering, an industrialist and art collector, the estate covers over 400 acres along the shores of Biscayne Bay. It’s a peaceful place filled with exotic tropical landscaping, historic buildings, and archaeological sites. But behind all that beauty lies a long and unsettling history that’s made the Deering Estate a hotspot for paranormal activity.

The land itself has deep roots. Long before Charles Deering arrived, this area was home to Indigenous peoples, and evidence of a prehistoric village still exists on the property. Native American burial grounds and ancient midden sites remain undisturbed beneath parts of the estate, adding layers of spiritual energy to an already charged environment.

Inside the estate’s historic building, especially the Stone House and the Richmond Cottage, visitors and staff have reported all kinds of eerie phenomena. Cold spots appear in otherwise warm rooms. Doors slam shut on their own. Lights flicker with no electrical explanation. Some guests have even claimed to see full-body apparitions, including a woman in white standing at upstairs windows and shadowy figures moving through the halls.

One of the most famous spirits said to haunt the estate is believed to be Charles Deering himself. Several psychics and paranormal investigators visiting the property have suggested that his energy still lingers here. During ghost tours and paranormal investigations hosted by the estate, participants have captured unexplained voices on audio recordings (EVPs), strange orbs in photos, and even received direct responses to questions during spirit communication sessions.

If that’s not enough, the estate also has ties to tragedy. In 1925, a young couple reportedly drowned near the property while boating on Biscayne Bay. Some believe their spirits still roam the grounds, appearing to visitors near the water’s edge.

2. Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is one of Miami’s most iconic landmarks—and easily one of its most haunted. Built in 1926, the hotel is known for its grand Mediterranean architecture, celebrity guests, and luxurious history. But behind the glamorous façade lies a darker legacy filled with tragedy, scandal, and countless ghost stories that have earned the Biltmore a spot on nearly every list of the most haunted places in Florida.

One of the most famous spirits said to haunt the hotel is that of Thomas “Fatty” Walsh, a mobster who was shot and killed during a gambling dispute on the 13th floor back in the 1920s. Guests and hotel staff have reported strange occurrences around that floor ever since—elevators moving on their own, lights flickering, and shadowy figures appearing in hallways. Some even claim to hear ghostly laughter and footsteps in empty rooms late at night.

The Biltmore’s haunted reputation doesn’t stop there. During World War II, the hotel was converted into a military hospital, and many believe that some of the soldiers who died there never left. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions in hospital gowns wandering the halls, and some rooms are said to have sudden temperature drops with no explanation. Between its mobster past, war-time history, and long list of eerie encounters, the Biltmore is more than just a luxury destination—it’s a paranormal hotspot for anyone brave enough to stay the night.

3. City of Miami Cemetery

The City of Miami Cemetery, established in 1897 at 1800 Northeast 2nd Avenue, holds the distinction of being the oldest—and only municipal—cemetery in Miami-Dade County, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once the burial ground for early Black and Bahamian communities and later for prominent figures like Julia Tuttle, Miami’s “Mother,” and the pioneering Burdine family, its centuries-old tombstones and segregated plots lend the cemetery a solemn and deeply layered atmosphere.

The cemetery’s haunted reputation rests largely on consistent visitor reports: unexplained cold spots, sudden mist, and an overwhelming feeling of being watched—especially near the graves of civic leaders and war veterans. Among the eeriest stories is that of Carrie Barrett Miller, whose husband famously encased her body in a solid block of concrete when she died in 1926. The resulting tombstone reads:

“The body of Carrie Barrett Miller was molded in this solid block of concrete … after the body has gone to dust, her sleeping form will remain.”

This peculiar monument often prompts visitors to report scratching noises and uneasy sensations near her grave.

Whether you’re drawn by its cultural history or its haunted mystique, the cemetery offers an unforgettable and verifiable glimpse into Miami’s past—where the living and the spirits of the city’s pioneers converge among the headstones.

4. Coral Castle

Coral Castle, located in Homestead just south of Miami, is a monument to love—and, for many, an unmistakably eerie experience. Created single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin between the 1920s and 1951, the site features massive oolitic limestone sculptures: a functional sundial, a polar telescope, a crescent moon table, rocking chairs, and even a stone castle tower where Leedskalnin lived . He kept his methods to himself, working mostly at night, which fueled decades of speculation about supernatural forces, lost ancient knowledge, or even alien assistance.

Many ghost hunters and visitors report unexplained electromagnetic fluctuations, disembodied voices, and orb-like phenomena—especially around Leedskalnin’s former living quarters within the castle tower. Paranormal investigators from the Miami branch of PRISM conducted documented night investigations, capturing EVP (electronic voice phenomena), glowing orbs, and an eerie moan inside Ed’s bedroom. These experiences suggest the possibility that Leedskalnin’s spirit—or something connected to his unusual work—still lingers among the stones.

Visitors also often mention a distinct sense of energy while walking the grounds, particularly near the massive revolving gate and polar telescope. Some believe the site itself sits on natural magnetic vortexes that Leedskalnin discovered and harnessed, giving the castle its otherworldly atmosphere. Whether you’re driven by history, engineering marvels, or paranormal intrigue, Coral Castle remains a fascinating destination—and one of South Florida’s most compelling haunted attractions.

5. Villa Paula

Villa Paula, located at 5811 N. Miami Ave in Little Haiti, was built in 1926–27 as a Cuban consulate and residence for Domingo Milord and his wife, Paula, using imported materials and craftsmanship from Cuba. While Paula moved out by 1930 and passed away years later, rumors claim she’s buried in the backyard. Though the rumors have been mostly debunked by historians, they’ve still fueled speculation around her spirit lingering in the home.

The home’s paranormal reputation took off in the 1970s under owner Cliff Ensor, whose detailed accounts sparked widespread interest. He reported hearing piano music and high heels clicking down the hallway, smelling fresh roses and strong coffee (supposedly Paula’s favorites), witnessing doors slam shut by themselves, and seeing a one-legged woman’s apparition—and tragically, his cats reportedly died after being mysteriously trapped in the iron gate. Ensor even conducted séances, where participants channeled voices claiming multiple spirits lived in the house. Investigations by groups like PRISM and Paranormal Crossroads have recorded EVPs (“Get out!”), EMF spikes, cold and hot spots, and orbs on video.

Other residents and tenants have also shared odd stories: food and objects moving without explanation, windows rattling, cats disappearing, light bulbs flickering, and strong aromas or sudden temperature shifts . Though some of these accounts may be embellished or tied to sensational retellings, there’s a consistent pattern of reported phenomena across decades—enough to earn Villa Paula a reputation as Miami’s most haunted mansion, now serving as an art gallery and occasional special-event venue.

Whether these stories are supernatural or simply colorful folklore, Villa Paula’s haunted legacy remains undeniably compelling. Its blend of cultural significance, architectural beauty, and mysteries—including ongoing ghost tours and paranormal investigations—ensure it remains one of the most intriguing (and spooky) places in Miami today.

6. Colony Theatre

The Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road is a beloved Art Deco venue—but behind its glamorous façade lies one of Miami’s most unusual ghosts. Theater staff and visitors consistently report the presence of a small white poodle spirit, seen darting through the lobby and even chasing guests before vanishing into thin air. It’s said this spectral pooch still acts like it’s alive, barking softly then disappearing when approached.

Another frequent experience comes from an invisible entity, identified only by phantom footsteps. Many report hearing the sound of someone pacing backstage or walking through the lobby—even in otherwise empty spaces. This poltergeist occasionally steps onto the elevator with unsuspecting guests, startling them with sudden, unexplained movement.

There have also been sightings of a mysterious woman in 1930s attire, drifting through the lobby or near the stage. Dressed in period clothing, she fades away if approached—a ghostly echo of the building’s early days . While the theater doesn’t promote hosted ghost tours, the haunting tales remain a talking point among performers and fans alike.

If you’re touring Miami Beach or planning a show, you might catch a glimpse of these lingering figures. The Colony Theatre’s paranormal presence enhances its allure, making it more than just a venue. It’s a place where the past still quietly walks the halls.

7. Alfred I. Dupont Building

The Alfred I. DuPont Building is a downtown Miami landmark constructed between 1937 and 1939 on the former site of the Hotel Halcyon. It was one of the city’s first Art Deco skyscrapers and now serves as an upscale event venue, though the upper floors are typically off‑limits to the public.

Many believe the building is haunted, with the most frequently reported apparition being Grant Stockdale, a friend and political ally of President John F. Kennedy. He died after falling from the 13th floor just ten days after JFK’s assassination, and his death remains controversial. Staff members and visitors say they sense an eerie presence near that floor and have occasionally glimpsed a shadowy figure associated with him.

Paranormal investigations and witnesses have noted additional phenomena including unexplained running faucets in unoccupied bathrooms, flickering lights and EMF spikes. A cleaning staffer reportedly encountered a lady in white wandering the fifth floor halls, while a technician described seeing a burnt face staring at him inside an air duct before it vanished.

If you are planning to visit or attend an event here, evening events tied to Downtown Fright Night or similar spooky festivals may include guided sessions inside the building. For now the building serves primarily as an elegant event space, its supernatural stories acknowledged but still unofficial.

8. Curtiss Mansion & Gardens

Curtiss Mansion & Gardens in Miami Springs was designed and built in 1925 by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss. After decades of abandonment and decay the home reopened in 2012 as a restored historic property used for tours, weddings, and community events. Even before restoration, visitors and ghost-hunters noted a subtle atmosphere, especially in rooms where doors seemed to close on their own and one overnight guest reported a strong and creepy presence inside the house.

While stories around Glenn Curtiss himself and tragic rumors linger in local lore, most documented experiences center on the physical environment. People frequently mention feeling an unsettling energy in the living room or patio even when the building is empty, hearing doors gently clicking shut in silent rooms, or experiencing an eerie sensation as though they’re not alone.

Today the mansion embraces its reputation each Halloween with Haunted Mansion Tours and themed events. These evening experiences run through late October and blend historical background about Curtiss and the estate with light theatrical scares and guided exploration in low lighting. If you’re curious about the mansion’s reputation or simply want a Halloween-night thrill with a bit of architectural charm, it’s one of the few places in Miami where paranormal curiosity meets restored elegance.

9. Charlotte Jane Memorial Park Cemetery

Charlotte Jane Memorial Park Cemetery looks quiet enough when you drive past it, but its history is heavy. Established in 1913, it became the final resting place for many of Miami’s early Black residents, including Bahamian and Caribbean immigrants who built much of the city’s foundation. The cemetery itself was once featured in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video, which only added to its eerie reputation.

Walking among the above-ground vaults, it’s hard not to feel the weight of the past. Visitors sometimes report an unsettling feeling of being watched, or sudden cold spots on hot Miami days. A few have claimed to see ghostly figures slipping between the tombs, disappearing as quickly as they appeared. It’s one of those cemeteries that feels alive with memory, where the air grows still and you find yourself lowering your voice without thinking.

What makes Charlotte Jane particularly haunting isn’t just the ghost stories, but the layers of history. Generations are buried here, many of whom lived and died through periods of struggle and resilience. The cemetery remains a place of remembrance, but it also has a way of leaving visitors with the lingering sense that the stories of its residents haven’t all been told.

10. Pinewood Cemetery

Tucked away in Coral Gables, Pinewood Cemetery is often called the city’s oldest and most haunted burial ground. Dating back to the mid-1800s, it holds the remains of pioneers, Civil War veterans, and some of the earliest settlers of the Miami area. For years, the cemetery was neglected, its headstones overgrown with weeds and vandalized, adding to the unsettling atmosphere.

The hauntings at Pinewood are tied to both its history and its abandonment. Visitors have spoken of shadowy figures moving along the graves, strange whispers in the air, and the sense of being followed even when no one else is around. Paranormal investigators have flagged it as a hotspot, with claims of unexplained sounds and flickering lights captured on camera.

What makes Pinewood stand out is the contrast: in daylight, it looks like a quiet patch of history hidden inside a modern city. But as dusk falls, the mood shifts. The isolation, the tragic stories of those buried here, and the marks of past neglect combine to create a place that feels unsettled. It’s not hard to see why Pinewood Cemetery has earned its place among Miami’s most haunted.

Wrapping It Up: Most Haunted Places in Miami

Miami may be known for its sunshine and nightlife, but the shadows here tell their own stories. From cemeteries where history clings to every headstone, to hotels where guests long gone still wander the halls, the city’s haunted past refuses to stay buried. Each spot offers a glimpse into a side of Miami that tourists rarely see, where the line between legend and reality blurs just enough to give you chills.

Whether you’re chasing ghost stories, hoping for a paranormal encounter, or just curious about the city’s darker history, these haunted places offer plenty to explore. Some invite you in with tours, others dare you to linger on your own, but all of them remind you that Miami’s history is layered, complicated, and never as simple as it looks on the surface.

So the next time you’re in the Magic City, take a step off the beach and into its haunted corners. You might leave with a good story, or maybe—just maybe—you’ll leave with company you didn’t expect.