Imagine travelling to a coastal town, which suddenly becomes a ghost-hunting adventure as you explore! Who would have thought Galveston is haunted? The charming seaside city of Texas, Galveston, mainly known for its beautiful beaches, charming streets, and welcoming people, also has a terrifying side. Galveston is full of ghostly legends, horrifying local experiences and eerie happenings. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or just a sceptic, these haunted places in Galveston offer chilling adventures you will never forget. Here’s a look at some of the bone-chilling places in Galveston that promise an exceptional experience for those brave enough to explore their haunted history.
Top Haunted Houses In Galveston Texas 2024
Want to experience the sound of footsteps or a shadowy figure following you at night? Here are some of the top haunted places in Galveston to visit for a terrifying holiday experience:
- Ashton Villa
- Van Alstyne House
- The Bishop’s Palace
- Stewart’s Mansion
- Mayfield Manor
- The Moody Mansion
1. Ashton Villa
Image Credit: Farragutful for Wikimedia Commons
Ashton Villa is one of the most haunted places in Galveston, Texas. This mansion, built in 1859, was home to one of the wealthiest families in Texas. However, its lavish grandeur has been overshadowed by many ghostly apparitions.
Established by James Brown, this mansion is now known as ‘one of the most haunted places in America’. Inhabited by two sisters, Bettie and Tilly Brown, many locals have heard footsteps and ghostly figures around the mansion. Visitors also mentioned hearing a piano playing inside the mansion. Most people say Bettie didn’t know how to play the piano, so it must have been Tilly. If you are a brave tourist, explore Ashton Villa for a chilling experience.
Location: 2328 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Price: $20 – $30 (USD) approx
Tours: Great! Galveston Ghost Tour, Galveston Island Ghost Tour, Historic Galveston Ghost Tour
Also Read: Haunted Places In America
2. Van Alstyne House
‘The Gingerbread House,’ as the locals call it, Van Alstyne, was constructed in 1891. Initially, it was a private residence, but later, it was transformed into an antique shop. However, due to paranormal activities, they had to close the shop. The owners have shared eerie stories of alarms going off at odd hours without cause. Spanning around 6,310 square feet, this elegant mansion is still believed to be haunted by Alfred Albert Van Alstyne, who died inside the house in 1926. The most terrifying occurrence ominously threatened the life of a visitor. It is one of the most haunted places to visit in Galveston. Whether you are a history buff or like to experience the paranormal, this place is perfect for your next vacation.
Location: 2901 Broadway Street
Price: $45 – $50 (USD) approx
Tours: Ghosts of Galveston Tour, Haunted Cemetery Tour, Shadows of Revelry Ghost Tour
3. The Bishop’s Palace
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Galveston is famous for its paranormal sightings, and the Bishop’s Palace is no exception. This stunning villa survived the devastating 1900s Hurricane, which claimed thousands of lives. However, this mansion became a refuge, sheltering 200 people or more.
Nowadays, locals and tourists report strange encounters around the house. Imagine seeing an unseen force scratching the wall while you try to capture this haunted house in Galveston. Many tourists claimed the same. The Gresham family, who lived there from 1892 to 1920, are believed to haunt the place still. Walter, in particular, is said to roam the halls, especially during storms. Some think his restless spirit is protective, while others believe he’s simply anxious about the house’s upkeep.
Location: 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Price: $15 (USD) approx
Tours: Houston Sightseeing Tour and Galveston Day Trip, Galveston Island Ghost Tour
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4. Stewart’s Mansion
Image Credit: JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D. for Wikimedia Commons
Stewart’s Mansion in Galveston is notorious for its gruesome past and paranormal occurrences. It was once the site of a massacre by pirate Jean Lafitte’s crew. This is where Maco Stewart allegedly murdered his wife and children before burying them in the walls. The mansion remains one of the haunted places in Galveston, Texas. Built-in 1926 by George Sealy Jr., the mansion later became the property of Maco Stewart in 1933. Today, it’s being transformed into timeshares, but reports of eerie incidents keep happening. Visitors report to witness shadowy figures and strange sounds. With its bloody past and ghostly encounters, Stewart’s Mansion is not for the faint of heart.
Location: 14520 Stewart Road, Galveston
Price: $20 – $25 (USD) approx
Tours: Ghosts of Galveston Tour, Haunted Cemetery Tour, Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl
5. Mayfield Manor
Image Credit: Colin Park for Wikimedia Commons
For paranormal enthusiasts, Mayfield Manor is one of the must-visit haunted houses in Galveston, Texas. With a 19th-century physician, Horace Mayfield, the Mayfield Manor promises a psychologically thrilling experience.
It’s a twelve-room haunted house that operates all year round and is hosted by its most wicked residents. The haunted host? Dr. Horace Mayfield himself practised psychiatric experiments on unwilling patients. Rumour has it that Mayfield even kept the bodies of the dead within the building. But no one has confirmed whether Horace Mayfield is real. You will have to find it yourself.
Location: 2313 Harborside Dr, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Price: USD 15 approx
Tours: Galveston’s Haunted Mayfield Manor, Galveston: Spooky Strand Ghost Walking Tour
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6. The Moody Mansion
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Situated at 2618 Broadway Avenue J, the Moody Mansion in Galveston was officially built for Narcissa Wills and later purchased by the Moody family. The house features intricate woodwork and stunning steel and glasswork.
Many visitors also believed to have heard ghostly noises and windows rattling somewhere in the villa. The Moody Mansion Museum now offers visitors a glimpse of the past. With twenty rooms open for tours, the museum displays family artefacts and period interiors. It is one of the haunted places in Galveston, Texas and heaven for paranormal enthusiasts.
Location: 2618 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Price: $15 onwards
Tours: Self-guided tours
Most Haunted Places In Galveston, Texas
After mansions and villas, let’s take a look at some of the most haunted places in Galveston that will surely send chills down your spine:
- St. Mary’s Orphanage
- Broadway Cemetery
- Maison Rouge Ruins
- Tremont House Hotel
1. St. Mary’s Orphanage
St. Mary’s Orphanage experienced the severity of the hurricane in 1900. Ten sisters of the charity held ninety-three children tight and tied themselves together to save those kids’ lives. Sadly, only three children survived.
After this incident, the facility was rebuilt. However, the residual energies of the event still haunt this place today. Visitors said they had heard kids laughing and running along the hallway but never saw them.
Location: 6801 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX
Price: $25 onwards
Tours: Self-guided tours
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2. Broadway Cemetery
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The Broadway Cemetery Historic District is one of the most haunted places in Galveston, Texas. It is a 16-acre, six-block collective of seven separate cemeteries. More than 6,000 people, including multiple prominent city personalities, have been buried there.
The district originated in the mid-19th century when the city was hit hard with nine consecutive yellow fever epidemics, and space was required to bury all the diseased. At one point, over 60 per cent of the population was afflicted with the fever, and thousands of folks died. The massive death toll is said to have birthed many ghosts, and the place has been haunted ever since.
Location: 4201 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX
Price: Ages 6–11: $10, Ages 12+: $25
Tours: Guided tours, Walking tour with ghost hunting equipment
3. Maison Rouge Ruins
Once upon a time, or so the story goes, the pirate king Jean Lafitte ruled over Galveston and buried his treasure somewhere on the island. The news spread and treasure hunters started digging up the area surrounding Maison Rouge in search of the loot. Generations passed, and the treasure stories passed down, but no one could find the treasure.
Over the years, weird, unexplained phenomena were encountered in the place. From sounds of merrymaking and partying to shouts of men arguing and fighting are heard in the ruins. Strangely enough, the sounds stop once you go close enough, and you’re left wondering if you listened to those voices or dreamed up the entire scene.
Location: 6801 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX
Price: $25 – $35 onwards
Tours: Ghosts of Galveston Tour, Haunted Cemetery Tour, Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl
Related Post: Haunted Places In Texas
4. Tremont House Hotel
Built-in 1839, almost two centuries ago, the Tremont House Hotel has seen a lot of history, much of which is bloodied with tragedy and violence. The sturdy, two-storey building has stood proud in Galveston, Texas, through the Great Galveston Storm of 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in the history of the United States, and the American Civil War, the most unfortunate man-made calamity. As such, the place is rife with ghosts of times old & new.
Even today, during storms, the TVs at the hotel turn on and off, and the lights flicker, striking a resonant chime from more than a century ago. Besides victims of the Great Storm, the other spirits that people have claimed to have seen in the hotel belong to “Sam”, the Salesman, an unnamed Civil War soldier, and Young Jimmy, a boy sometimes seen at the front desk. Ghost stories abound at the Tremont House Hotel, undoubtedly one of Galveston’s most haunted places.
Location: 2300 Ship Mechanic Row St, Galveston, TX
Price: $16 – $26
Tours: Galveston Ghosts of the Gulf Haunted Tour
Best Time To Visit Galveston
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The best time to visit Galveston is either spring or fall. October to November or March to April offers the perfect weather and opportunities to explore Galveston fully. With warmer weather, Galveston provides many beach activities to entertain you.
If you travel in winter, you might find some of the cheapest accommodations on the list. However, the chilly weather could be a concern for tourists not habituated to this winter wonderland.
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How To Reach Galveston, Texas
To reach Galveston, Texas, follow these steps based on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation:
By Air: The closest major airport is William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston, about 40 miles from Galveston.
From Hobby, you can take a taxi, rideshare, or rental car to reach Galveston.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is another option, about 70 miles away. It typically takes an hour to an hour and a half to drive from IAH to Galveston.
By Cruise Ship: If you’re travelling by cruise, Galveston has a busy cruise port with ships sailing to various destinations in the Caribbean. Check with cruise lines for itineraries and departures from Galveston.
No matter your starting location, Galveston is well-connected by car, air, and public transport, making it accessible for various travel options.
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For those interested in paranormal phenomena, these haunted places in Galveston will provide immense thrill and mystery to your core. Whether you’re investigating the eerie history of an old mansion or hoping to spot a ghostly apparition, these places are the perfect destinations for a haunted adventure. Book your trip to the USA , and who knows who you might bounce into!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Haunted Places In Galveston
What's the most haunted place in Galveston?
The Moody Mansion is one of the most haunted places in Galveston, Texas. The Moody Family is believed to still roam around the mansion, and many locals have had terrifying experiences there.
Why are there so many ghost tours in Galveston?
Many of Galveston's historic sites are linked to ghost stories. The island has witnessed epidemics, wars, fires, storms, and ruthless pirates, so many ghost tours offer a chilling experience you will remember forever.
What are some of the most haunted places to visit in Galveston?
Some of the haunted places to visit in Galveston are:
- St. Mary’s Orphanage
- Mayfield Manor
- The Bishop’s Palace
- Broadway Cemetery
- Ashton Villa
.
Why is Galveston popular?
Galveston offers a unique mix of rich history, beautiful Victorian architecture, lively culture, and breathtaking beaches, making it a destination full of unforgettable experiences.
Is Galveston suitable for tourists?
Galveston offers many festivals for locals and tourists, such as Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn, Pleasure Pier, The Bryan Museum, Mardi Gras, Lone Star Rally, and Iron Man Triathlon. These events keep tourists and locals entertained year-round.
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Abhay Kumar is a graduate of English Literature. Writing is both his hobby and his passion. He writes academic research articles as well as poetry and short fiction. He loves reading science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and translated fiction. He also loves traveling and writing about himself in the third person.
