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Spooky Spots to Check Out on Your Siesta Key Vacation

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onOctober 23, 2023 in General.

Beneath the sun-soaked surface of Siesta Key lies a haunting history, rich with eerie legends. So if you’re hoping to have some supernatural experiences on your Siesta Key vacation, you’re in luck: We’ve unearthed some of the spookiest spots in the area, each with its own ghostly story. From a haunted opera house to a bridge with a tragic history, join Best Western Siesta Key on a chilling tour of the area’s paranormal hotspots.

The Sarasota Opera House

The Sarasota Opera House, located just a stone’s throw from Siesta Key, is a cultural fixture with a history as dramatic as the performances that grace the stage. Built in 1926, it has hosted countless musical performances. But there’s more to this opera house than meets the eye; staff and visitors have reported hearing footsteps at night, perhaps from a deceased regular audience member who hasn’t fully crossed over. Or maybe it’s the ghosts of a performer hoping to retake the stage in all its glory.

The Ringling Museum of Art

The Ringling Museum of Art is a major destination for art enthusiasts, housing a vast collection of works and offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of circus magnate John Ringling and his wife, Mable. Yet, amidst the luxury, there have been sightings of an otherworldly guest. Reports of Mable Ringling’s apparition wandering the premises have chilled staff and visitors alike. Other witnesses say they have encountered a spirit named Mary, who met an untimely end on the property.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, one of Florida’s iconic landmarks, offers breathtaking views of Tampa Bay. But this engineering marvel has tragedies in its past. In 1980, a barge crashed into the bridge, resulting in the collapse of a section, sending numerous vehicles plunging into the waters below. The souls lost in this devastating incident are said to linger, their voices heard on stormy nights. Keep your eye out for a ghostly blond-haired woman on the north side of the bridge.

The Site of the Old Curry House

In 1923, a Captain named Harry Curry built a large home on nearby Bradenton Beach, intending to live in it with his fiancé, Estrella. Tragically, Estrella — who never stepped foot on the property during her life — died when the boat she and Captain Curry were on sank. However, that did not stop her from moving into the home in the afterlife, haunting anyone who tried to move in. As for Curry, legend has it that you can see him smoking cigars on the beach. The house has long since been demolished and residences now occupy the space, but keep a lookout out for these phantoms and the lingering smell of orange blossoms.

Take a Ghost Tour of Downtown Bradenton

For the best paranormal experience of your vacation, we recommend a ghost tour of Downtown Downtown Bradenton, just a short drive from Siesta Key. The Paranormal Society of Bradenton, Florida can take you on a haunting journey through the city’s historic streets and buildings, each with chilling stories. They also host special events and conduct regular investigations, so contact them for more information.

Just because you’re on a beach vacation doesn’t mean you can’t have a spooky encounter. At Best Western Siesta Key, we can help you find the supernatural adventure you crave once you’ve toweled off and are ready to explore the other side.