San Antonio is one of the oldest and most haunted cities in the United States. Beneath its charming River Walk and historic missions lies a darker side—one filled with tragic tales, restless spirits, and ghostly encounters. For those intrigued by the supernatural, San Antonio is a must-visit for road trippers seeking spine-tingling stories and after-dark adventures.
Whether you’re a true believer or just in it for the thrill, a ghost tour road trip through San Antonio combines history, legend, and eerie ambiance. From infamous hotels to colonial missions and cemeteries shrouded in mystery, this guide leads you through the city’s most haunted locations, each with a tale that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
Why Haunted Road Trips in San Antonio Are So Captivating
San Antonio’s haunted history isn’t manufactured—it’s deeply tied to its past. Battles, frontier violence, plagues, and centuries of colonial and military presence have left emotional imprints on its landmarks. Ghost sightings, unexplained sounds, and strange visions have been documented for decades, making the city a hotspot for paranormal tourism.
Unlike other cities with ghostly lore, San Antonio offers well-preserved architecture and immersive guided tours that blend storytelling with atmospheric backdrops. Whether you’re joining a candlelit ghost walk or wandering through haunted hotels on your own, this road trip offers both entertainment and goosebumps.
Haunted Places to Visit on a Ghost Tour Road Trip
1. The Menger Hotel
This Victorian-era hotel next to The Alamo is considered the most haunted hotel in Texas. Staff and guests have reported spirits of former employees, Civil War soldiers, and even a chambermaid who still tends to the rooms.
Address: 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Hotel open 24/7 (Public areas viewable during day)
Approx Cost: Rooms from $140–$300/night
Famous For: Spirits seen in halls and the bar; Room 636 is a ghost hot spot
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask the front desk about ghost sightings—they often share real guest stories.
2. The Alamo
Beyond its role in Texas independence, The Alamo is reportedly one of the most haunted spots in San Antonio. Visitors claim to hear war cries, see shadowy figures, and feel cold spots around the compound—especially near dusk.
Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Approx Cost: Free entry; guided tours from $15
Famous For: Ghosts of fallen soldiers and spiritual activity at night
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit just before closing for the quietest—and eeriest—atmosphere.
3. San Fernando Cathedral
As one of the oldest active cathedrals in the U.S., San Fernando is steeped in mystery. People report glowing orbs, shadowy figures, and unexplainable cold drafts during evening visits or late-night events.
Address: 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Otherworldly lights and spiritual sightings in pews and on the altar
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Attend the nighttime light show for both beauty and possible supernatural chills.
4. Emily Morgan Hotel
Once a hospital and psychiatric ward, this hotel is now a luxurious yet famously haunted stay. Guests report ghostly nurses, flickering lights, and phones ringing without callers—especially on the 7th, 12th, and 14th floors.
Address: 705 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: 24/7 (Hotel guests only)
Approx Cost: Rooms from $180–$350/night
Famous For: Paranormal experiences linked to its hospital past
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: If you’re brave, request a room on the 14th floor—many believe it’s the most haunted.
5. Spanish Governor’s Palace
Don’t be fooled by the name—this adobe building was once the seat of Spanish rule and now serves as a preserved site with reports of moving furniture and whispers from unseen presences.
Address: 105 Plaza De Armas, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Tues–Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: $5 per adult
Famous For: Unexplained noises and furniture moving without cause
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring a flashlight—some interior rooms are dim and extra spooky.
6. The Gunter Hotel
This classic hotel holds a dark history involving a 1965 murder in Room 636, where odd occurrences continue. Guests have heard strange noises, experienced flickering lights, and seen doors open on their own.
Address: 205 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: Rooms from $160–$280
Famous For: Ghost stories tied to an unsolved murder
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Staff may share first-hand accounts if asked respectfully—just don’t expect everyone to talk.
7. Victoria’s Black Swan Inn
Located a short drive from downtown, this former Civil War battlefield turned private event venue is known for poltergeist activity and intense spiritual energy. It’s often featured in paranormal shows.
Address: 1006 Holbrook Rd, San Antonio, TX 78218
Hours: Special tours and events only
Approx Cost: Varies by event
Famous For: Aggressive spirit activity and history-based hauntings
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book a guided ghost hunt in advance—they often sell out months ahead.
Packing Tips for a Ghost Tour Road Trip
- Flashlight or headlamp for evening exploration
- Fully charged phone or camera
- Power bank for long tour nights
- Notebook or app to document sightings
- Lightweight jacket or shawl for cool evenings
- EMF detector or ghost-hunting app (optional)
- Reusable water bottle
- Compact umbrella (many tours are rain or shine)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sage or spiritual charm if you’re sensitive to energies
Food & Drink Stops with Haunted History
1. Esquire Tavern
Opened just after Prohibition, this bar has a haunted basement and vintage vibes perfect for ghost-seeking foodies.
Address: 155 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 2 AM
Approx Cost: $15–$30
Famous For: Longest wooden bar top in Texas and ghost stories
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask the bartender about the woman seen crying in the basement—many say she’s real.
2. Schilo’s
This historic deli was built on an old saloon site and has reports of phantom footsteps and spectral kitchen noises.
Address: 424 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Mon–Sat, 8 AM – 2:30 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20
Famous For: Root beer, bratwurst, and haunted heritage
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Sit near the back—some patrons report cold spots and unexplainable sounds.
3. Ocho
Set inside the historic Havana Hotel, Ocho offers riverside dining with an eerie elegance. Its conservatory-like dining room adds mystery to every meal.
Address: 1015 Navarro St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$35
Famous For: Romantic vibe and faint ghost stories
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Dine after dark to enjoy the full ghostly atmosphere.
Local Tips for a Ghostly Road Trip
- Join a guided ghost tour for access to restricted buildings
- Explore haunted hotels—even just the lobbies—during the day
- Respect local lore and don’t provoke spirits
- Use night mode on cameras for better ghost photography
- Be cautious on private property — always check access rules
- Ask hotel or tour staff for stories — they often know the best ones
- Stay calm if something feels off — trust your instincts
- Most ghost tours run rain or shine, so dress accordingly
- Paranormal shows like “Ghost Adventures” have featured many of these spots
- Stay in haunted hotels if you’re brave — but request a ghost-friendly room
Final Conclusion
San Antonio’s haunted legends are more than just stories — they’re woven into the city’s architecture, culture, and collective memory. A ghost tour road trip here isn’t just spooky fun, it’s a journey through the city’s layered history. Whether you’re exploring dim cathedrals, old hotels, or mysterious courtyards, each step deepens your appreciation for the supernatural and the historical.
So dim your headlights, cue your haunted playlist, and dare to follow the spirits of San Antonio — if you’re ready.
