San Antonio is famous for its vibrant culture, rich history, and iconic landmarks like the Alamo—but beyond the bustling city life, it also hides a darker, more mysterious side. The city and its surrounding areas are brimming with haunted legends, eerie backroads, and chilling tales passed down for generations. For adventurous drivers who crave a spine-tingling journey, San Antonio offers some of the most unsettling drives in Texas. Exploring these haunted roads at night can turn an ordinary trip into a ghostly adventure that lingers in memory long after the headlights fade.
1. Donkey Lady Bridge
- Location: Applewhite Road near Medina River, San Antonio, TX
This infamous spot has terrified locals for decades. The legend tells of a woman horribly burned in a fire, cursed to roam the bridge with a donkey-like appearance. Drivers at night report hearing hoofbeats, screams, and even their cars shaking on the bridge. It’s a must-visit for thrill-seekers who want a truly haunting experience, just a short drive from downtown San Antonio.
2. Haunted Driving Confidence – Manual Driving Academy
- Location: Book in San Antonio
Before you brave San Antonio’s dark, winding roads, you’ll want the confidence to handle your vehicle—especially if you’re driving a manual transmission. Manual Driving Academy offers hands-on lessons in San Antonio with professional instructors who specialize in nighttime and rural driving readiness. Gift certificates are also available and never expire, making it a perfect option for those who want to sharpen their skills before heading into eerie territory.
3. Elmendorf’s Donkey Lady Cemetery (also called Chinese Graveyard)
- Location: Near Southton & Donkey Lady Bridge area
A chilling extension to the Donkey Lady legend lies within Elmendorf Cemetery, rumored to be a hotspot for paranormal activity. Visitors have reported glowing orbs, ghostly figures, and unexplained sounds among the headstones. Driving along the secluded roads that lead here, especially in heavy fog, creates an atmosphere straight out of a horror movie.
4. The Ghost Tracks
- Location: Near Shane Road & Villamain Road, San Antonio, TX
Perhaps San Antonio’s most well-known haunted spot, the Ghost Tracks legend suggests that if you stop your car on the tracks, unseen ghostly children will push it to safety. While the real explanation might be optical illusion, the story has lived on for decades and continues to draw curious drivers late at night.
5. Extended Drive: Yorktown Memorial Hospital (1.5 hours from San Antonio)
- Location: 728 W Main St, Yorktown, TX
For those who want to take their haunted road trip further, Yorktown Memorial Hospital is a chilling destination. Abandoned since the 1980s, the hospital is considered one of the most haunted places in Texas. Although visitors typically need to book ghost tours, just driving near the grounds at night is enough to give anyone shivers.
Conclusion
San Antonio isn’t just a city of history—it’s also a city of haunts. From the eerie Donkey Lady Bridge to the legendary Ghost Tracks, there’s no shortage of spooky drives that blend urban legends with bone-chilling reality. So, gather your bravest friends, fuel up, and set out for an unforgettable nighttime adventure.
And if you want to feel truly confident before venturing onto San Antonio’s haunted backroads—or any road at all—book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy. Whether you’re preparing for rural drives, night journeys, or mastering manual transmissions, Manual Driving Academy’s expert instructors are here to guide you.
