Florida Lore and Legends:

Swamp Apes Mermaids Pirates Ghosts & Oddities

Famous Florida Legends: Tales of Mystery, Monsters, and Myths by Region

Florida, with its steamy swamps, sun-bleached beaches, and shadowy pine forests, is more than just a vacation hotspot. It is a land alive with strange tales, eerie folklore, and wild legends passed down through generations. From ghostly ships seen off the coast of the Keys to mysterious creatures roaming the Everglades, the Sunshine State holds secrets in every corner. This entertaining collection explores Florida’s most famous legends, oddities, and weird Florida stories, and tales organized by the regions and towns where these stories began—or where they refuse to die.

Welcome to Florida’s weird attractions, oddities, lore, and legends.

Everglades Region: The Skunk Ape

Ochopee & Big Cypress National Preserve

Deep in the heart of the Everglades lies one of Florida’s most notorious cryptids—the Skunk Ape. Often referred to as the southern cousin of Bigfoot, the Skunk Ape is said to roam the swampy wilderness of Big Cypress and Everglades National Park. Read about this mysterious creature of the Everglades – the Sasquatch of the South -Florida’s Bigfoot – the Skunk Ape.

Florida Keys: The Ghostly Lady of Key West

Key West

The island town of Key West is awash in ghost stories, but none more chilling than the legend of the Ghostly Lady of the Lighthouse. According to lore, the spirit of Barbara Mabrity, the widow of a lighthouse keeper, haunts the Key West Lighthouse Museum as the Ghostly Lady of Key West.

St. Augustine: The Haunted Castillo de San Marcos

St. Augustine

As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine is predictably rich in ghost stories. But the most enduring legend surrounds the Castillo de San Marcos, the 17th-century Spanish fort that still looms over Matanzas Bay.

Tampa Bay: The Legend of the Pirate Gasparilla

Tampa

Few legends have shaped a city’s identity like that of José Gaspar, a ruthless, famous Florida pirate said to have terrorized Florida’s Gulf Coast in the late 1700s. While historians argue whether he ever existed, Tampa has embraced his myth with full fervor. Read about the Legend of Pirate Gasparilla.

Ocala National Forest: The Singing River

Ocala

The Ocklawaha River, winding through the Ocala National Forest, is not just a scenic paddle—it’s also the subject of a strange legend. Known locally as the Singing River, the Ocklawaha is said to hum or sing, especially at night.

Miami & Coral Gables: The Devil’s Chair

Cassadaga & Coral Gables

There are multiple “Devil’s Chairs” in Florida, but perhaps the most famous is in Cassadaga, a spiritualist town known as the “Psychic Capital of the World.”

Orlando Area Oddities: Spook Hill

Lake Wales

In central Florida, the town of Lake Wales is home to Spook Hill, a bizarre roadside attraction that defies gravity. Drivers pull to the bottom of the hill, shift into neutral, and watch as their cars seemingly roll uphill.

FL Panhandle Legends: The Ghost of Bellamy Bridge

Marianna

In the Panhandle, just outside the town of Marianna, lies the decaying iron relic known as the Bellamy Bridge. Legend tells of Elizabeth Jane Bellamy, a young bride who died in a fire shortly after her wedding in the 1830s. Read more about the Legend of Bellamy Bridge.

Jacksonville: The Green Cove Springs Mermaid

Green Cove Springs

In the St. Johns River region, an unusual tale floats around the town of Green Cove Springs—that of a mysterious Green Cove Springs mermaid seen lounging on the banks or swimming in the springs.

Where to Stay When Visiting Jacksonville, FL?

Browse the interactive Florida lodging map below to locate Jacksonville, Florida, Hotels, Resorts, and VRBO Vacation Rental availabilities and specials.

Florida’s Timeless Mysteries

These legends—from monsters in the muck to spectral lovers lost in time—are more than just spooky stories. They’re threads in the rich and vibrant tapestry of Florida history, oddities, and culture. Whether rooted in fact or fable, they continue to intrigue, inspire, and spook visitors and locals alike.

So next time you stroll a Florida beach, kayak through a mangrove swamp, visit a historic site, or hike an ancient trail, keep your eyes open. You just might meet a Florida legend.

FLORIDA LEGENDS & MORE

Photo	Title	Buy
	Florida Lore: The Barefoot Mailman, Cowboy Bone Mizell, the Tallahassee Witch and Other Tales (American Legends)	On Sale
	The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Florida Folklore (Local Folklore & Legends)	On Sale
	Spooky Florida	On Sale
	Cracker Yarns Florida Folklore	On Sale
	The Republic of East Florida: Culture, Faith, and Lore	On Sale
	Florida Keys Cookbook: Recipes & Foodways Of Paradise	On Sale
	Stetson Kennedy: Applied Folklore and Cultural Advocacy	On Sale
	Florida Skunk Ape art print, american folklore cryptid bestiary art, creepy Florida	On Sale
	A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions: From Mermaids to Singing Towers	On Sale
	Orlando Florida Mermaid Palm Trees Girls Vintage Beach Pullover Hoodie	On Sale

Sunwear and more on Sale at FREE WORLD MALL

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SW FLORIDA ATTRACTIONS

Avi's Water Sports Jet Ski Adventure Tours, Caxambas Park, 909 Collier Ct., Marco Island, FL 34145 | 239-777-9873
Avi's is a family-owned business that offers some of the most exciting dolphin jet ski tours and jet ski rental adventures on Marco Island. You are invited to take an exciting journey with Avi "The Dolphin Whisperer" and take home a complimentary flash drive of photos from your adventure. Bring the family and make lasting memories. Contact us to book your dolphin Jet Ski tour.
Avi's Water Sports & Jet Ski Adventure Tours - Marco Island, FL

Marco Island Princess / Sunshine Tours, Rose Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island FL 34145 | 239-642-5415
The Marco Island Princess is a 90' luxury yacht offering daily Sightseeing, Lunch and Sunset Dinner Cruises. All of our delicious meals are prepared fresh on board for your enjoyment. Our professional and friendly crew will attend to your every need. Two full service cash bars serving up all of your favorite drinks! Also available for Weddings and Private Charters. Marco Island's most unique dining experience!
Visit The Marco Island Princess - Marco Island, FL

Go Cats On The Water 2200 Tamiami Trail E, Collier Seminole State Park, Naples, FL | 239-748-4099
Marco and Naples Most Exciting Boat Tour. Explore the backwater and mangroves for an unforgettable adventure in Southwest Florida. Everglades Backwater Sightseeing Eco-Tours in our safe, and easy to drive boats. Choose a 75 minute or a 2.5 hour tour. Our custom Go-Cat boats are fun for all ages and can easily be operated by both younger adults and seniors. Kayak, and Canoe rentals now available.
GoCatsOnTheWater.com - Naples, FL

Naples Bicycle Tours, Naples, FL 34113 | 239-580-7960
Naples Bicycle Tours provides a unique opportunity for visitors and residents to experience Marco Island, the Natural Florida Everglades, and Historic Old Naples up close and personal, on a bicycle. All bike tours include everything needed for an amazing bicycling adventure: custom-fit cycle, helmet, drinks, snacks, and a certified FL naturalist guide.
Naples Bicycle Tours - Naples, FL

Island Bike Shops (2 Locations) 1095 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145 | 239-394-8400 & 4342 Thomasson Dr., Naples, FL 34112 | 239-732-8400
At Island Bike Shops we make your visit fun. Reserve your rental online. Check our selection of bicycle rentals, electric bikes, motor scooters, trailers, and more. Naples Bicycle Tours provides a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the diversity of Southwest Florida. Our large or small group bicycle tours can accommodate all cycling levels as we personally escort you through Naples, Historic Old Naples, Marco Island, or the Natural Everglades.
Visit Island Bike Shops - Marco Island & Naples

Tropical Tiki Tours, 220 Goodland Dr., Goodland, FL | 941-208-1200
Discover your private paradise on our new 26' "tiki-style" catamaran for a fun and relaxing cruise around Marco Island. Tropical Tiki Tours is offering daily eco-tours, sunset cruises, and private trips from 2-6 hours. Our USCG-inspected vessel is certified for up to 18 passengers so there is always room for all your family and friends for, Private Trips, Eco Tours, Corporate Events, Birthdays, Bachelorettes, Weddings, and Sunset Cruises.
Tropical Tiki Tours - Goodland, FL

Skinny Dipn Charters - Fishing & Eco Tours, Marco Island, FL 34145 | 239-207-1945
Marco Island Fishing and Sightseeing Tour from an experienced Captain and Guide. Growing up on the local waters of Marco Island, Captain Brandon's excitement for fishing began at a very young age. He is highly knowledgeable of all the different fish species and waterways. Brandon is a very outgoing, personable, skilled, and patient. He takes pride in sharing his passion for fishing and helping his clients catch their dream fish!
Skinny Dipping Charters & Eco Tours - Marco Island

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