Tampa: Ghost and Haunted History Tour

Tampa’s haunted reputation isn’t just local legend—it’s a real part of the city’s charm. This guided walking tour takes you through some of Tampa’s most eerie sites, blending history, ghost stories, and even a little paranormal equipment testing. It’s an experience that promises chills and excitement for those curious about Tampa’s darker side.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s led by Paige Horton, a criminology student from the famously haunted University of Tampa, who clearly knows her stuff. Second, it offers a hands-on ghost-hunting experience—you’re not just listening to stories, but actively trying to catch ghosts on camera. Third, the walk feels casual and unhurried, giving plenty of time to soak in the spooky atmosphere.

The only potential drawback? It’s not suitable for kids under 13, so families with younger children might want to look elsewhere for ghostly adventures. But for grownups, history buffs, or thrill-seekers, this tour hits just the right note. If you love ghost stories or are simply curious about Tampa’s haunted corners, this experience offers a fun and reasonably priced way to explore the city after dark.

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Key Points

Authentic paranormal experience with ghost-hunting equipment
Led by a knowledgeable guide with a criminology background
Visits iconic haunted locations like Tampa Bay Hotel and Tampa Theatre
Leisurely pace ensures plenty of time for stories and photos
Suitable for ghost enthusiasts and history lovers over 13
Weather-ready—rain or shine, with options to reschedule if necessary

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at Tampa’s Haunted Walk

Walking through Tampa at night with a group of curious fellow travelers, you quickly realize this isn’t your typical ghost tour. The 1.5-hour journey covers Tampa’s most haunted spots, with stops carefully chosen to highlight the city’s spooky past and present. Not only do you hear chilling stories, but you also get to try ghost-hunting techniques, use real equipment, and even capture potential paranormal activity on camera.

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Starting Point: Henry B. Plant Museum

Your adventure kicks off at the Henry B. Plant Museum, located in the historic Tampa Bay Hotel. This grand building isn’t just beautiful—it has a reputation for being haunted. From reviews, guests note the “chilling” stories tied to this location, with some claiming to have seen unexplained shadows and experienced strange feelings. Being the first stop, it sets a perfect tone for the night, blending history with mystery.

The Secret Stops: Adding Mystery and Intrigue

The tour then takes you to several secret stops—these are not publicly advertised but are chosen for their haunted significance. These hidden gems add an extra layer of thrill, keeping visitors guessing and engaged. The guide, Paige, is praised for her storytelling ability, making each location come alive with local legends, true crime tales, and ghostly encounters.

Tampa Theatre: An Iconic Haunted Landmark

Next, the group visits Tampa Theatre, a beautifully restored movie palace with a long-standing ghostly reputation. Guests report that the theatre’s historic ambiance enhances the spooky vibe, and some have even captured fleeting shadows or unexplained sounds on their cameras. The guided tour offers insights into the theatre’s ghost stories and its eerie history, making it a highlight of the walk.

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The Oaklawn Cemetery: Final Haunted Stop

The last major stop is Oaklawn Cemetery, where some guests have experienced paranormal activity firsthand. It’s a fitting end—walking through a historic cemetery at night, listening to tales of restless spirits, and trying ghost-hunting techniques in a setting that feels genuinely haunted. Reviewers mention that the guide’s tips on detecting paranormal activity are practical and easy to follow, even for beginners.

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Returning to the Starting Point

After the cemetery, the tour concludes back at the Henry B. Plant Museum, giving everyone ample time to reflect, share photos, and discuss their experiences. Many find this final moment particularly memorable—especially if they’ve managed to capture something unusual on camera.

What to Expect and What’s Included

This tour is designed for those seeking a spooky yet educational experience. Led by Paige Horton, a guide who truly enjoys sharing Tampa’s haunted tales, you’ll receive an overview of Tampa’s haunted legends and learn about local crime stories. The hands-on experience with ghost-hunting gear makes it engaging, even for skeptics.

The tour includes tips and guidance on how to spot paranormal activity, which can be surprisingly straightforward and fun. It’s a small group experience, fostering interaction and allowing for questions. The price of $32 offers good value, especially considering the interactive elements and the expert storytelling.

What’s Not Included

Bottled water (bring your own if needed)
Parking (be prepared to find nearby street parking or public lots)

Practical Tips for Participants

Wear comfortable shoes since the walk covers multiple locations and involves some standing and walking. The tour proceeds rain or shine, so don’t forget an umbrella or weather-appropriate clothing. Video and audio recording are not permitted during the tour, so be sure to bring your camera or smartphone for photos instead.

Meeting Points and Logistics

Arrive 10 minutes early at the fountain in front of Plant Hall for check-in. The tour departs promptly, so punctuality is key to avoid missing out. The activity ends at the same spot, making logistics simple for participants.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

For travelers interested in ghost stories, historic sites, and paranormal activity, this Tampa tour offers a well-balanced mix of entertainment and education. The moderate price point makes it accessible, especially given the inclusion of ghost-hunting equipment and expert storytelling. The leisurely pace ensures you’re not rushed, allowing for photos, questions, and soaking in the spooky ambiance.

If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the detailed stories tied to Tampa’s landmarks. For thrill-seekers and paranormal fans, the chance to try real ghost-hunting tools adds a fun, interactive element. And if you’re traveling with older teens or friends who love spooky tales, this is an ideal outing.

Best suited for

Adults and teens over 13 curious about Tampa’s haunted history
Those who enjoy immersive storytelling and interactive experiences
Travelers looking for a unique nighttime activity
Anyone interested in exploring Tampa’s historic sites with a spooky twist

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children under 13? No, due to the spooky content and ghost-hunting activities, it’s recommended for travelers age 13 and older.

How long does the tour last? The tour runs approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and water. Recording video or audio is not permitted during the tour.

Does the tour operate rain or shine? Yes, the tour runs rain or shine. If the weather worsens significantly, the tour may be canceled and rescheduled or refunded.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Is there a guide, and what language is used? Yes, the tour is led by a live guide in English, ensuring an engaging and informative experience.

Are ghost-hunting tools provided? Yes, you’ll get hands-on experience with real ghost-hunting equipment, guided by the expert instructions of Paige.

What locations are visited? The tour includes stops at Tampa Bay Hotel, Tampa Theatre, Oaklawn Cemetery, and some secret locations known for paranormal activity.

Where do I meet the tour? Check in 10 minutes early at the fountain in front of the main entrance to Plant Hall. The tour departs promptly from there.

This Tampa: Ghost and Haunted History Tour offers a compelling mix of spooky storytelling, historic exploration, and interactive ghost-hunting. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Tampa’s dark side without long hours or high prices. The stories are vivid, the locations iconic, and the guide knowledgeable—making it a memorable evening for anyone fascinated by the supernatural.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the atmosphere and the chance to catch a glimpse of the paranormal make this a fun, engaging activity that combines education with entertainment. It’s a fantastic way to see Tampa from a different perspective—one filled with ghostly tales and eerie encounters.

If you’re after a night of chills, interesting history, and some practical ghost-hunting tips, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances spooky fun with authentic storytelling—sure to leave you with stories to tell long after the night ends.