Visit Galveston - September 2025

Choose Your Own Spooky Adventure on Galveston Island

Path #1: For the History Buff

Venture into the haunted past, where the spirits of history lie in wait. This path is for those who want to uncover the truth behind Galveston’s ghost stories. Experience the island’s untold tales, those that blur the line between history and legend and leave mysteries that still haunt the streets. Your Haunting Adventure Starts Here (Tours and Activities) Start your journey through Galveston’s cemeteries and downtown streets with author Kathleen Maca: the expert historian behind Ghosts of Galveston. Kathleen’s tours uncover the island’s chilling folklore—where each corner hides a story, and every shadow might be cast by a lingering spirit. For another glimpse into the city’s sinister yesteryear, join Historic Galveston Ghost Tours. Local storytellers guide you through the island’s haunted heart, on a 90-minute walking tour of supernatural Galveston. Look for pirates, ghosts, and murderous villains on your descent into a terrifying past! Haunted history buffs won’t want to miss Bishop’s Palace, one of the most beautifully preserved Gilded Age mansions on the island. Keep your ears peeled for the whispers of former residents Walter and Josephine Gresham; legend has it they are still reluctant to depart the earthly plane… An Eerie Experience You Won’t Forget (Special Events) For an artful evening with a macabre twist, hit Galveston Art Center’s Haunted Impressions event. Start with a twilight walking tour on the cobblestones before a visit to the GAC. There, visitors take a historic photograph of the W.L. Moody Building and learn to transfer the image onto wood panel and paint spectral figures into its windows—phantoms pulled from the stories still drifting through the island air. Resting Amongst the Spirits (Where to Stay) After your paranormal perambulations, it’s time to lay your head down at one of Galveston’s haunted hotels. Choose the Grand Galvez, aka the “Queen of the Gulf,” to share your lodging with the ghost of a widow who took her own life in room 501. Or book the Tremont House near the Strand, where you’re never far from an apparition or two—like the ghost of a former hotel worker who still roams the halls, tending to guests who never check out.

This Halloween season, Galveston Island—America’s most haunted city—invites you to embark on a gruesome getaway like no other. Whether you’re seeking spine-tingling legends, mystical encounters, or the thrill of ghost-hunting with friends, Galveston promises an experience tailored to your darkest desires. Choose your adventure... if you dare.

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Path #2: For the Spiritual Seeker and Mystic

If you’re drawn to a journey where mystery and the supernatural intertwine, this is the path for you. Creep into Galveston’s mystical corners, where the veil between the living and the dead is fragile, and every step feels like wandering through a dream—one that might just pull you in. A Journey Beyond the Ordinary (Tours and Activities) When night falls, let the flicker of a lantern guide you on the Galveston Lantern Tours, where stalwart ghost hunters can peer through the veil at the restless spirits of those lost in the 1900 hurricane that ravaged Galveston. For true paranormal enthusiasts, Spooky Galveston offers a host of tours led by members of the Spooky Galveston Séance Society. Explore tales of true crime and local ghost legends or learn about Victorian mourning practices. And don’t miss the only vampire tour in town, with lore drawn from the island’s darkest corners. To journey deeper into Galveston’s ghostly realm, visit Broadway Cemetery on the Galveston Graveyard Tours. These 19th-century burial grounds are home to some of Texas’ most famous luminaries, still guarding their secrets under the moonlight, waiting for those brave enough to listen. No mystical Galveston gallivant is complete without visiting Ashton Villa, one of the city’s first great Broadway mansions and home to sister specters, Bettie and Tilly Brown. Here, the past and present converge, and the pair of rough and tumble poltergeists continue to terrorize. Whether you meet them or not is up to fate. A Whimsical Encounter (Special Events) Horror buffs and dread-heads won’t want to miss the highlight of spooky season, the Mystical Parade of Boo, where ghostly floats, swirling parades, and magical vibes transform Galveston’s streets into a living dream—or nightmare… Resting in the Realm of the Unseen (Where to Stay) After a day of exploring the mystical side of Galveston, unwind at one of the island’s enchanting bed and breakfasts. These historic accommodations, with creaky floors and wraparound porches, offer relaxation with a touch of mystery. Drift off to sleep in a place where the wind carries spectral visitors, and the past is never far behind.

If you’re in the mood for adventure with a bit of social fun—and you’re not afraid to face a few chills—this is your path. Round up your friends, grab your gear, and get ready for a night filled with ghost hunting, paranormal thrills, and just the right amount of spooky mayhem. A Night of Haunting Fun (Tours and Activities) Start your eerie exploration with Ghost City Tours, where you can choose between a classic moonlight walk or the horrifying haunted pub crawl. Wander through Galveston’s most notorious sites, following in the footsteps of the dead who refuse to give up the ghost. Along the way, enjoy a drink (or two) at some of the island’s spookiest pubs, where spirits are as lively as the patrons. For those brave enough to face the restless tides, Haunted Harbor Tours delivers a chilling nautical adventure through Galveston’s historic waterways. Hear tales of shipwrecks, ghostly sailors, and maritime misdeeds as you glide past the island’s moonlit shores—perfect for those who prefer their haunts with a splash of high-seas suspense. A Festival of Fear (Special Events) If your ghost-hunting appetite still isn’t satisfied, head to the Ghost Coast Festival—the ultimate spooky celebration. With ghost hunts, paranormal investigations, and festival fun, it’s a must for social ghost hunters. Opt for a psychic reading, hit the market, and dive into the supernatural side of Galveston in a festive atmosphere—it’s a monstrously good time. Some Rest for the Wicked (Where to Stay) After a night of thrills, rest your weary bones in one of Galveston’s spacious beach houses or vacation rentals. These accommodations offer plenty of room for late-night ghost stories, laughs, and spooky plans. Bust out the Ouija board, host your own séance, or keep the lights on all night to ward off unwelcome ghoulies. However you’re traveling, Galveston’s vacations rentals offer everything your horde needs in a home base.

Your Spooky Island Adventure Awaits

Now that you’ve chosen your path, it’s time to make the magic happen. Galveston is waiting with its mysterious history, otherworldly charm, and more thrills than you can shake a candle at. Whether you’re wandering through ancient cemeteries, uncovering spirits in haunted mansions, or joining the hunt for restless souls alongside fellow paranormalists, this island has an adventure designed for every kind of ghost wrangler. And for fans of all things macabre, there’s no need to wait for October—many of Galveston’s spectral streets and haunted tours are open all year long. Start planning your spine-chilling escape today by checking out Visit Galveston for all the eerie details: tours, lodging, events, and a world of haunted happenings around the island. Don’t forget to grab your PastPort to History to unlock even more of Galveston’s ghostly past.