While Austin isn’t typically known for its haunted offerings, you can find a few places to celebrate the spooky and supernatural this fall in the capital city. Check out our list of top spine-chilling things to do and (allegedly) haunted places in Austin, Texas. 

Haunted Places in Austin

The Driskill Hotel
Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, this Romanesque-style hotel was built in 1886 and named after the owner, Colonel Jesse Driskill. It’s said that Col. Driskill is still a fixture in the building, as he can sometimes be found overlooking Sixth and Brazos Streets, watching the busy city below. While you’re searching for ghouls, be sure to grab a drink at the historic Driskill Bar, you may even run into the ghost of late President Lyndon B. Johnson, who frequented the hotel during his time in office. 

Oakwood Cemetery
It’s no surprise that Austin’s oldest burial ground is home to spirited apparitions. Records for Oakwood date back to the mid-nineteenth century, although some scholars believe that some of the first interments were victims of the Great Raid of 1840. Visitors to the cemetery have reported orb sightings, uneasy sensations and even the feelings of being watched when no one is around.

Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill
Flooding around the building in the early 1900s caused casualties due to the building’s location on Red River Street, near Waller Creek and the Colorado River. It’s suspected that the ghosts of the drownings never left, and took up residence at Moonshine (not a bad choice, if you ask us!). There have been reports of diners getting tapped on the shoulder and bottles falling off the shelves behind the bar. Order a moonshine flight and chow down on Southern comfort food at this former saloon and domino parlor.

Littlefield House
George Littlefield, a Captain during the Civil War, built the large, Victorian Littlefield home in 1893. It is said that Littlefield would lock his wife, Alice, in the attic when he traveled, in fear that she may be kidnapped in his absence. Family members have denied these claims, but folklore says that she can still be seen from the second story windows. Alice and George were both buried in Oakwood Cemetery after their deaths. The Littlefield House is now owned by the University of Texas and closed to the public, but you can explore the grounds.

Texas State Capitol Building
The Texas State Capitol building was constructed in 1882. A beloved Texas landmark and architectural masterpiece, this historic establishment has welcomed both dignitaries and regular visitors alike. It has been said that the ghosts of the Capital don’t keep a schedule, and show themselves year round to both visitors and political officials. Sightings include Comptroller Robert Marshall Love, frequently spotted on the many free tours of the complex. Other spooky encounters include handprints on the windows that can’t be scrubbed off, and will reappear even if a window has been replaced.

Haunted Things to Do 

Tour the city in style and take a ride in the Haunted ATX Hearse Limousine to check out the landmarks in Austin that have been deemed haunted; such as the Clay Pit and the Littlefield House at the University of Texas. Enjoy a private tour or a limited capacity group tour.

For ages 12 and older, Pioneer Farms hosts evening ghost tours every Saturday in October & November. The flashlight haunted history walk explores many of the haunted buildings outside the living history museum.

For a supernatural experience year-round, Austin Ghost Tours offers small group, guided walking tours to some of the city's most haunted places, turning an evening stroll into a walking ghost story. Join the investigation to discover who is lingering among the streets and alleyways of historic, downtown Austin.

Looking for a more immersive experience? Join a public séance session at The VORTEX with The Austin Séance October 26-29, 2023. Learn about tools used by working mediums and participate in a modern recreation of an old-time seance. 

Find more ways to explore the haunted and scary this spooky season on our blog or events calendar.