7 haunted and historic destinations in FL.
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Beacon Theater opened November 17, 1985, as an eight-screen multiplex cinema operated by Theatre Management Inc. The facility expanded to twelve screens with stadium seating in 1999. Now operates as AMC Classic New Smyrna 12 following ownership transitions through Carmike Cinemas (2014) and AMC Theatres (2017).
Freeport, FL
Black Creek Cemetery occupies land that has served as a burial ground since the 1800s in Walton County, Florida. Adjacent to the cemetery stood a church constructed in the 19th century, serving the local community until its demolition. The town of Freeport was settled by 1830 and has deep roots in North Florida and early American history. When a new church replaced the original structure, the historic bell tower was disassembled and relocated out of state.
Coral Gables, FL
The Biltmore Hotel opened on January 15, 1926, as a palatial resort designed by acclaimed architects Schultze and Weaver and founded by developer George Merrick and hotel magnate John McEntee Bowman. Its tower was modeled after the Giralda in Seville, Spain. The hotel featured the world's largest swimming pool at the time and hosted high-society galas, fashion shows, and golf tournaments. During World War II, the federal government converted the property into a military hospital; it later operated as a veterans hospital and university campus until 1968. A comprehensive $55 million restoration returned the hotel to operation in 1987.
Orange City, FL
Blue Spring State Park encompasses 2,600 acres of preserved natural habitat around Volusia Blue Spring, the largest natural spring system on the St. Johns River. Louis P. Thursby settled the area in 1856, establishing one of the first steamboat landings and orange groves on the upper river. The Thursby House, constructed in 1872 from Georgia pine and expanded in 1900, now operates as a museum within the park. The spring's consistent 72-73 degree temperature makes it a critical winter refuge for Florida manatees.
Boca Raton, FL
South Inlet Park sits on Boca Raton's eastern coastline, two miles southeast of downtown. The park preserves the Eshleman Pavilion, a 1930s Porte Cochere moved to the site in 1981 from the historic Cabana Club. Listed on Palm Beach County's Historic Registry, it offers fishing, swimming, and picnic facilities.
Tampa, FL
The Britton Theater opened on August 15, 1956 as a 2,200-seat single-screen cinema designed by architect James E. Casale, heralded as the first modern indoor theater built in 32 years. The theater was converted to a triplex in 1983 and an eight-screen multiplex in 1992. It continues to operate as a functioning cinema.
Davie, FL
Broward College's Central Campus in Davie operates as a comprehensive community college serving South Florida. On January 21, 2002, a domestic violence murder-suicide occurred on campus between Building 5 and an adjacent structure, resulting in two deaths and creating the historical trauma that spawned persistent paranormal reports.