Haunted Austin: Exploring The City's Eerie Spots

Beyond the BBQ and beer, Austin has a chilling history. Hidden among the historic buildings, scenic homes, and iconic bars are tales of restless spirits, ghostly apparitions, and haunted sites that have become part of the city's eerie lore. Austin’s haunted places offer a glimpse into the past—where tragedy, mystery, and the supernatural collide.

Despite its reputation as a laid-back city, Austin has some hidden hauntings to explore. Visit these spots and experience the city's supernatural side.

The Driskill Hotel
604 Brazos St., Austin, TX 78701

The Driskill Hotel is renowned not only for its luxurious accommodations but also for its reputation as one of the most haunted places in Texas. Built in 1886 by Colonel Jesse Driskill, the hotel has seen its share of history and is said to be inhabited by several spirits.

One of the most famous tales involves Colonel Driskill himself, who is believed to still roam the hotel, inspecting its halls and ensuring its continued grandeur. Guests and staff have reported encounters with his ghost, often described as a distinguished figure in 19th-century attire.

Another notable ghostly presence is that of a young girl, a senator’s daughter, who tragically fell to her death while chasing a ball down the grand staircase. Her laughter and the sound of a bouncing ball have been reported echoing through the halls, particularly near the staircase.

The haunting tale of a Houston socialite at The Driskill Hotel is a poignant chapter in its ghostly lore. After being left at the altar, she retreated to the hotel, where she indulged in a shopping spree with her ex-lover’s stolen credit card. Last seen carrying several bags into Room 525, she tragically took her life in the bathtub that night, using a gun and a pillow. Since then, guests have reported sightings of her ghost, often with shopping bags or a pistol, vanishing into Room 525 without opening the door, leaving behind a chilling reminder of her sorrowful fate.

Though The Driskill has been smoke-free for over a decade, the lingering scent of cigar smoke is still detected by unsuspecting guests. A cigar-smoking male ghost, often seen wearing 19th-century cowboy attire, has appeared to several female musicians, including Annie Lennox and Johnette Napolitano, who even wrote "Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man" about her encounter. Known for playful antics and occasionally touching women's arms or backs, this spirit is more of a romantic than a figure of gothic horror.

In addition to these prominent tales, there have been numerous reports of strange noises, flickering lights, and unexplained shadows throughout the hotel. Many visitors and paranormal enthusiasts are drawn to The Driskill Hotel not only for its historical charm but also for the chance to experience its haunted reputation firsthand.

Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill
303 Red River St., Austin, TX 78701

Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill is not just known for its Southern comfort food and lively atmosphere, but also for its eerie reputation as a haunted hotspot. According to local folklore, the restaurant is haunted by the spirits of individuals who perished in floods from the nearby Waller Creek. These ghostly presences are said to linger in the historic space, adding a chilling dimension to the restaurant’s lively atmosphere.

Another legend suggests that Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is home to the spirits of those who lived in the building long before it became a restaurant. Guests and staff have reported unsettling occurrences such as wine bottles shattering, doors opening on their own, and mysterious shoulder taps. While many come for the rich history and delectable food, the century-old ghost stories add an intriguing, haunting allure to this Red River Street establishment.

Texas State Capitol Building
1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

The Texas State Capitol, a majestic structure towering over Austin, is not only a symbol of the Lone Star State but also a reputedly haunted location. With a rich history spanning centuries, it's no wonder that tales of ghostly encounters have emerged from its halls and corridors.

One of the most famous apparitions said to haunt the Capitol is that of Robert Marshall Love, the former Texas Comptroller. Love is often described as a friendly ghost, seen wandering the building in his top hat and suit, seemingly lost in thought.

Another spectral figure often mentioned in connection with the Capitol is the "Red Lady." This mysterious woman is said to appear on the third floor, particularly in the areas that were once used for private offices. Her identity and the reason for her haunting remain shrouded in mystery, but many believe she may have been involved in a tragic love affair.

Beyond these specific apparitions, there have been numerous reports of other paranormal activity within the Capitol. These include unexplained noises, cold spots, and feelings of being watched. The building's history, combined with the personal experiences of those who have worked or visited there, has confirmed its reputation as one of the most haunted spots in Austin.

Oakwood Cemetery
1601 Navasota St., Austin, TX 78702

Oakwood Cemetery, a sprawling 40-acre expanse in Austin, Texas, has a reputation for being a haunted location. With over 23,000 bodies buried there, it's no wonder that ghostly tales abound. Established in 1839, the cemetery is the final resting place for many notable figures, including early Austin pioneers, Texas Rangers, and prominent local leaders.

One of the most chilling stories involves the tragic figure of Eula Phillips. A young woman of 17, Eula was brutally murdered with an ax on Christmas Eve in 1885. Her husband was initially accused of the crime but was later exonerated when a series of similar murders occurred in the area. The real culprit, known as the was never identified.

Other paranormal phenomena, including apparitions, unexplained noises, brightly colored orbs, and a sense of being watched, have also been reported at Oakwood Cemetery.

The combination of its rich history, its famous residents, and the frequent ghostly reports make Oakwood Cemetery a site of both historical interest and supernatural intrigue.

Texas Governor's Mansion
1010 Colorado St, Austin, Texas 78701

The Texas Governor's Mansion, a historic landmark, has been the official residence of the state's governors since 1888. While it's a symbol of power and prestige, it's also rumored to be haunted.

Several spirits are rumored to roam the mansion at night, adding to its haunted reputation. Among the most popular is the ghost of Governor Sam Houston, who often appears as a full-bodied apparition. He is said to habitually turn on the light above his portrait, causing more of a nuisance than harm.

Other ghostly figures in the mansion tell tragic love stories. One legend involves a Texas scout who fell in love with a Comanche woman, meeting her secretly at the mansion's site. When their forbidden love was discovered, the scout was murdered, and the woman took her own life. Their spirits are said to still walk the grounds hand in hand, seemingly united in the afterlife.

Whether you believe in the paranormal or simply enjoy a good ghost story, the Texas Governor's Mansion offers a fascinating glimpse into the supernatural side of history.

Littlefield House
302 W. 24th St., Austin, TX 78705

Littlefield House, a historic Victorian mansion, has a reputation for being one of the city's most haunted spots. This grand residence, built in 1894, was once the home of Major George Littlefield, a Confederate general and prominent businessman.  

Over the years, numerous reports of paranormal activity have emerged from Littlefield House. The most common ghost stories revolve around Alice Littlefield, the wife of the original owner. People claim to see her face peering through windows There have also been reports of frightening screams and the sound of footsteps racing up and down the staircases.

Other paranormal occurrences include unexplained cold spots and a general sense of unease. The house's architectural features, combined with the mysterious tales associated with it, have created a chilling atmosphere that has captivated ghost hunters and curious visitors for decades.

Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
700 San Jacinto At, E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701

The Omni Austin Hotel Downtown is a luxurious establishment that offers a blend of modern amenities and historic charm. While it's known for its upscale accommodations and prime location, it also has a reputation for being haunted.

The story of Jack, an unnamed door-to-door salesman, is a chilling urban legend that has circulated widely in Austin. After facing financial hardship and personal heartbreak, Jack tragically committed suicide by jumping from his hotel balcony at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown.

Since his death, the hotel room where he stayed has been plagued by paranormal activity. Staff members have reported feeling a sense of unease and being watched, while guests have experienced strange noises, shadows, and even the sensation of being touched in their sleep. The legend of Jack's haunting continues to captivate and frighten those who hear it, making the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown a mysterious and haunted place to stay in Texas.

Austin's haunted history adds a layer of charm to this already vibrant city. Embrace the thrill of the unknown, and let the haunting stories linger in your mind long after your visit.