Galveston’s Ghosts Didn’t See Us Coming

Hello, travel friends!

There was something strange in the neighborhood—and who better to investigate than my favorite group of adventurous travelers? This October, I took a group of 25 brave souls on a delightfully spooky trip to Galveston, where we hunted for ghosts while uncovering the rich (and sometimes eerie) history of this vibrant coastal city.

Decked out in glow-in-the-dark shirts, blinky Halloween necklaces, and fueled by spooky ghost cookies, we enjoyed a truly boo-tiful Galveston getaway. This is a tour I’ve wanted to offer for years, and I’m so glad it finally came together.

If you’re not familiar with Galveston’s past, it’s a story of devastation, resilience, and rebuilding. That kind of history leaves behind a few spirits—or so they say. Don’t worry, all the ghosts were friendly, and we didn’t add any new ones to the count before heading home.

One of the biggest highlights was the cemetery tour, where Kathleen Maca met us to explain the history of the 17-foot seawall built after the catastrophic 1900 storm. We learned how families who could afford to raise their loved ones’ graves each time fill was added were able to continue visiting them—while others now rest below, unseen and sometimes forgotten. It was fascinating, moving, and a favorite among our group.

Our spooky adventures continued aboard a Haunted Harbor Cruise, where we learned about the ghost said to haunt the Tall Ship ELISSA, saw the remains of the USS Selma, and heard chilling stories—including one about William Wallace. I even snapped a few photos of him, and the guide warned us that doing so might invite him to follow us home. I’m not much of a ghost believer…but when the TV in my hotel room turned on by itself at 4:00 a.m., I did start to wonder if William just wanted a little more attention.

Of course, when you travel with me, eating well is non-negotiable. Just ask anyone who’s come along before. This trip was no exception, featuring an upscale dinner at Hearsay on the Strand with dishes like braised short ribs, espresso-rubbed pork chops, seafood gumbo, and a caramel bread pudding that no one dared skip. As one guest perfectly summed it up:
“Eating, of course! All the stops were great—Sarah always picks great food!”

Guests loved the unique itinerary and spooky twist on Galveston. One shared,
“It was a fantastic trip—if offered again, it’s a must! There’s so much history and beauty in Galveston, and all the guided tours were memorable. I can’t pick just one favorite part.”

Our final night brought everything together with a Monster Mash party—complete with jewel thieves, witches, Frida Kahlo, pizza, and a ghost tour at the historic Hotel Galvez. Cameras in hand, we searched for ghostly images while roaming the halls. Picture the Addams Family on vacation…that was us.

Post-trip survey comments like this truly make my heart happy:
“The itinerary was perfectly planned—the food, entertainment, and bus trip were all perfect. So glad we did this trip with you.”

I’m always dreaming up new ideas, unique itineraries, and unforgettable adventures—and I love bringing my travel friends along for the ride.

So next time you want to spice up your week and add a little fun…who ya gonna call?

Sarah with Tours at Welcome Home. I’ve got you covered.

And yes—we’re doing it again next October, with all the spooky fun plus a little cruise added to the mix. Visit our upcoming tour page to learn more about this trip and see what other adventures are waiting for you.