Galveston: Ghosts of the Strand Night Walking Tour

Summary

Galveston’s haunted streets come alive after dark with chilling stories

You’ll walk Galveston’s haunted Strand with a local guide who knows every eerie detail—from tragic railway accidents to playful child ghosts in grand hotels. Hear chilling tales beneath flickering streetlights and pause where history feels thick in the air. If you like your history with a shiver (and maybe some laughter), this tour lingers long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if you’d actually feel something on a ghost tour, or just hear old stories? I wasn’t sure either, standing on The Strand in Galveston as the sun dipped behind those 19th-century facades. Our guide, Marcus, had this way of pausing before each story—like he was waiting for the shadows to settle. There was a salty breeze coming off the Gulf and honestly, I kept catching whiffs of something musty near the old railroad station. Maybe it was just the sea air mixing with stone and rust, but it set the mood.

The first stop was that massive station—Marcus pointed out where William Watson used to do handstands on moving trains (seriously), and then described how he lost his head. I laughed at first, but then Marcus just nodded and said, “His derby hat was found a mile away.” It got quiet for a second. We shuffled past groups heading to bars, but our little group stuck close together whenever he mentioned someone still wandering these halls. At the hotel, there were stories about crying in stairwells and a Civil War soldier pacing right where we stood. Someone’s phone buzzed and startled us all—felt silly after, but you get jumpy when you’re listening for footsteps that aren’t yours.

I tried asking about Jean Lafitte (my pirate knowledge is sketchy), but Marcus grinned and said even pirates might not mess with Galveston’s ghosts. My favorite bit was about Charles Coghlan—the actor whose coffin washed up almost exactly where he’d wanted to retire. That’s either fate or just really weird ocean currents. By the end of this ghost tour on The Strand, I caught myself glancing at upper windows, half-expecting to see someone watching back. Still gives me goosebumps thinking about it now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore haunted Galveston landmarks

• Visit historic railroad station
• Hear story of William Watson
• Explore haunted hotel lobby
• See Civil War soldier ghost
• Learn about helpful hotel ghost
• Visit Grand Opera House site
• Hear Charles F. Coghlan story

Top questions

How long is the Ghosts of the Strand walking tour?

The tour lasts around 90 minutes through central Galveston.

Is this ghost tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour route.

Are children allowed on the Galveston ghost tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome too.

Does the tour include any hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at a central location on The Strand.

Who leads the Galveston ghost walking tour?

A knowledgeable local guide shares stories and leads each group along The Strand.

What kind of stories are told during this ghost tour?

You’ll hear about tragic accidents, famous residents like pirates and actors, plus unexplained happenings in historic buildings.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to The Strand area.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walking tour led by a local expert who shares true tales of Galveston's haunted past as you explore historic sites along The Strand; all routes are wheelchair accessible so everyone can join in comfortably.