Galveston is one of the most haunted cities in Texas, making it the ultimate destination for a spooky road trip adventure. With a rich and sometimes tragic past shaped by hurricanes, epidemics, and 19th-century wealth, the island is said to be home to restless spirits who still linger in its historic mansions, hotels, cemeteries, and theaters. Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or just seeking a chilling experience with a coastal twist, Galveston’s haunted locations are as atmospheric as they are spine-tingling.
Perfect for a Halloween-season getaway or a thrill-filled weekend any time of year, this guide takes you through the most famously haunted places on the island. From grand Victorian homes with ghostly residents to long-abandoned hospitals and foggy cemeteries, Galveston is brimming with eerie energy. You’ll also find tips on where to dine (if you dare) and where to sleep—if you can—with haunted history surrounding you at every turn.
Overview of Galveston’s Haunted History
As one of Texas’s oldest cities, Galveston’s history is layered with stories of triumph and tragedy. Once a bustling port town known as the “Wall Street of the South,” Galveston saw immense wealth and devastating loss—most notably from the 1900 hurricane, which remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. This event, along with epidemics and shipwrecks, left behind more than just history—it left behind hauntings.
Today, ghost stories are woven into the fabric of the island. Local lore speaks of apparitions in hotel hallways, children’s laughter in empty ballrooms, and shadows moving across balconies where no one stands. Ghost tours, walking tours, and paranormal investigations are popular year-round, with Galveston offering one of the most atmospheric and ghost-rich environments in the Lone Star State. A road trip to explore these haunted sites is equal parts thrilling, historical, and unforgettable.
Most Haunted Places in Galveston
1. Hotel Galvez
Known as the “Queen of the Gulf,” this century-old hotel is also one of the most haunted. Many guests report seeing a woman in white, said to be a bride who took her own life after her fiancé was lost at sea. The “Lovelorn Lady” is just one of many spirits said to roam its halls.
Address: 2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Open 24/7 for hotel guests; tours available
Approx Cost: Free to visit common areas; rooms $200+
Famous For: The ghost of a grieving bride and unexplained events on the fifth floor.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask for a fifth-floor room—staff and guests alike have reported lights flickering, doors slamming, and voices in empty hallways.
2. Bishop’s Palace
One of Galveston’s most photographed landmarks, the Bishop’s Palace is also rumored to be haunted. Visitors and staff have reported seeing shadows, hearing footsteps, and sensing a mysterious presence in this opulent Victorian mansion.
Address: 1402 Broadway Ave J, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: $15 adults, $9 children
Famous For: Grand architecture and ghostly activity in the former chapel.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the mansion feels quieter—perfect for an eerie atmosphere and chilling photos.
3. Ashton Villa
Built in 1859 and used during the Civil War, Ashton Villa is believed to be haunted by Bettie Brown, one of its original residents. Her piano has been heard playing by itself, and her presence is often felt near the staircase.
Address: 2328 Broadway Ave J, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Exterior only (no interior tours)
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Juneteenth celebrations and the ghost of a Victorian socialite.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit at dusk to photograph the iron fence and gas lanterns for a gothic touch to your road trip.
4. The Tremont House
This luxury hotel, located downtown, is built on the site of several older buildings, including a Civil War-era hospital. Guests report ghostly children playing in the halls, cold spots in rooms, and phantom footsteps on staircases.
Address: 2300 Ship Mechanic Row St, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Open 24/7 for hotel guests
Approx Cost: Rooms from $200
Famous For: Shadowy figures and sounds of the past in an elegant setting.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book a room on the third floor, where many of the ghostly reports are concentrated.
5. Old City Cemetery
One of the oldest cemeteries in Galveston, this burial ground spans multiple blocks and contains graves from yellow fever epidemics, Confederate soldiers, and hurricane victims. Paranormal investigators report photos of orbs and strange mists among the mossy headstones.
Address: Broadway Ave J & 43rd St, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Eerie ambiance, unmarked graves, and ghostly sightings.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring a flashlight for late-afternoon walks—some ghost tour groups also stop here after dark.
6. Hendley Row and The Strand
This series of old warehouses was once the epicenter of 1800s trade and survival during the 1900 hurricane. Today, shop owners along The Strand report lights turning on and off, shadow figures in storefronts, and whispers after hours.
Address: 2010 Strand St, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Shops open daily; walking tours in evenings
Approx Cost: Free to explore; ghost tours $20–$30
Famous For: Haunted storefronts and ghostly traders from Galveston’s golden age.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Join a guided ghost walk at dusk for the best mix of storytelling and eerie encounters.
7. Menard House
Galveston’s oldest surviving home, built in 1838, is said to be haunted by Michel B. Menard himself and possibly other residents lost to yellow fever. It’s only open for tours seasonally, but even walking the grounds gives off an old-world, haunted vibe.
Address: 1605 33rd St, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Seasonal tours
Approx Cost: Varies; exterior viewing free
Famous For: Galveston’s first residence and the spirits tied to its long history.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit during Galveston’s Historic Homes Tour or Halloween-themed events for interior access.
Haunted Dining Experiences
1. The Witchery
Part metaphysical shop, part tea room, The Witchery is a one-of-a-kind experience in downtown Galveston. Enjoy mystical vibes, tarot readings, and a haunted café ambiance.
Address: 2116 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Tues–Sat, 11 AM – 6 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20
Famous For: Occult decor, spell-themed drinks, and ghost stories told over tea.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask staff about their ghostly encounters—they love to share.
2. Black Pearl Oyster Bar
Locals claim that the building housing this beloved oyster bar has ghostly patrons. Strange shadows and cold spots have been reported, but the food remains comfortingly real and delicious.
Address: 327 23rd St, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$30
Famous For: Oysters, po’boys, and ghost sightings near the bar.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Sit at the bar for the best ghost story updates from longtime staff.
3. Shrimp N Stuff Downtown
This historic location has a low-key local vibe but shares sidewalk space with buildings rumored to be haunted along the Strand. While not haunted itself, it makes a great pit stop between ghost tours.
Address: 216 23rd St, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 8 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20
Famous For: Fried shrimp baskets and casual Gulf Coast fare.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Perfect for grabbing a bite before joining a downtown ghost walk.
Haunted-Friendly Places to Stay
1. Grand Galvez
With its classic decor, ocean views, and long list of ghost stories, the Grand Galvez is a must-stay for spooky road trippers.
Address: 2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Check-in 4 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $250–$400
Famous For: Haunted fifth floor, ballroom ghost sightings, and the “Lovelorn Lady.”
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask about the ghost tour or see if your room was featured in past paranormal investigations.
2. The Tremont House
Luxury and haunted history meet at this downtown hotel. The building is elegant, but past guests have shared stories of cold spots and ghostly children.
Address: 2300 Ship Mechanic Row St, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Check-in 4 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $200–$350
Famous For: Reports of ghostly children playing in the hallways.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Combine your stay with a downtown ghost walk for the full experience.
3. Carr Mansion
Though not overtly haunted, this elegant B&B is a restored 19th-century mansion where the Victorian atmosphere alone may stir your imagination.
Address: 1100 Ball St, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $180–$300
Famous For: Moody lighting, antiques, and haunted-house vibes—without confirmed spirits.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Great for atmospheric photos or a mysterious, romantic overnight stay.
Packing Tips for a Haunted Road Trip
Flashlight or headlamp for cemeteries and ghost walks
Notebook or ghost-hunting app for documenting sightings
EMF detector (optional but fun for enthusiasts)
Sturdy shoes for uneven historic streets and graveyards
Portable charger and backup camera batteries
Water, snacks, and a ghost tour ticket confirmation
Light jacket—historic buildings can be chilly
Local Tips & Paranormal Advice
Ghost tours run nightly—book in advance on weekends
Visit in fall for Galveston Ghost Tours and haunted events
Talk to locals—many restaurant and shop workers share personal stories
Respect all haunted sites, especially cemeteries and churches
Some haunted hotels offer ghost logs in the lobby—read or add your own entry
Conclusion
Galveston’s haunted places aren’t just creepy—they’re culturally rich, historically layered, and completely captivating. Whether you’re exploring a storm-battered cemetery or staying in a haunted hotel room where footsteps echo without a source, this coastal island serves up spine-chilling stories with stunning scenery to match.
So pack your courage (and your camera), hit the road, and embrace the thrill of Galveston’s ghostly past. This road trip might just leave you with more than memories—it might leave you with a haunting you’ll never forget.
