CASTLE DRACULA

By  Mike Miller September 10, 2025

Castle Dracula was a wax museum and horror-themed attraction in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Located at 12390 Highway 98 West, it operated from 1976 to 1987. The castle-like structure housed wax figures, a magic shop, and a gift shop.

It drew tourists with its spooky theme and prime spot on the Miracle Strip.  

Castle Dracula in Panama City Beach

Castle Dracula opened in 1976, built by Waxattract, a company with similar attractions in Niagara Falls and Myrtle Beach.

The Panama City Beach location was their third. It capitalized on the area’s growing tourism in the 1970s.

The building, designed to resemble a gothic castle, featured a moat with blood-red water. It operated for 11 years until a fire destroyed it in 1987.

The attraction included a wax museum with figures of Dracula, Frankenstein, and other horror icons.

A “Room of Rats” display mimicked scenes from The House of Frankenstein movie.

The castle’s exterior had a weather vane and a moat for dramatic effect. Frankenstein’s monster waved to passersby in the evenings.

A downstairs gift shop sold horror-themed novelties, magic tricks, and airbrushed t-shirts. A magic shop added to the eerie atmosphere. 

Castle Dracula thrived during Panama City Beach’s tourism boom in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

It attracted thousands, especially families and teens, drawn to its unique horror theme.

The Miracle Strip’s vibrant scene, with nearby Miracle Strip Amusement Park and the Hang Out, boosted its draw.

Locals and visitors cherished its quirky charm, as noted by local historian Kenny Redd. 

The attraction remained popular until its sudden closure. A fire in the summer of 1987 destroyed the building.

The cause is unclear, but the castle was not rebuilt. The loss coincided with shifts in the area’s tourism, as high-rise hotels began replacing smaller attractions. 

After the 1987 fire, the site at 12390 Highway 98 West was cleared. No records confirm the current use of the exact lot.

The area along Front Beach Road has since developed with condos, hotels, and retail. The site likely became part of this modern commercial landscape.  

Castle Dracula remains a nostalgic memory for Panama City Beach visitors.

Kenny Redd’s Old Panama City Beach Facebook page keeps its spirit alive with photos and stories.

T-shirts featuring the castle are sold online, reflecting its enduring appeal. The attraction’s brief but memorable run highlights the quirky charm of the Miracle Strip’s heyday.