There are plenty of reported hauntings throughout the Jacksonville area, but it’s hard to separate the real deal unexplained stuff from the obvious tourist traps. We’ve rounded up four of the most intense, fascinating haunted spots in the area that are worth learning more about, just in time for spooky season.

St. Augustine’s Old Jail

Now open to the public after serving as the main holding center in the St. Augustine area until 1953, the Old County Jail has a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Florida. For obvious reasons, there are plenty of troubled spirits roaming the property, victims of inhumane conditions and even torture during their tenure in jail. Visitors report hearing sounds of footsteps, rattling chains, and barking guard dogs echoing throughout the halls of the jail, as well as cries, moans, and sinister laughter. For the thrill seekers and true believers, the Old Jail even offers late night tours that double as a paranormal investigation, an intense and potentially otherworldly experience. 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL

Old St. Luke’s Hospital

The spirits of countless former patients and staff are thought to occupy the site of Old St. Luke’s Hospital, a stunning building that currently houses the archives of the Jacksonville Historical Society and offices for the Arthritis Foundation. Visitors and staff have reported countless sightings of ghostly apparitions of both nurses and confused-looking patients, many of them suffering from by yellow fever and typhoid, roaming the halls. Adding to the eerie nature of the facilities, after the hospital relocated to a larger location, it was converted into a coffin factory, perhaps the creepiest type of factory there is. 314 Palmetto St, Jacksonville, FL 

King House 

Several ghosts are rumored to haunt the King House in Mayport, home to a former boarding house for wayward sailors that was built on a graveyard. The house is named after William Joseph King, who rebuilt the property nearly 20 years after a fire destroyed the boarding house, and it’s numerous ghastly residents include King’s aunt, who was murdered by a jealous ex-lover, a surly maid, and a helpful spirit known as the “little butler.” The sheer volume of bad vibes surrounding this spot are notable, it’s no wonder people have reported so many encounters. 4627 Ocean St, Mayport, FL

The Florida Theatre

Perhaps the most well-known ghost in town is the one that resides within the Florida Theatre, known as J. J’s been captured on film before, his most notable appearance was in 2011 on local ghost hunting program Local Haunts, where he was spotted sitting in the balcony. A surprisingly docile, friendly apparition, people have reported having overwhelmingly positive encounters with J, rumored to be the ghost of former projectionist hanging around to watch over the staff and patrons of the theatre. 128 E Forsyth St #300, Jacksonville, FL