San Antonio’s Ultimate Ghost and Murder Walking Guided Tour

If you’re visiting San Antonio and have even a passing interest in ghost stories, true crime, or just the city’s darker tales, the San Antonio’s Ultimate Ghost and Murder Walking Guided Tour might be worth considering. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect. It’s a tour designed not just to entertain but also to give you a glimpse into the city’s secretive, eerie side.

What I personally like about this experience is how it combines history and spooky stories, giving you a full flavor of San Antonio’s past in just under two hours. Plus, the affordable price point of $30 per person makes it an accessible way to spend an evening exploring the city with a guide who knows the local legends. A possible consideration—this tour doesn’t include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan transportation to and from the start point.

If you’re into ghost stories, true crime, or just love city walks that blend education with entertainment, this tour is likely to suit you. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with older children (ages 7 and up) who can handle the spooky stories without feeling overwhelmed.

Key Points

• Engaging guides who are knowledgeable and personable add to the overall experience
• Stops at iconic San Antonio sights like the Alamo, Main Plaza, and San Fernando Cathedral
• A balanced mix of history and ghost stories keeps the tour interesting without being too scary
• Affordable price and flexible scheduling make it accessible for most travelers
• Smaller groups often mean more personalized attention and storytelling
• No food or drinks included, so plan accordingly for breaks or before/after the tour

What to Expect on the Tour

This walking tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and you’ll visit several key sites in downtown San Antonio. The tour begins and ends at specific spots on Houston Street, where you’ll meet your guide and then stroll through the historic district, hearing tales of ghostly encounters, notorious crimes, and battles that shaped the city.

The tour includes six stops, starting at the Spanish Governor’s Palace, where you’ll see photographic evidence of a ghost dating back to 1868. It’s a brief but captivating stop that sets the tone for the rest of the walk. Next, it’s onto San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral, the oldest continually operating cathedral in America, which offers both spiritual history and ghost stories. Walking through Main Plaza, you’ll hear about the famous shootout involving Ben Thompson and King Fisher—stories that bring the city’s wild west past to life.

The Majestic and Empire Theatres are next, where tragic accidents and haunting ballerinas are part of the theater district’s ghostly reputation. Crossing the River Walk, your guide will share fascinating insights into this iconic waterway’s history. The Alamo, of course, features prominently, revealing the battle’s true-crime side alongside its legendary status. The final stop at Alamo Plaza covers ghost stories linked to nearby historic hotels like the Menger and Emily Morgan, plus some local tips on taverns for afterward.

Throughout, the guide narrates stories with a good balance of history and creepiness. Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and storytelling ability, noting that it makes the experience memorable without being overly frightening. One reviewer even mentioned that her guide, Faith, was “warm, friendly, and very up-to-date on all the legends and lore,” which can make a big difference in how immersive the experience feels.

The Value of This Tour

For $30, you’re getting a guided walk through some of San Antonio’s most historic and haunted sites, with a professional and personable guide. The tour is well-priced considering the length and depth of the stories, especially given how reviews mention the guides’ engaging storytelling and local knowledge.

Since it’s a walking tour, expect to be on your feet and prepared for some light exercise, but nothing strenuous. The group size maxes out at 25 travelers, which helps keep things intimate and engaging. Given the reviews praising the guides’ ability to adapt and personalize the experience, it’s clear that this isn’t just a cookie-cutter tour; it’s one where your guide’s personality can really shine.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t include food or drinks, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry or thirsty. Meeting points are in central, easy-to-find spots, making logistics straightforward—just remember that transportation to and from the tour isn’t included.

A Closer Look at Each Stop

Spanish Governor’s Palace

Starting at the Spanish Governor’s Palace, you’ll get a quick taste of San Antonio’s colonial past. This site is described as both historic and haunted, with photographic evidence of a ghost from 1868. It’s a short stop but sets a spooky tone with stories of lingering spirits. Reviewers loved the visual evidence and found this a compelling way to kick off the tour.

San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral

This is a must-see for history buffs. The oldest continually operating cathedral in America offers a beautiful setting that’s steeped in stories of past lives, both human and ghostly. Guests say they enjoy the mix of architecture, reverence, and storytelling. It’s a place where history and ghost lore intersect smoothly.

Main Plaza

The heart of downtown San Antonio, Main Plaza is packed with stories of famous shootouts, legends, and crime. Hearing about the gunfight between Ben Thompson and King Fisher makes the history feel alive, especially with an engaging guide who shares the details vividly.

The Majestic & Empire Theatres

The theater district hosts stories of tragic accidents and haunting ballerinas. This stop appeals to those interested in the arts and ghostly tales. Reviewers mention the stories are “interesting and a little spooky,” perfect for a casual ghost walk without full-blown horror.

Crossing the River Walk

The guide pauses on a bridge crossing the River Walk, discussing its fascinating history. This iconic spot offers great photo opportunities and gives the tour a scenic break while sharing stories about this major San Antonio landmark.

The Alamo

Of course, no San Antonio tour is complete without mentioning the Alamo. Here, the focus is on the true crime elements surrounding the famous battle, giving a slightly darker perspective on the historic site.

Alamo Plaza & Surrounding Hotels

The final stop covers ghost stories linked to the Menger and Emily Morgan Hotels. Guests learn about the spirits that haunt these historic establishments while getting tips on places to visit afterward. Some reviews note this part is longer, making it a good chance to relax and soak in the stories.

What Our Reviewers Think

The consistent praise is for the guides’ storytelling skills. Many reviews highlight guides like Faith and Josh as “entertaining,” “knowledgeable,” and “caring,” which makes the experience more personal and memorable. Several mention that the tour is suitable for those who enjoy a little spooky fun but aren’t thrill-seekers—it’s creepy enough to entertain but not overwhelmingly scary.

Some reviewers found the small group size a real plus, allowing for more engagement and questions. Others appreciated the local recommendations and extra stories that made the tour feel personalized.

On the flip side, a few reviews pointed out logistical hiccups, such as unexpected delays or distractions due to street noise, which can sometimes detract from the storytelling. This is worth considering if you’re sensitive to interruptions or prefer a very polished experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re in San Antonio and want a fun, atmospheric way to learn about the city’s darker side, this tour offers a solid blend of history, ghost stories, and scenic views. It’s particularly well-suited for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the less-known stories of San Antonio.

Considering the price point of $30, it’s a reasonable choice for an evening activity, especially if you enjoy guided walks and storytelling. It’s also a great option if you’re traveling with older children or teenagers, given the kid-friendly nature (ages 7 and up) and the engaging, lively guides.

However, if you’re looking for a highly polished, extremely spooky, or full-scale haunted house experience, this may not fully meet those expectations—think of it more as an entertaining stroll with some ghostly flair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, kids aged 7 and up are welcome, and many reviews mention children enjoying the stories and sights. Just keep in mind some tales are spooky or intense.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity without taking up your entire evening.

Are food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not part of the tour. There are stops nearby where you can grab a snack or beverage before or after.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, on average, the tour is booked about 9 days in advance. It’s recommended to reserve early, especially during peak travel times.

Where do the tours start and end?
The meeting point is at 107 W Houston St, and the tour finishes at Voodoo Doughnut on Houston Street, both central and easy to find.

Is transportation provided?
No, the tour is a walking experience, so you’ll need to handle your own transportation to and from the start point.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Less than that, the booking is non-refundable.

Wrapping It Up

All in all, the San Antonio’s Ultimate Ghost and Murder Walking Guided Tour offers a compelling mix of history, legends, and spooky tales in the heart of downtown. It’s a lively, affordable experience with knowledgeable guides that will appeal to history buffs, ghost lovers, or anyone looking for a fun, atmospheric way to explore San Antonio after dark. Whether you’re in town for a quick visit or a longer stay, this tour adds a layer of intrigue to your trip, leaving you with stories to tell long after the tour ends.

If you’re keen on discovering a different side of San Antonio—one filled with tales of true crime, haunted hotels, and legendary battles—this tour is definitely worth considering. Just remember to dress comfortably, bring a curious mind, and enjoy the spooky stories waiting around every corner.