Tampa’s Spooky Side: Ghost Tours and Haunted Houses

Tampa, Florida, is known for its beaches and nightlife, but it has a darker side, too. If you love scary stories, haunted places or a good scare, Tampa’s ghost tours and haunted attractions are for you. From historic theatres to creepy neighbourhoods, this city is full of spooky fun. In this post, we’ll explore 5 must-visit ghost tours and haunted houses in Tampa, including the Ybor City Ghost Tour, Tampa Theatre Ghost Tours, Tampa Terrors, Scream-a-Geddon and Phantom History House. Let’s get started on a spooky journey through Tampa’s haunted history!

Tampa Ghost Tour and Haunted House

Ybor City Ghost Tour: A Walk Through Haunted History

Ybor City, Tampa’s historic cigar district, is famous for its old buildings and ghost stories. The Ybor City Ghost Tour takes you on a 2-hour walk through this creepy neighbourhood, sharing stories of mobsters, murders and restless spirits. One of the highlights is a visit inside the Cuban Club, a 1917 building considered one of the most haunted in the US. Guests have reported hearing unexplained piano music or seeing shadowy figures in 1920s clothing. The tour is led by expert guides who mix history with creepy legends; it’s fun and informative for all ages and even gets you into places most tours can’t. Book your spot at tampabay-tours.com for a night of chills. If you want more to do in Ybor, check out the best things to do in Ybor City.

Tampa Theatre Ghost Tours: Spirits of the Silver Screen

The Tampa Theatre opened in 1926 and is a beautiful movie palace with a reputation for being haunted. The Ghost Tours is a 90-minute journey through the theatre’s haunted past, sharing stories of ghostly employees like Fink Finley, a projectionist whose spirit lingers in the booth. You’ll hear about the mysterious man in seat 308 and Robert Lanier, a ticket taker, murdered in the 1950s. The tour involves climbing stairs and standing for long periods, but it’s a great mix of history and paranormal stories. During October, special “Late Night, Lights Off” investigations let you use ghost-hunting equipment with experts. Tickets are $15 for non-members and free for members, but they sell out fast. Book yours at tampatheatre.org. After the tour, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants on the Tampa Riverwalk and cap off your spooky night.

Tampa Terrors: Downtown’s Dark Secrets

Tampa Terrors is a nightly walking tour that explores Downtown Tampa’s haunted landmarks. Starting at the Tampa Theatre, this family-friendly tour visits 8 to 12 locations, like Old City Hall and the Old Federal Courthouse, now a luxury hotel. You’ll hear chilling stories of gangsters like Charlie Wall, who haunts the courthouse steps, and the tragic history of Native American burial grounds beneath the city. The standard tour covers a mile, while the extended version adds four more stops and a half-mile of walking. Guides are passionate storytellers, and past guests have reported strange feelings or sightings. Pets are welcome, and the tour runs rain or shine. Book your adventure at tampaterrors.com. It’s a great way to learn about Tampa’s darker side while staying safe on flat sidewalks.

Scream-a-Geddon: A Horror Park for Thrill-Seekers

If you want more than just ghost stories, Scream-a-Geddon in Dade City, just outside Tampa, is the place to go. This horror park, open in September and October, is a full-blown scare experience with six terrifying attractions. From haunted houses like “Rage 3d,” where clowns leap out in a disorienting maze, to “Deadwoods,” a creepy trail through haunted woods, there’s something for every thrill-seeker. Interactive zones let you choose how intense the scares get—opt for a glowing necklace if you want monsters to target you! General admission starts at $22, and the park also has food, drinks, and a monster midway. Check dates and buy tickets at screamageddon.com. It’s perfect for groups looking for heart-pounding fun.

Phantom History House: A Creepy Bed and Breakfast

For a unique spooky experience, visit Phantom History House in Westchase, a suburb of Tampa. This bed and breakfast, run by Steve Blanchard and Tim Hinton of the Phantom History podcast, is called “creepy but comfortable.” Guests can stay in one of four themed rooms—like the Ouija Room or Cemetery Room—for $175 to $800 per night. Each stay includes a continental breakfast, and you can book a psychic medium to connect with spirits for an extra thrill. During Halloween, nightly ghost stories add to the eerie vibe. The house is also available for group events. Learn more and reserve at phantomhistoryhouse.com. It’s a one-of-a-kind way to dive into Tampa’s paranormal world.

Final Thought: Dare to Explore Tampa’s Haunted Side

Tampa’s ghost tours and haunted houses have something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or just love a good scare. The Ybor City Ghost Tour and Tampa Terrors bring creepy history to life, while Tampa Theatre’s tours blend movie magic with ghostly tales. For adrenaline junkies, Scream-a-Geddon delivers intense thrills, and Phantom History House offers a cosy yet eerie stay. These experiences prove Tampa is more than just beaches and sunshine – it’s a city with a spooky soul. Grab your friends or family, book a tour and step into the shadows of Tampa’s haunted past. You might just have a ghostly encounter of your own!