Looking for thrills, chills, and tales that send shivers down your spine? A haunted road trip through Laredo, Texas promises a hair-raising journey into a world of lost souls, historical tragedies, and eerie encounters. From 18th-century missions to haunted hotels and whispered ghost stories passed through generations, Laredo has a paranormal past waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or a curious traveler drawn to the mysterious, this guide will take you to Laredo’s most haunted spots, share their eerie backstories, and offer practical tips for planning a spine-tingling road trip you’ll never forget.
Why Laredo Is a Must-Visit for Paranormal Road Trippers
Laredo, one of the oldest border towns in Texas, is layered with centuries of cultural history, political conflict, and personal tales of love, loss, and war. Combine that with preserved Spanish missions, old military forts, and downtown buildings dating back to the 1700s—and it’s no wonder ghost stories thrive here.
The best time for a haunted road trip to Laredo is fall through winter, when cooler air adds to the eerie atmosphere and local ghost tours are more frequent.
Top Haunted and Paranormal Sites to Visit in Laredo
1. Fort McIntosh Historic District
Established in 1849, this former U.S. Army fort has seen everything from frontier skirmishes to cholera outbreaks—and it’s said that ghosts of soldiers still wander its grounds. Paranormal sightings include shadow figures, cold spots, and disembodied voices near the barracks and officer quarters.
Address: 5201 University Blvd, Laredo, TX (on the Laredo College campus)
Hours: Outdoor areas open daily; campus access varies
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Shadowy soldiers, haunted bunkhouses, and residual energy
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit at dusk for atmospheric lighting—just be sure to follow campus visitor hours and stick to open areas.
2. Casa Ortiz
One of the oldest homes in Laredo, Casa Ortiz dates back to the early 1800s and has long been rumored to host a ghostly resident: a woman in white said to drift through the hallways and courtyards. The site is now a cultural center, but visitors have reported flickering lights and whispers.
Address: 915 Zaragoza St, Laredo, TX
Hours: Open during events and by appointment
Approx Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Famous For: Apparitions, cold drafts, and a haunted well
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask staff or docents for ghost stories—they often have first-hand accounts!
3. San Agustín Cathedral and Plaza
Though a sacred space, this historic church and surrounding plaza are not without their own legends. Built in 1872 atop older structures, locals believe it sits on spirit-laden land, where residual energies have lingered. Strange orbs and late-night footsteps have been reported around the plaza.
Address: 201 San Agustín Ave, Laredo, TX
Hours: Daily (Mass times vary)
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Spiritual energy, unexplained lights, and paranormal sightings
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit the plaza after dark for a peaceful (and potentially spooky) night stroll under the trees.
4. Old Laredo Jail (Webb County Courthouse Basement)
Though no longer used as a functioning jail, the old holding cells beneath the courthouse are rumored to be deeply haunted. Detainees in the 19th and early 20th centuries often died in their cells—and their spirits are said to linger.
Address: 1000 Houston St, Laredo, TX
Hours: Not regularly open to public; access via tours
Approx Cost: Tour costs vary (when available)
Famous For: Apparitions, screams, and eerie temperature drops
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Check with local paranormal groups or heritage tours for occasional access.
5. Laredo Cemetery – Calvary Catholic Cemetery
A quiet resting place during the day, this cemetery is whispered to be home to restless spirits, especially near the older sections where unmarked graves are common. Visitors report sensations of being watched and unexplained sounds.
Address: 3600 McPherson Ave, Laredo, TX
Hours: Daily: 8am–6pm
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Whispered voices, shadowy figures, and phantom children
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Be respectful—visit during daylight, but listen closely; it’s one of the most active sites in town.
Where to Stay for Paranormal Enthusiasts
1. La Posada Hotel
Elegant, historic, and rumored to have ghostly guests of its own, La Posada sits on the site of an old convent and overlooks the Rio Grande. Guests have reported strange sounds, flickering lights, and mysterious footsteps in the halls.
Address: 1000 Zaragoza St, Laredo, TX
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $130–$180
Famous For: Haunted history and charming colonial style
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask for a room in the older wings—they’re said to be the most “active.”
2. Airbnb in the Historic District
Several vacation rentals in downtown Laredo are located in buildings over 100 years old—perfect for ghost-hunting couples or history lovers wanting a more intimate stay.
Address: Varies
Hours: Varies
Approx Cost: $80–$150
Famous For: Charm, creaky floors, and curious nighttime sounds
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Choose listings that mention “historic” or “vintage”—these often have the most interesting energy.
Where to Eat with a Haunted Backstory
1. El Mesón de San Agustín
Located in a historic building near the plaza, this restaurant is known for its colonial ambiance—and whispered stories of unexplained happenings after hours. Staff have mentioned objects moving and faint voices.
Address: 908 Grant St, Laredo, TX
Hours: Mon–Sat: 11am–9pm
Approx Cost: $8–$15
Famous For: Traditional plates and haunted atmosphere
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Dine in the evening for the full atmospheric effect—ask your server about the legends!
2. La India Packing Company
More of a culinary stop than a dining spot, this century-old store is loaded with spices, candies, and stories. Some long-time staff members believe certain aisles “feel off,” especially during late shifts.
Address: 3202 San Bernardo Ave, Laredo, TX
Hours: Mon–Sat: 9am–6pm
Approx Cost: Varies
Famous For: Mexican candies, herbs, and folklore
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask about the “haunted herbs” section—local lore is alive here.
Packing Tips / Haunted Road Trip Hacks
Flashlight or headlamp for twilight cemetery walks
Voice recorder or ghost-hunting app for paranormal experiments
Notebook for recording unexplained occurrences
Camera or phone with night mode
Respectful mindset—never provoke or trespass
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain
Extra batteries and snacks for long evenings out
Local Tips / Haunted Season Insights
October is prime ghost tour season in Laredo
Join a local ghost walk or paranormal investigation during fall weekends
Fort McIntosh and Casa Ortiz are often open during historical events—great times to explore
Ask older locals—they often have family ghost stories you won’t find online
Downtown Laredo has the highest concentration of haunted locations—all walkable!
Conclusion: Experience the Paranormal Pulse of Historic Laredo
Whether you’re chasing shadows, photographing mysterious orbs, or just soaking up eerie tales under a starry Texas sky, a haunted road trip to Laredo offers history, mystery, and a thrill you won’t soon forget. These stories live in the bricks of old buildings, whisper through courtyards, and hover along moonlit trails—and they’re waiting for you to explore.
So fuel up your curiosity, pack your gear, and dive into a side of Texas few dare to discover. The spirits of Laredo are ready to meet you… if you’re brave enough.
