Haunting Horror Writing in Austin, Texas

Where the music never dies, literally

An Austin Texas horror bat eating tacos

Austin, Texas is home to live music, legendary tacos, and a skyline that hides more than just bat-watching spots. While the city thrives on its vibrant and eclectic culture, there's a shadowy side lurking beneath the surface.

From haunted hotels to eerie cemeteries, Austin offers a plethora of inspiration for horror writers seeking the macabre. Whether you’re looking to book a ghost tour, or want to take home a strange item for your collection, Austin is a city that allows you to be as weird as you want to be.

5 Haunted Tales From the Heart of Austin

  • In 1886, The Driskill Hotel is renowned as one of the most haunted spots in Texas. Guests report encounters with the ghost of a young girl who tragically fell to her death, as well as the spirit of Colonel Jesse Driskill himself. 

  • In the late 1800s, Austin was terrorized by a serial killer dubbed the "Servant Girl Annihilator," predating Jack the Ripper. The case remains unsolved, adding a layer of mystery to the city's history. 

  • Unique to Austin, the moon towers, a type of streetlight, were installed in the 1890s, partly in response to the fear instilled by the Servant Girl Annihilator's crimes.

  • Established in 1839, the oldest city-owned cemetery, Oakwood Cemetery, is believed to be haunted by numerous spirits from the past.

  • For a lighter fact, Austin, Texas is one of the favorite spots for author Christina Escamilla and is one of the first date spots she took her partner to. Nothing like two ghouls in love!

Bats flying over the Austin, Texas sky which inspires horror writers

Discover the Spookiest Spots in Austin

Uncover the secrets behind Austin’s most haunted spots… if you’re brave enough to look.

Austin Horror Writing Prompts

  • During the annual bat emergence at dusk, your character notices a second, larger species taking flight—creatures with human-like eyes that seem to recognize them.

  • An artist adds a new piece to the Cathedral of Junk, only for it to start rearranging itself at night. Locals whisper that it’s constructing a message—or a doorway.

  • Joggers taking a new trail in Zilker Park find themselves looping back to the same spot, no matter which direction they run. Each loop, the park grows darker, and the sounds of the city fade.

  • Swimmers at Barton Springs Pool begin reporting sudden drops in temperature and glimpses of a glowing figure beneath the surface, beckoning them to dive deeper.

  • While attending a late-night study session at UT Austin’s Littlefield House, your character hears piano music emanating from an empty room. The melody compels them to uncover a diary detailing a forbidden romance that ended in tragedy.

  • Your protagonist checks into Room 525 at the Driskill Hotel, only to find their dreams invaded by a little girl who insists she “never left.” Each morning, a new item from the 1800s appears on their nightstand.

FAQ for Horror Writers Visiting Austin, Texas

  • The Driskill Hotel is a must-visit for anyone interested in haunted Austin. Ghost sightings, flickering lights, and tragic tales make it a perfect source of inspiration.

  • Two women allegedly died by suicide in Room 525—on the same date, years apart. This eerie coincidence fuels many Austin haunted hotel stories.

  • Browse Uncommon Objects and the Museum of the Weird’s gift shop for strange antiques, taxidermy, and occult oddities—classic examples of weird Austin charm.

  • Yes! Haunted ATX offers hearse tours, while Ghost City Tours provides immersive Austin ghost tours through historic haunts and cursed corners.

  • Legend has it a bat demon haunts Congress Avenue Bridge, watching from the shadows of Austin's famous bat colony. Perfect material for supernatural fiction.

  • Shoal Creek and Oakwood Cemetery are steeped in tragedy and local lore—great for horror writers looking for inspiration from haunted hiking spots.

  • Epoch Coffee on North Loop offers cozy, slightly grungy late-night vibes—ideal for horror writers seeking an Austin writing café with atmosphere.

  • Fantastic Fest at Alamo Drafthouse celebrates genre films, including horror. It’s a major gathering for fans of Austin horror events and indie fright flicks.

  • Nature’s Treasures sells crystals, tarot decks, and more—perfect for character research or exploring Austin occult shops.

  • Yes! Guzu Gallery showcases horror-inspired artwork, designer toys, and collectibles—a creative hub for Austin horror artists and fans alike.

Get Even Weirder With More Horror Inspiration

Creep along more haunted cities or join The Horror Hub for exclusive writing tools that help you craft your next horror narrative.

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