We all can’t deny that Tampa has a rich history, and historic areas have been established and preserved across the city over time. Many of Tampa’s original building scape’s real architecture may be seen in these districts. They also serve as the setting for many of the city’s most enthralling and mysterious legends and stories.
Tampa is well-known for its tourist attractions, notably Busch Gardens, which offers a range of activities for families in one location. Downtown Tampa is made up of high-rise business buildings and historic districts like Ybor City and Hyde Park.
Aside from that, the beautiful district, which is teeming with flourishing businesses and exciting activities, has something for everyone. Because of the beautiful weather and handy location, it’s an excellent place to visit. Despite its appealing perspective, there are a few must-see scary sites nearby.
Tampa is also known as “The Haunted City,” and it’s very obvious to see why when you look at the number of weird structures dotted all throughout the city. In Tampa, it appears that there are frightening structures around every turn. Now, let’s delve a bit deeper into this eerie city and look at the top terrifyingly haunted places in Tampa, Florida, you should visit.
- Tampa Theatre
For a number of reasons, theaters are among the most well-known haunted sites. The Tampa Theatre opened its door to the public in October 1926 by architect John Eberson. However, as time passed by, it was coined as one of the “most spookiest” places in the Bay Area.
In the theatre, paranormal investigators detected exceptionally high levels of activity. Visitors have reported strange whispers and unexplained touches on the shoulders. The Tampa Theatre is aware of its numerous hauntings and has embraced its permanent tenants.
Seat 308 is also one of the most popular seats in the house. A man has been observed sitting in a chair after the theater has closed on multiple occasions. The theatergoer, who is wearing a fedora, looks to be a former patron of the theater.
Fortunately, it is still one of the city’s oldest surviving relics of its sole independent non-profit theater. It was established in 1854 and is being utilized to show various films, concerts, and plays. It may not be lucrative, but it relies on the patronage of theatergoers.
2. The Britton Theatre in South Tampa
Britton Cinema 8 first opened its doors in the early 1950s. It is one of the oldest cinema theaters still in operation today with approximately 1800 seating capacity, which was divided into three screens and was further sold to the General Cinemas. One of the most intriguing elements about the Britton 8 Movie Theater is that the reasons for the hauntings are unknown.
Both staff and guests have recorded several strange events. The toilets flush on their own, and the ladies’ room doors inexplicably lock without someone shutting them. There have also been several reports of apparitions in one of the theaters.
Aside from that, ghostly whispers in the passageway outside Theatre 5 have been heard. One usherette claimed to have heard his name yelled in Theatre 3 while no one else was there. A shadow figure also haunts the passageways.
As far as anyone knows, no catastrophic occurrences in the building’s history have been reported. If we are honest enough, it appears to be quite ordinary that no one would even recognize it was haunted! Nonetheless, both staff and customers have reported strange behavior on the property, which is very intriguing.
3. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge
We can’t deny the fact that the view is very stunning, and just looking at it makes you want to get there right away to shoot some Instagram shots. From its stunning architecture to its enormous bridge, it’s a well-known landmark for anybody traveling or living in the area. This bridge, however, is more than simply a massive piece of infrastructure.
It has seen its fair share of death, including catastrophic crashes, sudden collapses, and gruesome suicides. The bridge and the river float on, having a history of generating an unsettling atmosphere. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge has been plagued by tragedy and misfortunes for many years.
With so much sadness and grief, it’s no wonder that the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is one of Tampa’s most haunted locations. Many uninvited drivers have experienced strange and unexplained experiences. The lengthy stretch of road hovers above seas where terrible things have happened.
Nevertheless, it’s no doubt that the bay’s surroundings are great for exploration. The warm, breezy weather is excellent for searching for ghostly activity late at night. Shadowy shapes and spooky sounds float across the streets that encircle Tampa Bay’s beautiful waters.
4. Loews Don Cesar Hotel
The Don Cesar Hotel is unsettling, but it is far from alone! The Loews Don CeSar Hotel is said to be one of Tampa’s most haunted hotels. In 1928, Thomas Rowe built the hotel as a tribute to his late girlfriend, Lucinda. Because of that, the hotel is well-known not just for its grandeur but also for its eerie happenings.
Several instances have occurred throughout the years, with both staff and guests reporting apparitions, unusual noises, and bizarre sensations. The most well-known ghost haunting the building is the original owner, Thomas Rowe, who died in 1974. Also, some of the more recent hauntings have been linked to the building’s use as a hospital in the 1940s.
According to hotel workers and guests, Rowe has been observed strolling the halls of his hotel, sometimes hand in hand with girlfriend Lucinda. Aside from that, there have been other reports of unusual activity in other areas of the hotel which is extremely terrifying.
In line with the hotel’s spooky theme, you may also participate in one of the area’s ghost tours to enjoy its thrilling experience. Usually, the Don CeSar is the last stop. If you want to avoid the creepiness, the hotel is ideally located between St. Pete Beach and Tampa Bay.
5. The Cuban Club
When it comes to socializing and having a good time, we all flock to clubs. The fact that Ybor City was established and virtually exclusively populated by Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants made it unique. Its Neoclassical design style has attracted many individuals who may benefit from amenities such as free libraries, sports teams, educational programs, and other social events and festivals.
Little Jimmy’s story is simply one of the Cuban Club’s saddest ghost stories. The Cantina, a three-tiered entertainment facility perfect for huge gatherings and parties, is included in today’s tour of the space. However, the Cantina once held the Cuban Club’s swimming pool.
Aside from that, there are legends about pianos playing sorrowful tunes to themselves and a lady in a white robe roaming the halls. Given that the Cuban Club has long been used as a wedding reception venue, it’s hardly surprising that some spirits would want to spend eternity at the location of their most memorable day. Well, you can see it yourself if you dare.
Nonetheless, nightly Spirits provides a one-of-a-kind ghost tour of the Cuban Club in Ybor City for an exciting visit to the Tampa area. Walking around Ybor City is a great night out, and the late night Spirits tour, which combines the spooky with the historical, will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip or vacation to Tampa!
6. Safety Harbor Spa
The village of Safety Harbor was founded in 1917, and the well-known Safety Harbor Resort and Spa opened its doors in 1924. The water dispensary was located in the resort’s original section, which is now the Four Springs ballroom. People came from all over the world to “take the water,” Espiritu Santo’s therapeutic mineral spring water.
To make the place more interesting, the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa is claimed to be haunted for several reasons. Despite the fact that the resort has yet to be researched, many allegations of possible ghostly experiences have been made. To sum it up, this resort hotel has a lot of strange goings-on.
During renovations in the mid-1990s, the front desk began receiving phone calls from vacant bedrooms. Voices are heard frequently in completely unoccupied areas of the buildings, and housekeepers claim they hear someone shouting their name from the women’s restroom.
Aside from that, others think that the resort’s founder, Dr. Salem H. Baranoff, is one of the purported ghosts. “He wasn’t a lover of salt, so as a result, he advises concealing or loosening salt shakers,” said one of the residents. Nonetheless, this may be a fantastic opportunity to everyone who wants to have fun while discovering new and exciting things.