Haunted San Antonio: A Guide for Newcomers to the City’s Spookiest Sites

Relocating to San Antonio comes with plenty of perks: great food, rich culture, vibrant neighborhoods, and warm Texas sunshine. But did you know that the Alamo City is also considered one of the most haunted places in the country? From historic battlefields to legendary hotels, San Antonio’s past is alive—and some say its spirits are, too.

If you’re new to town and love a good ghost story, here are some of the most haunted locations you’ll want to add to your San Antonio bucket list.

The Menger Hotel

Just steps from the Alamo, the Menger Hotel has hosted famous guests like Theodore Roosevelt and Babe Ruth—but many believe its guest list includes spirits who never checked out. Reports include the apparition of Sallie White, a chambermaid tragically murdered nearby, who is often seen still tending to rooms. Guests also whisper about shadowy figures in the hallways and unexpected knocks at their doors.

Why visit? Even if you’re not a thrill seeker, the Menger’s Victorian charm, history, and dining make it a must-see.

The Alamo

It’s San Antonio’s most iconic landmark, and also one of its most haunted. The site of the legendary 1836 battle, the Alamo is said to be patrolled by restless spirits of soldiers who perished defending it. Guards and visitors alike have reported hearing footsteps, whispers, and even ghostly figures in uniform roaming the grounds.

Why visit? It’s both a powerful historical site and a cornerstone of Texas culture. The ghost stories only add another layer to its significance.

San Fernando Cathedral

Founded in 1731, San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest continuously functioning religious community in Texas. Many believe it is also home to paranormal activity. Visitors have reported strange lights, eerie shadows, and even ghostly figures appearing during evening light shows projected onto the cathedral’s façade. Some speculate the remains of Alamo defenders, buried within the cathedral, add to its haunted reputation.

Why visit? It’s breathtaking by day and even more mesmerizing during the nightly light show.

The Emily Morgan Hotel

This gothic revival–style building across from the Alamo was once a medical facility and that history may explain its hauntings. Guests have claimed to see apparitions, hear unexplained noises, and experience elevators that seem to operate on their own. The 12th and 14th floors are particularly known for paranormal reports, as they once housed hospital wards and operating rooms.

Why visit? It’s one of the most photographed buildings in San Antonio, and its eerie elegance makes it unforgettable.

The Old Bexar County Jail

Built in 1879, this now-renovated structure once held some of San Antonio’s most notorious criminals. Former inmates and staff are rumored to linger in the halls. Paranormal investigators have documented voices, cold spots, and moving shadows inside the building.

Why visit? It’s a unique piece of San Antonio history, blending the city’s Wild West past with its modern downtown.

The Spanish Governor’s Palace

Despite its elegant name, this 18th-century adobe structure has a spooky reputation. Some visitors say they’ve heard disembodied voices or seen the ghost of a young child wandering the property. The palace once served as the seat of government in Spanish Texas, and its layered history lends itself to lingering spirits.

Why visit? It’s often called the most beautiful building in San Antonio, combining Spanish colonial architecture with intriguing ghost tales.

Victoria’s Black Swan Inn

This historic inn is one of San Antonio’s most notorious paranormal hotspots. The land itself has seen centuries of conflict, from Native American battles to Civil War skirmishes. Guests and paranormal investigators have reported ghostly apparitions, sudden temperature drops, and unexplained sounds. Today, it hosts ghost tours and paranormal events for those brave enough to experience it firsthand.

Why visit? For true ghost enthusiasts, this location is at the top of the list.

Why These Haunted Spots Matter for Newcomers

Moving to a new city is about more than just finding the right home it’s about connecting with the culture, stories, and unique character of your community. San Antonio’s haunted history is part of what makes it unlike anywhere else. Whether you’re into ghost hunting, local lore, or just want a fun night out, these spots give you a chance to explore the city in a whole new way.

So, when you’ve finished unpacking those moving boxes, take a break and explore the haunted side of San Antonio. You might just find yourself with a story—or a ghost—of your own to tell.

👉 Thinking about relocating to San Antonio? I’m here to help you find the perfect home while also introducing you to everything our city has to offer, from the historic to the haunted.