San Antonio isn’t just rich in history — it’s brimming with mystery. Known as one of the most haunted cities in Texas, it offers countless eerie locations that have sparked ghost stories for generations. From former battlegrounds to centuries-old hotels and spectral saloons, the city is a dream for road trippers who crave a little paranormal thrill.
Whether you’re a believer in the afterlife or just looking for an offbeat experience, a spooky road trip to San Antonio’s haunted sites will leave you with goosebumps and great stories to tell. This guide walks you through the must-visit haunted spots, with chilling lore, practical info, and road trip tips.
Why a Spooky San Antonio Road Trip Is Worth It
San Antonio’s haunted attractions are rooted in real history — battles, tragedies, and untold stories that echo through its streets. What makes this city unique is how it blends rich Texan culture with local legends. You’re not just walking through ghost tours; you’re stepping into Texas folklore and frontier lore with every haunted visit.
Plus, many of these spots are right in or near the walkable downtown area, while others lie just beyond city limits — perfect for those wanting to mix city vibes with rural chills. Whether you’re planning a Halloween road trip or just chasing year-round thrills, San Antonio delivers.
Let’s hit the haunted road.
Top Haunted Places in San Antonio to Visit
1. The Menger Hotel
Often called the most haunted hotel in Texas, the Menger Hotel has hosted Teddy Roosevelt, Ulysses S. Grant, and… some guests who never left. Staff and visitors have reported ghostly sightings in the bar, hallways, and especially Room 636. Founded in 1859, the hotel’s Victorian charm adds to the eerie ambiance.
Address: 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Open 24/7 (Hotel Guests), Lobby open to public
Approx Cost: Rooms from $140–$300/night
Famous For: Spirits of Civil War soldiers and former staff roaming the halls
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Request a stay in one of the older wings if you’re brave — especially the third floor.
2. The Alamo
Though best known for its historic battle, the Alamo is also one of the city’s most spiritually active places. Many visitors and nighttime passersby report hearing battle cries or seeing shadowy figures near the walls — believed to be fallen defenders from the infamous 1836 siege.
Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Approx Cost: Free (Guided tours available from $15)
Famous For: Apparitions of soldiers and unexplained sounds after dark
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Walk the grounds in the early evening — many stories claim ghosts appear at dusk.
3. Emily Morgan Hotel
Right across from the Alamo, this gothic-style hotel once served as a medical facility — complete with a psychiatric ward and operating rooms. Today, it’s one of the creepiest stays in San Antonio. Reports include flickering lights, phantom phone calls, and unseen figures walking the halls.
Address: 705 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: 24/7 (Hotel Guests)
Approx Cost: Rooms from $180–$350/night
Famous For: Haunted elevators, disembodied voices, and ghostly nurses
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book the 7th, 12th, or 14th floors — said to be the most paranormally active.
4. San Fernando Cathedral
Dating back to the 1700s, this active Catholic church is a beautiful — and famously haunted — landmark. Many believe it stands on ancient burial grounds, and reports of glowing orbs, ghostly monks, and whispered prayers in empty pews add to the mystique.
Address: 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Mysterious shadows, faces in photos, and spiritual sightings
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Attend a candlelit mass or evening light show for added atmosphere.
5. The Spanish Governor’s Palace
Not a palace by European standards, this adobe structure from the 1700s was home to early Spanish rulers. Visitors claim to hear footsteps in empty rooms and see furniture moving on its own. Its isolation and dimly lit interiors set the perfect mood.
Address: 105 Plaza De Armas, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Tues–Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: $5 per adult
Famous For: Colonial ghosts and furniture rearranging itself
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring a flashlight — some rooms can feel extra dark and ominous.
6. The Gunter Hotel
In 1965, a woman was allegedly murdered in Room 636. Though much of the story was hushed up, eerie activity still plagues the room and surrounding halls. Staff and guests report temperature drops, flickering lights, and locked doors opening themselves.
Address: 205 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: Rooms from $160–$280/night
Famous For: Ghosts linked to a mysterious murder and ongoing energy
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask hotel staff about Room 636 — they may share tales they’ve heard firsthand.
Packing Tips for a Spooky Road Trip
- Flashlight or headlamp for ghost tours
- EMF detector or spirit box (optional but fun for believers)
- Power bank for phones and photos
- Notebook to record strange encounters
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Small first-aid kit
- Lightweight jacket or shawl for cool, haunted halls
- Snacks for energy between stops
- Downloaded maps in case of weak signal in old buildings
Food & Drink Stops Near the Haunted Spots
1. Esquire Tavern
Opened in 1933, this historic watering hole has its own share of ghost stories — including a woman seen weeping in the basement. But even skeptics come for the craft cocktails and old-school atmosphere.
Address: 155 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 2 AM
Approx Cost: $15–$30
Famous For: Prohibition-era bar and haunted history
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Sit at the bar — the longest wooden bar top in Texas — and ask the bartender for ghost tales.
2. Schilo’s
This family-run deli near the River Walk dates back to 1917 and was built over what was once an old saloon. Some diners report phantom footsteps and strange noises from the kitchen.
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 creaky floors
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try the house-made mustard with any sandwich — and keep your ears open.
3. Ocho
With a slightly haunted ambiance thanks to its glass conservatory and riverfront location, Ocho serves up moody dining with Cuban flair. A perfect spot to unwind after a ghost tour.
Address: 1015 Navarro St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$35
Famous For: Romantic ambiance and riverside views
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book ahead — the views at night are hauntingly beautiful.
Haunted Accommodations in San Antonio
1. The Menger Hotel
(See full listing above)
2. Emily Morgan Hotel
(See full listing above)
3. The Gunter Hotel
(See full listing above)
Local Tips for a Haunted San Antonio Road Trip
- Join an official ghost tour for insider stories and access to restricted spots
- Stay in historic hotels for overnight paranormal encounters
- Visit sites after dark for maximum atmosphere — but always respect hours
- Bring extra batteries for cameras and gear — spirits are said to drain them
- Capture photos in bursts — some claim ghostly figures show only briefly
- Avoid provoking spirits — San Antonio’s ghosts are old and don’t like disrespect
- Research locations before you go — knowing the stories enhances the experience
- Keep your phone silent during ghost tours for immersive atmosphere
- Pack sage or protective charms if you’re spiritually sensitive
Final Conclusion
Whether you come seeking shadows or simply stories, San Antonio’s haunted road trip promises eerie excitement blended with rich history. From battle-worn missions and historic hotels to dimly lit cathedrals and mysterious courtyards, the city’s haunted locations are unforgettable — both in lore and in experience.
So if you’re up for a road trip that’s spine-tingling, story-filled, and unmistakably Texan, set your sights on San Antonio. Just don’t be surprised if something… follows you home.
