13 Haunted Roadside Stops In Texas That Locals Say Are Worth A Halloween Drive
Texas highways stretch across vast landscapes where history and mystery collide at every turn. Local folks whisper tales of strange happenings at roadside spots that have spooked travelers for generations.
These aren’t your typical tourist traps but authentic places where unexplained events have become woven into the fabric of Texas folklore.
Pack your courage and hit the road for an unforgettable Halloween adventure through the Lone Star State’s most spine-tingling destinations.
1. Marfa Lights Viewing Area
Nine miles east of Marfa along US-90, this purpose-built viewing plaza offers front-row seats to one of Texas’s greatest mysteries.
The unexplained lights have been dancing across the desert horizon since the 1880s, defying scientific explanation.
Visitors gather after sunset, hoping to catch a glimpse of these glowing orbs that appear, disappear, and move in ways that leave even skeptics scratching their heads.
Desert nights turn surprisingly chilly, so bundle up while you wait for nature’s light show to begin.
2. Devil’s Backbone Overlook & Tavern
This FM-32 ridge pull-off provides sweeping Hill Country views, but locals know it for something far more unsettling. Apparitions have been spotted along this stretch for decades, earning the area its ominous nickname.
The historic Devil’s Backbone Tavern sits nearby at 4041 FM-32, where patrons share ghost stories over live music. Staff and customers alike report unexplained encounters within the tavern’s walls.
Check operating hours before visiting, as this dive bar keeps its own schedule for brave souls seeking both entertainment and supernatural thrills.
3. Old Alton Goatman’s Bridge
Built in 1884, this iron truss bridge on Old Alton Road between Denton and Copper Canyon has become legendary among paranormal enthusiasts.
The Goatman legend originated here, spawning countless tales of nighttime encounters that continue to this day.
Cars can no longer cross the structure, but visitors can park nearby and take a short trail to explore on foot.
The pedestrian bridge links local trail systems, including the Elm Fork and Pilot Knoll trails. Local folklore suggests the bridge becomes particularly active after dark.
Walking across the old planks while shadows dance below creates an atmosphere that even daytime visitors find unsettling and memorable.
4. Donkey Lady Bridge
The old Applewhite Bridge spans the Medina River in South San Antonio, now integrated into the peaceful Medina River Greenway. Despite its serene daytime appearance, this spot carries decades of spine-chilling folklore.
San Antonio’s Donkey Lady legend centers on this very location, with countless locals reporting strange sightings over the years.
The bridge serves as a public greenway, making it accessible for respectful visitors who want to experience this piece of local mythology.
Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles while exploring this hauntingly beautiful riverside setting.
5. Bragg Road Ghost Road
This former railbed turned sand road winds through Big Thicket pines between Saratoga and FM-1293. Generations of locals have witnessed the famous Saratoga Light phenomenon along this remote stretch.
Access the unpaved road from FM-787 north of Saratoga, but exercise caution while driving slowly through the forest. The mysterious light appears unpredictably, creating an otherworldly experience that has puzzled visitors for decades.
Pine trees tower overhead, creating a tunnel-like effect that amplifies the eerie atmosphere of this legendary Texas ghost road.
6. Presidio La Bahía
This 18th-century fort in Goliad opens daily with posted hours and ticket requirements. Battle-scarred grounds hold centuries of Texas history, and even skeptics report feeling an unexplainable heaviness while exploring.
Ghost stories have circulated here for generations, tied to the fort’s turbulent past. Plan to spend 1-1.5 hours exploring the museum and grounds, but arrive before 4:30 p.m. for last admission.
The historical significance alone makes this worth visiting, though many leave convinced they’ve experienced something beyond the ordinary within these ancient stone walls.
7. The Driskill Hotel
Austin’s most famous haunted hotel stands proudly on 6th Street, welcoming both guests and curious lobby visitors. Stories of the founder’s spirit and grand-staircase encounters have made this downtown landmark legendary among ghost enthusiasts.
Pop in for refreshments at the bar or book an overnight stay to fully experience the atmosphere. Hotel staff have grown accustomed to paranormal inquiries, though they maintain professional discretion about ongoing supernatural reports.
Be courteous to other guests while exploring this beautifully preserved piece of Austin history that continues operating as a full-service luxury hotel.
8. The Menger Hotel
Steps from the Alamo and River Walk, this historic hotel continues operating with modern amenities while maintaining its supernatural reputation. Recent investigations and fresh activity reports keep the Menger in paranormal headlines.
Visitors can explore the lobby and bar area or book accommodations for the full experience. Staff members have become accustomed to ghost-related inquiries over the decades.
The hotel’s proximity to San Antonio’s most famous historical sites makes it a convenient base for exploring, though many guests report their most memorable experiences happen within the hotel itself after dark.
9. USS Lexington Museum
This WWII aircraft carrier museum on North Beach offers specialty ghost tours after regular hours. Night tours focus on compartments with reported paranormal activity, while October brings a shipboard haunted house experience.
Check tour dates and age restrictions before visiting, as advance ticket purchases are essential. The Blue Ghost earned its nickname during wartime, and some believe certain crew members never left their posts.
Daytime museum visits provide fascinating naval history, but evening tours offer encounters that go beyond typical museum experiences for those brave enough to explore the ship’s darker corners.
10. Grand Galvez Hotel
This restored 1911 beachfront grand hotel offers on-site ghost tours featuring the famous lovelorn bride legend. A century of supernatural stories has made this Galveston Seawall landmark a perennial haunted favorite.
Tours and seasonal events like October’s Bride Ball sell out quickly, so advance reservations are essential. The hotel operates as a full-service luxury property while embracing its paranormal reputation.
Ocean views and historic elegance create an atmospheric setting where past and present seem to blend seamlessly, especially during the evening hours when most supernatural encounters reportedly occur.
11. Miss Molly’s Hotel
This eight-room Old West boarding house turned inn sits right above the Star Café in Fort Worth Stockyards. Owners and guests regularly share supernatural encounters, earning it recognition as one of Fort Worth’s most haunted buildings.
Book directly for overnight stays, as the vintage rooms fill quickly on weekends. The intimate scale means every guest becomes part of the ongoing ghost story collection.
Staying here feels like stepping back in time, though some visitors report the past occasionally steps forward to greet them in unexpected ways throughout their visit.
12. Historic Magnolia Hotel
This 1840s landmark operates as a bed and breakfast while offering both day and night guided ghost tours. Well-documented paranormal activity has made it one of Texas’s most investigated haunted locations.
Tours require reservations, so check availability and policies before arriving. The building’s age and history create a natural atmosphere, but frequent tour reports suggest something more than ambiance draws visitors back repeatedly.
Staff members have collected decades of guest experiences, creating an extensive archive of supernatural encounters that continue adding new chapters with each passing season.
13. Concordia Cemetery
This 52-acre historic cemetery opens daily and hosts notable burials alongside extensive ghost lore. Heritage groups occasionally organize special events and tours for those interested in both history and supernatural encounters.
Observe posted seasonal hours and cemetery rules while exploring the grounds. Notable figures rest here, but nighttime stories suggest some residents remain more active than others.
The desert setting and mountain backdrop create a naturally dramatic atmosphere that becomes particularly compelling during evening hours when shadows grow long and the boundary between past and present seems especially thin.