Key West Location Named “Most Haunted Place in Florida!” (again)
If you're looking for something truly unique and off the beaten path in Key West, I have to tell you about Fort East Martello, which has once again been named the Most Haunted Place in Florida by Thrillist. As someone who’s spent years uncovering Key West's haunted history, I can confidently say that Fort East Martello offers one of the most chilling, authentic paranormal experiences you’ll find in our state.
The fort is best known as home to Robert the Doll, one of the most infamous haunted dolls in the world. Thrillist describes Robert as the "OG macabre Florida Man” and “Inspiration for Annabelle." Though the doll has become a victim of widespread misinformation, its true history is stranger than any fiction. Originally a gift to local artist Robert Eugene Otto, this 120-year-old sailor-suited doll has been at the center of countless stories of mischief, curses, and even supernatural revenge for those who dare disrespect him.
I’ve spent plenty of time with the spirits who inhabit Robert the Doll, and I can tell you—the stories about his changing expressions and eerie giggles are just the beginning. Some say that taking his photo without asking permission leads to bad luck, but that’s more misinformation. There’s something deeper going on with Robert, something that you really have to experience for yourself.
You can visit Fort East Martello Museum during the day. Robert the Doll is on display as an artifact in the museum’s permanent collection, but if you are looking to explore the paranormal aspects of the doll and its fort, you’ll definitely want to join a VIP Robert the Doll Experience Ghost Tour. Fort East Martello Museum is home to more than 42 documented spirits, some of whom are dying to meet you.
Here’s what you can expect on the ghost tour:
A 30-minute ghost tour through the most haunted areas of the dimly-lit Civil War fort.
A 30-minute seated lockdown inside Robert's room, where you’ll learn his true origins as we explore theories behind his strange powers and the energy surrounding him.
And then, we’ll turn off the lights. For a full hour, you’ll have the freedom to explore the fort on your own. We provide ghost-hunting equipment, but for many guests, their sixth sense is the only equipment they need. Either way, there’s something about wandering the dark halls of this Civil War fort that leaves a lasting memory.
To us, this is more than just a ghost tour—it’s an opportunity to connect with a piece of history that’s as chilling as it is fascinating. We have a fantastic team guiding the way: Dan, Matt, and Dax, long-time ghost hunters who are each unique and love sharing their knowledge and personal paranormal experiences. We operate this tour as a family, and our goal is to have every guest leave with a story of their own.
As a thank you for choosing the VIP experience, you can save $5 using promo code VIP5 when you book your tickets.
Thrillist summed it up perfectly: The doll currently holds court inside Fort East Martello, where he lives inside a glass case surrounded by a constant soundtrack of haunting xylophone music. The room evokes a heavy air immediately upon entering, and the walls are papered with apology notes from cocky tourists who’ve dared cross the world’s most haunted plaything. Even the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osborne, felt Robert’s wrath when he suffered a series of health mishaps shortly after dissing the doll on his reality show.
So, if you’re seeking something beyond the typical tourist spots—something unusual, thrilling, and absolutely unforgettable—Fort East Martello Museum and Robert the Doll are waiting for you.
Join us and see for yourself what makes this former Union stronghold the most haunted place in Florida.
For easy online reservations, book directly 24 hours a day at GhostKeyWest.com
Happy Hauntings!
David L. Sloan