All over Florida (and the rest of the country), abandoned structures sit like giant time capsules, slowly creeping back into the earth. Whether you find them beautiful or creepy, there is something strangely fascinating about each one. These are some of our favorite abandoned places in Florida.
1. The Miami Marine Stadium – Miami
Brian Whitley/ Google
The Miami Marine Stadium, built in 1963 on Virginia Key, Miami, was used for water sports, concerts, and other events until it was deemed unsafe after Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
This photo shows an aerial view of some of the stadium’s 6,566 seats. Recent plans to rehabilitate the structure, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, have fallen through.
2. Abandoned motel – Deerfield Beach
Flickr/Phillip Pessar
Editors note: This place is no longer available to see.
This abandoned mid-century-style motel in Deerfield Beach is haunting. If you look closely, you can see the mattresses and hotel furniture.
Editors note: This rollercoaster was demolished in May 2016.
This roller coaster was once called the Dania Beach Hurricane and was promoted as the largest wooden roller coaster in Florida. It has been abandoned since 2011, and its demolition is scheduled for this year.
4. Abandoned restaurant – Cedar Key
Flickr/Todd A
Editors Note: This restaurant experienced extensive damage from a hurricane and has now been demolished.
This old restaurant in Cedar Key looks like it was once a pretty interesting place to eat.
5. Abandoned truck – Lower Keys
Flickr/Martin Lopatka
An abandoned truck lays vacant near a seafood processing facility in the lower Keys.
6. Abandoned restaurant – Long Key
Flickr/Martin Lopatka
This restaurant was probably once abuzz with activity, but it now sits silent and forgotten on Long Key.
Flickr/Martin Lopatka
This is a shot of one of the restaurant’s ceiling fans and the yellowed, peeling paint.
7. Abandoned Live Alligator roadside attraction – South Bay
Flickr/Tonya Stinson
This roadside attraction in Palm Beach County once offered travelers a glimpse of live alligators.
Flickr/Tonya Stinson
This photo of the interior makes me wonder where the alligators went when the attraction closed its doors.
8. Abandoned Zanadu Sign – Kissimmee
Flickr/ryaninc
Some of you might remember the so-called home of the future, Xanadu, in Kissimmee, that has been torn down for years now. Apparently, this sign for the attraction still stands.
9. Abandoned Shonda’s Souvenirs shop – Lake Wales
Flickr/Tonya Stinson
Editors Note: This abandoned location was sold as of 2021.
Souvenir shops selling all things orange and alligator-related used to thrive on Florida’s highways.
Flickr/Tonya Stinson
You can still find them these days, but a lot more of them are looking like this one. They were famous for their unique signage, from giant concrete oranges to dinosaurs — anything to grab attention.
10. Hotel Graystone – Miami Beach
Flickr/Sean_Marshall
Editors Note: This once abandoned building is now an open and thriving hotel. It is called Hotel Greystone and you can book a night’s stay today.
It seems like a shame that this art deco building in South Beach has been boarded up and painted white. Still, it’s oddly captivating, especially at night.
11. Abandoned double-decker bus – Miami
Flickr/Phillip Pessar
Editors note: This double-decker bus now has a fresh coat of paint and sits as a beautiful mural.
12. Abandoned Riverside Motel – Yulee
Flickr/Michael Lusk
You couldn’t pay me to step inside this abandoned motel on Hwy 17 in Yulee.
Flickr/Michael Lusk
Plants have started growing inside the motel, where nature is beginning to reclaim the space.
Flickr/Michael Lusk
Among other things at the motel, the photographer found an old souvenir shop, holes punched in the walls, stacks of television sets, and an open Bible by a window.
What do you think of these abandoned places? Please share your comments with us!
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