About Tampa Terrors: Why We're The Best

Why We’re The Best

When it comes to exploring Tampa’s haunted side, US Ghost Adventures stands above the rest. Our tours are led by the best local guides, who are passionate about both the city’s history and its ghostly legends. We offer exclusive stories that blend real history with ghostly intrigue, giving you a unique look at the people and events that have shaped Tampa. Whether you’re here for the ghost stories or the history, our tours provide an interactive and thrilling experience that makes us the best choice for discovering the city’s haunted past.
Tour guide holding

Elsa Lowe

Five Stars

Martha was great! Very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the city!

12.07.24

Mallori Legg

Five Stars

Alexis was our guide and she was very knowledgeable and passionate! She answered our questions perfectly and showed a rich understanding of the histor...

12.01.24

Kris Stephens

Five Stars

Alexis was friendly and knowledgeable. Great tour.

11.30.24

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Who Is This Tour For?

Our Tampa ghost tour is for everyone, from die-hard believers in the otherworldly to those who are simply curious about the city’s rich history. Believers will revel in the eerie atmosphere and the haunted tales we share, while skeptics can delve into the real events behind the ghost stories. For history buffs, Tampa’s colorful past is brought to life with fascinating details about the people and events that have shaped this unique city. Whether you’re here for the ghosts or the history, our tour has something for all.
Guide Outside Lantern Night with Group Laughing

Guidelines

Remain calm.

Ghosts spook easily, turn your back, and they can disappear. The best chance of seeing one is keeping your calm, taking a breath, and remembering they can’t hurt you.

Be polite.

Ghosts can’t hurt you unless we meet a poltergeist; they can be pretty mean. If we meet one on the Tampa Terrors tour, back away slowly, remember to be nice and polite.

Do not provoke the spirits.

Ghosts of Tampa probably don’t have sports team allegiances, but don’t spoil their uneasy rest by telling them how bad the Tampa Buccaneers have become.

Stay together.

There is lots to distract a person in Tampa but stay with us, so you get all the stories, not just half of them! Buddy up and say safe!

Watch your step.

Tampa is flat as a pancake, but slippery when wet. Stay away from the water, lest the Crocodiles or Alligators get you – yes, Tampa has both!

ghost in an alley

Our Founder

 

The founder of US Ghost Adventures has a strong connection to history, developed through military service and global exploration. Tampa, a city with a unique blend of pirate legends, Cuban influences, and Civil War history, provides the perfect setting for sharing ghost stories rooted in real events. At US Ghost Adventures, we don’t just tell ghost stories—we preserve the history of Tampa through our tours, making sure the tales of those who lived here endure. We are proud to support local charities and are dedicated to contributing to the Tampa community in meaningful ways.

 

Real History | Real Hauntings

 

Our Tampa ghost tour is grounded in real history, not just ghost stories. Every eerie tale we share is tied to actual events that shaped the city. From the boom of the cigar industry to the devastation of the Yellow Fever epidemic and the conflicts with Native American tribes, the spirits we encounter are remnants of Tampa’s troubled past. We believe in preserving these stories, offering an authentic look at how history and the paranormal are intertwined in the city’s haunted legacy.

 

Exclusive Stories and Locations

 

For those looking to experience even more of Tampa’s haunted history, our extended tour offers exclusive stops that delve deeper into the city’s darker past. These chilling locations aren’t part of the standard tour and reveal the hidden hauntings of Tampa. Possible stops include:

 

  • Fort Brooke Parking Lot: Once the site of a mass grave, the restless spirits of those buried here are said to linger beneath the asphalt.

 

  • Franklin and Whiting Street: The victims of the notorious “Mad Russian” are rumored to roam these streets, seeking justice for their untimely deaths.

 

  • Old City Hall: The ghost of a Yellow Fever victim is known to haunt this historic building, still suffering from the disease that claimed so many lives.

 

Best Local Guides

 

In Tampa, our local guides are experts not only in the city’s haunted history but in its cultural and historical significance as well. They care deeply about preserving Tampa’s stories, both old and new, while maintaining a respectful curiosity about the paranormal. With a passion for the city’s past and a respect for the ghosts that still walk its streets, our guides offer an experience that is both thrilling and educational. They ensure that each tour is filled with the perfect mix of history and hauntings.

 

Why is Tampa so Haunted?

 

Tampa’s haunted history is rooted in its troubled past, shaped by industry, disease, and conflict. The city’s booming cigar industry brought wealth but also tension as workers faced difficult conditions, leading to unrest. The deadly Yellow Fever epidemic devastated the city, claiming countless lives and leaving behind restless spirits. Additionally, early settlers faced violent conflicts with Native American tribes, creating deep scars that still echo through the city’s haunted streets. These tragic events have left a lasting mark on Tampa, making it one of Florida’s most haunted cities, where history and the otherworldly collide.

 

Some of Our Favorite Locations

 

Our Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour takes you through some of the most haunted and mysterious locations in the city. These stops are filled with eerie stories and spine-chilling encounters. Some of our favorite haunted spots include:

 

  • The Old Tampa Book Company: The former owner mysteriously closed up shop and disappeared… or did he? Some say his presence still lingers.

 

  • The Old Tampa Theater: Be careful before sitting in seat 308—many have experienced an unsettling, ghostly presence in this infamous spot.

 

  • S.H. Kress Building: Visitors have reported sightings of black-eyed children wandering the halls, adding to the building’s eerie reputation.

 

Interactive Experiences

 

Our tour guides bring together ghostly reports and real history, bringing the city’s haunted past to life. As you explore these sites, the tales of restless spirits will come alive right before your eyes. Want to take it a step further? Rent an EMF detector for an additional fee and see if the paranormal is closer than you think. The spirits of Tampa might be more active than you imagined, so proceed with caution—if you dare.

 

Featured In

 

Our ghost tours have been spotlighted in well-known media outlets like Travel Channel, Country Living, and The Boston Globe. Tampa Terrors has earned recognition for our ability to bring history to life while delving into the haunted side of Tampa’s rich past. Join us and see why our tours have been featured in these prominent publications.

 

What Our Guests Are Saying

 

“We had a blast during our Tampa Terrors ghost tour! Our guide Alexis was super fun, personable, and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed learning about the history of the haunted locations in Tampa. We did the extended tour and rented the EMF meter for the night. It was such a great experience!” (5 Stars) -Robyn Reus

 

“Alexis was awesome! She was so knowledgeable about all of the historical sites we visited. I definitely recommend good comfy shoes because you will do alot of walking!” (5 Stars) Jacqueta Rascoe

 

“Our tour guide Martha was amazing she was very informative and fun. We enjoyed all the history and paranormal stories we heard. We rented an emf meter, and it’s a must if you do this tour.” (5 Stars) Thomas Westphal

 

Photos and Experiences

 

Unlike other tours, we encourage you to take photos along the way. The city’s haunted past may reveal itself in your pictures, as many guests have captured strange apparitions, shadowy figures, and mysterious orbs. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, be prepared—your camera might catch something you didn’t expect, adding an extra thrill to your Tampa ghost tour.

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