Hallowed and Haunted Texas

Experience Texas’s haunted history, legendary ghost stories and eerie destinations.

Looking for a spooky Texas escape? Texas is so much fun, even ghosts want to stick around!  From celebrated hotels and bars with stories of haunted pasts to mysterious ghost towns worthy of a fear-chasing excursion, Texas is home to some hauntingly (and hair-raisingly) good times.

Stay in Texas’s Most Haunted Hotels

Legendary Guests at the Driskill, Grand Galvez and Menger Hotel

Austin’s Driskill Hotel, Grand Galvez in Galveston, and the Menger Hotel in San Antonio are all famous for more than their fabulous accommodations. Grand Galvez is notorious for the ghostly spirit of “the Lovelorn Lady,” a bride whose fate was cut short after the death of her fiancé. At the Driskill, the grand staircase is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl, and room 525 reportedly houses the spirits of two brides who died on their honeymoons 20 years apart. A much more identifiable character is said to appear at the bar at the Menger Hotel, where legend holds that Theodore Roosevelt has been spotted enjoying the historic space.

Don’t miss: Stop by the Menger Bar, where Roosevelt famously recruited Rough Riders in 1898 and where his spirit is reportedly among the hotel’s lingering guests.

Explore Haunted Texas History

The USS Lexington: World War II’s “Blue Ghost”

Interested in military history with a paranormal twist? For travelers who want their ghost stories with a serious dose of military history, USS Lexington is one of Texas’s most distinctive haunted attractions. The World War II-era aircraft carrier Corpus Christi’s USS Lexington has more than its fair share of haunting tales. It is known to locals as the Blue Ghost, thanks to spirits that allegedly still occupy the vessel today. A former engine room operator who perished during battle still roams the boat, and you might even see the lights flickering on and off come nightfall. Dive into the haunted fun and enjoy a scavenger hunt throughout the 10,000-square-foot deck.

Don’t miss: Explore the ship’s exhibits and flight deck, where historic aircraft add another layer to the Lexington’s World War II history.

The Alamo in San Antonio

History comes alive inside Texas’ most notable historic site: the Alamo. And while this famed spot is a must for learning about the state’s colonial past, it is also considered to be the most haunted spot in San Antonio. On your visit, pay close attention and you might hear the battle cries of the Texas soldiers who defended the mission from Mexican soldiers. Opt for a special after-hours tour for an especially spellbinding experience.

Spooky Nightlife & Entertainment

Haunted Bars and Theaters in Houston and El Paso

Couple a fun night out with a dose of ghostly tales over a signature cocktail at La Carafe, Houston’s oldest bar. The building is full of spooky, inscrutable wonders, from mysterious bottles unexplainably moving or the pitter patter of unidentifiable feet upstairs. In El Paso, the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center is a striking example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with painted ceilings, mosaic floors and haunting historic style. It is also said that mystifying wonders have surprised guests over the years, like a floating woman in white and a resident spirit spotted smoking in the balcony.

Terlingua Ghost Town, Texas

In The Big Bend region of west Texas, the authentic Texas ghost town of Terlingua welcomes visitors to the ruins and abandoned buildings of the former Chisos Mining Company, capturing bygone days since its closing after World War II. Now the town invites guests to roam, step back in time and explore its empty streets.

Don’t miss: Grab a bite or a drink at the historic Starlight Theatre, a former movie theater turned restaurant and live music venue in the heart of the ghost town.