Sarasota is known for its rich history, but have you explored the darker sides of the stories? Just minutes away from our Anna Maria vacation rentals are some of the most haunted and spooky locations in Sarasota, perfect for a Halloween or fall vacation. If you’re visiting AMI around October, don’t miss out on any of these haunted experiences.
Sarasota’s Dark Past
Sarasota has had quite a few dark spots in its history, and the evidence can be found at many sites that remain in the city to this day. Historic Spanish Point is the perfect example. It has an archeological record dating back over 5,000 years and is believed to be haunted by some of the earliest Floridian settlers.
Here, you’ll find two Native American shell middens and one burial mound, which has been recognized as one of the southeast’s largest Native American mortuary sites. It’s rumored that the ghost of Bertha Palmer, an incredibly influential figure to modern Sarasota’s development, still roams the gardens.
One of the most influential Sarasota figures, John Ringling, couldn’t escape the dark side of Sarasota. He arrived in Sarasota to establish the winter headquarters of his circus, and he and his wife built their famous mansion, Ca d’Zan, in 1925. This estate is the final resting place of the couple, and countless ghost sightings have been reported here.
Perhaps even more creepy is the story of the Chart House. Ringling paired with developer Owen Burns to restore the Ritz-Carlton on Longboat Key. Despite pouring $650,000 into the project (over $8.5 million in today’s money), Ringling lost control of the project when the Great Depression came along. The half-finished hotel sat alone for years and became a local haunt for teens, who nicknamed it “The Ghost Hotel.” Today, the site is occupied by the Chart House building and restaurant, and some claim to feel ghosts wandering throughout the dining room.
Spooky Stories
Not only are there creepy sites in the area, but a lot of them have weird ghost stories to go along with them. For a truly spooky experience, visit Rosemary Cemetery. This resting place is home to around 740 gravesites in total, including those of some of the most prominent members of Sarasota’s founding families. For instance, J.H. Gillespie, Sarasota’s first mayor and the creator of the state’s first golf course is buried here. If you dare to walk through the cemetery alone, you just might hear the swish of his golf club.
It’s also been rumored that you can encounter the Green family in this cemetery. This family was brutally murdered by Elaf Green, the husband and father, in 1887. Mrs. Green and the family’s three children have been known to come out after dusk to communicate with visitors.
If you’re a theater fan, there are two unbelievable locations for you to explore and get your spooks. The Sarasota Opera House was home to performances by the greats, from Elvis Presley to the Ziegfeld Follies. Multiple employees have reported hearing shuffling footsteps at night, some believing that a celebrity ghost is returning to enjoy a show.
You can also visit the Florida Studio Theatre for even more spooky happenings. Throughout the 1980s, Artistic Director Richard Hopkins had multiple exorcisms performed on the Keating Theatre to get rid of disruptive ghosts. The Keating Theatre was originally constructed as the Sarasota Women’s Club, and it was believed that the spirits of performers would knock on the walls and shine light on the stage whenever they pleased.
Haunted Tours
There are tons of haunted places to explore near our Anna Maria Island rentals, but how can you fit them all into your schedule? Luckily, Sarasota has tons of haunted tours that let you see multiple sites at once.
Sarasota Suncoast Tours hosts the Ghosts & Gruesomes Tour, a 75-minute excursion that takes you through some of the creepiest spots in the city. Tickets are less than $20 per person, and keep in mind that this is a walking tour, so you’ll need comfortable shoes. These tours take place in the evening, adding an extra-spooky atmosphere while you explore some of the most sinister streets of Sarasota!
If you don’t want to walk, Discover Sarasota Tours offers their Haunted Sarasota Trolley Tour. Take advantage of the complimentary beer or wine before you hop on board, then sit back and listen to the stories of the supernatural. This tour is a great family-friendly way to learn the creepy history of the area, though guests aged 12-20 must have a parent or legal guardian in attendance.
Want to experience creepy sites outside of Sarasota? Head to nearby Bradenton and take a 90-minute guided walking tour with Paranormal Society of Bradenton. You’ll get to hear documented personal experiences with the paranormal while you explore the city. Best of all, this is a budget-friendly excursion at just $15 for adults and $10 for kids under age 12.
Other Halloween Events
What if you’re in town for October, but you don’t want to get into the spooky side of Halloween? Maybe you have small kids who aren’t ready for the creepy sites, or maybe you just don’t like haunted houses and ghost stories. Not to worry! Sarasota and other cities near Anna Maria Island have tons of other Halloween events and activities for you to experience.
BOOFest is the annual Halloween event held in Bradenton, just minutes away from Anna Maria Island. Bring the family out to trick-or-treat, get a surprise from the balloon artist, and watch the incredible local dancers! Tons of local vendors will be there giving out candy and prizes, and be sure to get creative and enter the costume contest! This event is the perfect Halloween activity for all ages.
Also in Bradenton, you’ll find Village of the Arts holding their annual Trick-or-Treat. Villagers come out and hand out candy and treats for about two hours on Halloween night, giving you the perfect opportunity to show off your costume! The decorations are all child-friendly and won’t give anyone a scare.
If you’re in the area in October but won’t be visiting on Halloween itself, you can still get involved in the annual Pumpkin Festival at Hunsader Farms! The festival runs for two weekends in October and lets you come experience a petting zoo, live shows and music, craft show, hayrides, playgrounds, and more! Admission is just $10 per person (with some activities costing extra), and children 10 and under are free. Park for just $5 and enjoy a whole day of fall fun!
At the end of a long day seeing the spooky sites of Sarasota or engaging in the Halloween festivities, you’re sure to be tired! Luckily, Anna Maria Vacations has the perfect rental for you to relax with your loved ones, put on a spooky movie, and sort through your candy. Our Anna Maria beach rentals provide the ideal combination of comfort and luxury, all at a price that can’t be beat. We’re proud to maintain the largest selection of vacation rentals on the island, and our customer service team will be there for you for your entire stay. So, are you ready to get spooked on the shore this October? Contact us today to learn more about our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals!
