Haunted Things To Do in San Antonio, Texas: Ghost Tours, Haunted History & the Spirits of the Alamo
- Desirae-Haunted Traverse
- 23 hours ago
- 5 min read
San Antonio, Texas is a city where history does not rest quietly. From colonial missions and frontier battles to grand hotels and shadowed courtyards, this historic Texas city is considered one of the most haunted destinations in the American Southwest. Visitors and locals alike report unexplained footsteps, apparitions, voices, and strange sensations—especially after dark.
If you’re searching for haunted things to do in San Antonio, whether you’re a curious traveler or a seasoned paranormal enthusiast, this guide will walk you through the city’s most haunted locations, ghost stories, and the best ways to experience San Antonio’s supernatural side.
Why Is San Antonio Considered Haunted?
San Antonio’s haunting reputation stems from centuries of layered history. Spanish colonization, religious missions, epidemics, frontier violence, and war have all left an energetic imprint on the city.
Many paranormal investigators believe that locations tied to sudden death, emotional trauma, or unfinished business are more likely to produce hauntings—and San Antonio has no shortage of these conditions.
Key contributors to paranormal activity in San Antonio include:
Spanish colonial missions and religious sites
Military conflicts and frontier battles
Historic hotels and inns dating back to the 1800s
Cemeteries and early settlement areas
The Battle of the Alamo
A Famous San Antonio Ghost Story: The Haunting of the Alamo
No haunted guide to San Antonio would be complete without the most famous ghost story of them all—the spirits of the Alamo.
The Alamo Ghosts
The Alamo is best known for the 1836 battle in which a small group of Texan defenders lost their lives fighting Mexican forces. More than 200 men were killed during the siege, many in violent and sudden circumstances—conditions often associated with lingering paranormal activity.
Visitors, security guards, and historians have reported:
Apparitions of soldiers in period clothing
Unexplained footsteps echoing through empty corridors
Cold spots and sudden drops in temperature
Voices, whispers, and the sounds of battle after hours
Some believe the spirits of fallen soldiers remain bound to the site, replaying the final moments of their lives. Others suggest residual hauntings—energy trapped in time rather than conscious spirits.
While access to the Alamo at night is limited, it remains one of the most discussed and emotionally charged haunted locations in Texas. Many tours will stop within view of this historic site and explore the hauntings and ghost stories about this tragic location.
Here is a recommended tour that will explore the Alamo's hauntings further.
Haunted Places to Visit in San Antonio
Beyond the Alamo, San Antonio offers numerous locations with long-standing paranormal reputations.
The Menger Hotel
Located next to the Alamo, the historic Menger Hotel is often cited as one of the most haunted hotels in Texas.
Reported activity includes:
Apparitions in hallways and guest rooms
A former hotel manager believed to still roam the property
Children’s laughter and unexplained knocking
The hotel’s proximity to the Alamo has led some to speculate that spiritual energy from the battlefield extends into the hotel itself.
Mission San José & Other Spanish Missions
San Antonio’s Spanish missions are beautiful by day—and unsettling by night.
Visitors and investigators have reported:
Shadow figures inside chapels
Strange voices and chanting
Feelings of being watched
These missions were sites of religious devotion, hardship, and death, all of which may contribute to reported paranormal activity.
San Fernando Cathedral
One of the oldest cathedrals in the United States, San Fernando Cathedral has long been associated with ghostly sightings and unexplained phenomena, especially during quiet evening hours.
Best Ghost Tours in San Antonio
For those who want a guided paranormal experience, San Antonio offers several highly rated ghost tours that combine history, legend, and firsthand accounts.
Downtown & Historic Walking Ghost Tours
These tours typically explore:
The Alamo area
Historic hotels
Courtyards and alleyways
Colonial-era buildings
San Antonio's Ultimate Ghost and Murder Walking Guided Tour
Many include stories passed down for generations and are ideal for first-time visitors.
San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl
Some tours blend ghost stories with historic taverns and bars, offering a lighter—but still eerie—experience in and near the Alamo Plaza.
Or take the bus with this tour!
The Haunted Ghost Bus Tour in San Antonio
Sit back and enjoy the thrills and chills with a tour that explores beyond downtown and the Alamo Plaza. This tour will explore local cathedral, cemeteries, and old west lore.
👉 Explore paranormal, witch, and spiritual must haves in my Etsy shop: https://hauntedtraverseshop.etsy.com
Planning a Haunted Visit to San Antonio
Best time to visit:Fall and spring offer comfortable temperatures and increased tour availability.
What to wear:Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing—many haunted areas experience sudden cold spots.
Safety tips:Stick with guided tours at night, stay aware of your surroundings, and respect historic sites.
Paranormal Gear for Ghost Hunters
If reading about San Antonio’s hauntings has inspired you to investigate on your own, consider starting with beginner-friendly equipment such as:
EMF meters
Digital voice recorders (for EVP sessions)
Flashlights or headlamps
Related Haunted Travel Guides
San Antonio joins other haunted Southern destinations like New Orleans, Savannah, and St. Augustine as one of the most historically active paranormal cities in the United States. If haunted travel fascinates you, you may also enjoy:
Final Thoughts: Haunted Things To Do in San Antonio, Texas: Ghost Tours, Haunted History & the Spirits of the Alamo
San Antonio is a city where history feels close—sometimes uncomfortably so. Whether the spirits of the past linger as conscious entities or echoes of powerful events, the city’s haunted reputation continues to draw visitors seeking answers, experiences, and connection.
For those willing to walk its streets after dark, San Antonio offers not just stories—but encounters that stay with you long after you leave with the hauntings of San Antonio.
Thank you for visiting this article!
Wishing You Safe and Spirited Travels, my Dear Readers. ~Dez
You just read Haunted Things To Do in San Antonio, Texas: Ghost Tours, Haunted History & the Spirits of the Alamo does indeed explore the spirits of San Antonio. But there is more to explore...
Let's Explore More if You Have Time!
I explore the emotional and personal side of haunted travel and spiritual curiosity in my Substack reflections->Substack Here 🌙
More Haunted Destinations to Explore
Haunted travel doesn’t stop here. I’m continuing to explore some of the most paranormally active destinations across the U.S., including Savannah, Salem, Charleston, and beyond.
Explore More Paranormal Topics
If haunted travel draws you in, these destinations are known for their ghost tours, paranormal history, and unexplained encounters.
For those drawn to paranormal symbolism and spiritual meaning, I create art and tools inspired by the unseen in my Haunted Traverse shop.
Planning a paranormal trip?
Save this guide to Pinterest for future reference.
Thank you for reading! Links provided may be affiliate links where if my readers click and buy, I do receive some funding-at no cost to themselves- to keep fun and informative articles such as this being manifested into the known. Thank you for your support.
.jpg)
