Florida’s history is rich, colorful, and sometimes… a little eerie. From centuries-old towns to cobblestone streets lit by lanterns, Northeast Florida is home to ghost stories that blend history with a touch of the supernatural. Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or just in it for the fun, local ghost tours are the perfect way to celebrate fall.

Here are a few of the best historic towns and haunted tours near Jacksonville to put on your list this season.

🏰 St. Augustine — The Nation’s Oldest (and Most Haunted) City

It’s no surprise that St. Augustine tops the list. Founded in 1565, it’s the oldest city in the U.S. — which means plenty of time for ghostly legends to linger.

Top ghostly experiences:

• Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour – Ride through the historic district while guides share stories of hauntings, battles, and mysterious happenings.

• Walking Ghost Tours – Wander down cobblestone streets with lantern light as storytellers bring old tales to life.

• Castillo de San Marcos at Night – This iconic fort is often linked with paranormal activity, and its history is reason enough for goosebumps.

🕯️ Fernandina Beach — Victorian Charm with a Haunted Edge

Just north of Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach is known for its Victorian architecture, charming downtown, and long pirate history. That mix makes for some spooky tales.

Don’t miss:

• Amelia Island Ghost Tours – Led by local guides, these tours reveal haunted mansions, tales of pirates, and mysterious happenings in this historic seaport.

• Pub Crawls with a Paranormal Twist – For adults who like their ghost stories with a pint.

⚓ Savannah, Georgia — A Worthwhile Day Trip

While not in Florida, Savannah is just a couple of hours from Jacksonville and makes for an unforgettable haunted adventure. Its moss-draped squares and centuries of history have earned it a reputation as one of the most haunted cities in America.

Highlights:

• Bonaventure Cemetery Tours – Eerie, beautiful, and full of Southern Gothic history.

• Haunted Historic Homes – Tour sites where legends of soldiers, families, and spirits linger.

🐚 Local Jacksonville Legends

You don’t even have to leave town to find spooky tales. Jacksonville has its share of legends:

• Kingsley Plantation – This historic site on Fort George Island is linked with stories of hauntings tied to its past.

• Evergreen Cemetery – One of Jacksonville’s oldest cemeteries, with local lore and historic gravestones.

• Riverside & Avondale – Walking tours sometimes highlight haunted homes and strange happenings in these historic neighborhoods.

👻 Tips for Your Haunted Adventures

• Book in advance – Ghost tours often sell out in October weekends.

• Wear comfy shoes – Walking tours take you through cobblestones, old streets, and historic grounds.

• Go at night – Lanterns and moonlight make the experience far more atmospheric.

• Bring an open mind (and maybe your camera!) – Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the stories and history make these tours worth it.

✨ Wrapping It Up

Exploring Florida’s haunted side is about more than chasing chills — it’s a chance to connect with history, hear stories you won’t find in textbooks, and see familiar towns in a whole new light.

This fall, skip the usual movie night and gather your friends for an evening ghost tour in St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville, or even Savannah. You might walk away with goosebumps… and maybe even a story of your own.