Introduction
Miami is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and cultural vibrancy—but it also has a darker side filled with ghost stories, haunted landmarks, and mysterious stretches of road. From eerie cemeteries to abandoned estates and coastal highways where phantom figures are said to appear, Miami offers thrill-seekers plenty of spooky night drives. Local ghost tours highlight sites like the Biltmore Hotel, Miami City Cemetery, and Coral Gables’ haunted mansions . Driving through these areas after sunset brings an extra layer of suspense, turning ordinary roads into chilling adventures.
Spooky Drive List
1. Coral Castle & South Dixie Highway
- Why it’s eerie: Built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin between 1923–1951, Coral Castle is surrounded by mystery. Some claim Ed had supernatural help in moving the massive stones. Driving along South Dixie Highway at night toward the site is unsettling, with its isolated stretches and ghostly atmosphere.
- Location: 28655 S. Dixie Hwy., Homestead, FL 33033
- Proximity: About 40 minutes south of downtown Miami
- Type of drive: Suburban-to-rural route, dark stretches at night
2. Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables
- Why it’s eerie: Once a luxury resort and later a WWII hospital, the Biltmore Hotel has long been considered haunted. Guests and staff report apparitions of soldiers, mobsters, and even gangster Thomas Walsh, who was murdered there in 1929. A late-night drive along Anastasia Avenue near the hotel, surrounded by looming Mediterranean Revival architecture, is chilling.
- Location: 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134
- Proximity: About 7 miles from downtown Miami
- Type of drive: Historic, upscale district with eerie undertones at night
3. Manual Driving Academy: Mastering Night Driving Skills
Miami’s haunted roads include tight residential lanes, poorly lit highways, and long rural routes. Driving confidently, especially in a manual car, is key for safe exploration. Manual Driving Academy in Miami offers personalized lessons to prepare drivers for any conditions. Gift certificates are available and never expire.
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4. Miami City Cemetery
- Why it’s eerie: Established in 1897, this cemetery is said to host restless spirits of early settlers, yellow fever victims, and Civil War veterans. Late-night drives past its perimeter on NE 2nd Avenue feel unnerving, especially with reports of phantom figures wandering near the gates.
- Location: 1800 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33132
- Proximity: Less than 2 miles north of downtown Miami
- Type of drive: Quick, urban haunted loop
5. Old Curtiss Mansion & Fairway Drive
- Why it’s eerie: The Curtiss Mansion, built in 1925, is rumored to be haunted by aviator Glenn Curtiss himself. Drivers often report flickering lights and ghostly shadows near the property at night. The residential road, Fairway Drive, becomes unsettlingly quiet after dark.
- Location: 500 Deer Run, Miami Springs, FL 33166
- Proximity: Near Miami International Airport, 20 minutes from downtown
- Type of drive: Suburban, historic mansion route
6. Extended Adventure: Overseas Highway to Key West
- Why it’s eerie: For those seeking a longer drive, the Overseas Highway offers miles of isolated bridges and ocean views under the moonlight. Ghost stories range from shipwreck spirits to phantom hitchhikers along the Seven Mile Bridge. Key West itself is a hotspot for hauntings, with sites like the Ernest Hemingway House and the East Martello Museum, home of the infamous Robert the Doll.
- Location: U.S. 1 south from Miami to Key West
- Proximity: About 165 miles, or 3.5–4 hours, from Miami
- Type of drive: Coastal, long-haul, perfect for a full-night road trip
Safety Tips for Haunted Night Drives
- Check headlights, brakes, and tires before heading out.
- Always bring a companion for safety and shared thrills.
- Stay on public roads—avoid trespassing.
- Carry a flashlight, a fully charged phone, and extra water.
- For rural or coastal drives, fuel up before leaving Miami.
Conclusion
From the ghostly figures at Miami City Cemetery to the haunted halls of the Biltmore Hotel and the mysterious stretch toward Coral Castle, Miami’s haunted roads are as thrilling as they are chilling. Whether you’re taking a short city drive or venturing toward the Keys, the area offers plenty of spooky adventures. So grab your keys, gather your bravest friends, and hit the road. And if you want to feel confident navigating Miami’s haunted highways and hidden byways, book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy in Miami.
