2476 San Diego Ave. The intersection of Harney St. and San Diego Ave.
Tickets
We’ve got several options to choose from to help you maximize your time in San Diego.
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TAKE A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST
Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.
- Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
- Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
- Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
- Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
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AMERICA'S MOST HAUNTED HOUSE®
Crossover to the dark side of San Diego history in California’s Oldest Town and let us enchant you with spirited tales of the past.
- As seen on the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel and Discovery Channel.
- Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions.
- Approximately 30 to 40-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds.
- Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal.
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PARTICIPATE IN A PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION
Recognized as America’s Most Haunted House® and shrouded in mystery, ghost-hunters flock to the iconic Whaley House, grounds of the original Old Town gallows site. Join us on our after-hours, chilling paranormal investigation. You’ll have exclusive access to the very rooms where the Whaleys lived and died, not accessible to the general public tours.
- Participate in an actual Paranormal Investigation with our experienced guide.
- Get hands-on with the latest ghost hunting equipment.
- Learn the darker side of the Whaley House and the spirits that refused to move on.
- Intimate, small group experience.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
- As seen on Ghost Adventures, Ghost Files, and Buzzfeed.
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SEE THE WHALEY HOUSE BY DAY AND NIGHT
Day Tour: Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.
Guided Evening Tour*: Crossover to the dark side of San Diego history in California’s Oldest Town and let us enchant you with spirited tales of the past.
- Daytime Self-Guided Tour:
- Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
- Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
- Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
- Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
- Evening Guided Tour:
- As seen on the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel and Discovery Channel.
- Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions.
- Approximately 30-40 minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds.
- Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal.
- Tour tickets do not have to be used on the same day.
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO AND EXPLORE HISTORY
Old Town Trolley Tours is the best way to see the city. The tour is also designed so that you can hop on and off and explore on your own at any time. Our fleet of orange and green trolleys travel frequently throughout San Diego and over the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bridge to Coronado on a continuous 25-mile loop visiting various neighborhoods with 12 destination stops.
Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour: Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.
- Old Town Trolley Tours:
- 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding.
- Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops.
- FREE discount coupons ($30 value).
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
- FREE map brochure with day planner.
- Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour:
- Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
- Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
- Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
- Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day.
Save up
to 5%
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO AND EXPLORE ITS DARK SIDE
Old Town Trolley Tours is the best way to see the city. The tour is also designed so that you can hop on and off and explore on your own at any time. Our fleet of orange and green trolleys travel frequently throughout San Diego and over the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bridge to Coronado on a continuous 25-mile loop visiting various neighborhoods with 12 destination stops.
Ghosts & Gravestones: Join us for a spirited and entertaining tour built on stories of history, mystery and legends of San Diego’s past and darker side!
- Old Town Trolley Tours:
- 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding.
- Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops.
- FREE discount coupons ($30 value).
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
- FREE map brochure with day planner.
- Ghosts & Gravestones:
- Hop aboard the Trolley of the Doomed.
- Join our spirited & entertaining tour built on stories, history, mystery and legends.
- Travel back and hear about the spirits of characters who lived & died in San Diego.
- Hear stories of how Pioneer Park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down.
- Journey through Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery.
- Includes outside of the Whaley House and grounds. Tour does not enter the house.
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PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE
Day Tour
Step back in time and enjoy a self-guided tour through the iconic Whaley House. Learn all about the integral role the famed house played in Old Town San Diego’s rich history.
Evening Tour
San Diego’s famed Whaley House is widely regarded as America’s Most Haunted House®. This spooky evening tour explores the home’s dark past and spine-tingling cases of inexplicable events.
Whaley House History
On May 6, 1856, Thomas Whaley began construction on his new home and proclaimed “My new house, when completed, will be the handsomest, most comfortable and convenient place in town or within 150 miles of here.” The two-story Greek Revival house was designed by Thomas Whaley and made from bricks created in Whaley’s very own brickyard on Conde Street.
Plan Your Day Tour
Enjoy a self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the Whaley House.
Open Daily:
10 am – 4:30 pm.
Walk through at your own pace. You will receive a brief introduction every 15 minutes that will give you a glimpse of the history and the Museum information in general.
Reservations are not required for daytime tours.
AN ICONIC SAN DIEGO LANDMARK
From its rich Greek Revival architecture style and authentic decor to its mysterious and chilling past, it’s no wonder why this home attracts visitors from all over the world. Journey through the famed Whaley House and learn all about its illustrious past.
A COMMUNAL TREASURE
Besides being the Whaley Family home, it also served as San Diego’s first commercial theater, the county courthouse, and a general store. Step back in time and learn how this historic home shaped Old Town San Diego.
America's Most Haunted House®
America's Most Haunted House®
The Haunted Side of the Whaley House
Tragedy continued to strike the Whaley family while living in the home, leading to an increase in reported paranormal activity. The eerie history of this landmark has only increased its notoriety amongst ghost hunters throughout the decades. Explore the spooky lore of this San Diego treasure with our chilling evening tour experience.
Plan Your Evening Tour
Be part of the historic legacy, mystery, and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions.
Approximately 30 to 40-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds.
As seen on the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel, and Discovery Channel.
Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal.
After Hours
Paranormal Investigation
Join us on our after-hours, chilling paranormal investigation. You’ll have exclusive access to the very rooms where the Whaleys lived and died, not accessible to the general public tours. This chilling new adventure gives guests exclusive access to the latest ghost-hunting equipment as they attempt to connect with lost souls.
Ghost Encounters
Tag your photo with #whaleyhousesd
Did you feel the presence of lost souls while visiting the legendary Whaley House? Share your spooky photos with us for the chance to be featured below!
Family History
Family History
The Pioneer Family of San Diego
Old Town San Diego flourished in many ways thanks to the Whaley House. Arriving in California around 1849, during the famous California Gold Rush, Thomas Whaley would play a pivotal role within the community and history. Learn all about their rich family history and journey through life in the 1800s with our fun day tour.
Browse for a souvenir from the Whaley House Museum Gift Shop. Then enjoy a delicious meal at the New Orleans Creole Cafe.
FAQs
Yes! We have three different options for you to choose from when visiting the Whaley House.
Day tour: Walk through at your own pace. You will receive a brief introduction every 15 minutes that will give you a glimpse of the history and the Museum information in general.
Evening tour: Approximately 30 to 40-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds. Crossover to the dark side of San Diego history in California’s Oldest Town and let us enchant you with spirited tales of the past.
After-Hours Paranormal Investigation: Participate in an actual Paranormal Investigation with an experienced guide. Get hands-on with the latest ghost hunting equipment, and learn the darker side of the Whaley House and the spirits that refused to move on. This is an intimate, small group experience that lasts approximately two hours.
You must check in at the gift shop next to the Whaley House at least 20 minutes prior to your tour.
There is free parking available at Old Town State Park. Please plan accordingly.
Please note that this tour requires going up and down stairs, and traversing over uneven grounds. ADA access on the first floor. For those guests who are unable to take the stairs, we are happy to provide a tablet with an audio/visual presentation of the second floor of the Whaley House.
Hearing Impaired Guests
Please make our CASTmembers aware if you require accommodations. We will gladly provide a tour script guide upon request.
At Historic Tours of America, we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service to all people, including individuals with disabilities. In order to provide the proper accommodations, all we ask is that we are given due notice in order to select the proper services. Our selection process involves the use of the ADA information line to vet and secure local interpreter services. As a Title III entity, our number one goal is to provide an effective accommodation that will ensure you have a memorable time with us.
Day tour: Walk through at your own pace. You will receive a brief introduction every 15 minutes that will give you a glimpse of the history and the Museum information in general.
Evening tour: 30-40 minutes.
After-Hours Paranormal Investigation: approximately 2 hours.
Day tour: The Whaley House Museum is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis during our daytime tours.
Evening tour: Yes. Reservations are required. Check-in is 20 minutes prior to the start of tour time. Late check-in may result in forfeited reserved entry. Reservation-based tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance of your tour time by calling 619-333-4020 or the website tool “Manage Booking” to reschedule your own reservation.
After Hours Paranormal Investigation: Yes, Reservations are required. Check in no later than 20 minutes to tour time at the Derby – Pendleton House located at 4015 Harney Street, directly behind the Whaley House.
This tour may not be suitable for children under 13 years of age.
The stories about The Whaley House have been historically researched. The stories weave together the history and haunted tales from the past associated with this location in Old Town San Diego.
Yes! Be sure to ask your tour guides for tips to increase your chances of photographing the supernatural. Please note that video recording is not allowed inside the museum.
Many of our guests have reported unusual experiences in the Whaley House. Remember to bring your camera… you never know what might appear in your photos.
Paranormal investigations are conducted in a controlled and respectful setting so as to not disturb others
Food and drinks are not allowed. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed under any circumstance for the safety and comfort of all of our guests.
Service animals are the only animals that are allowed. A service animal means a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are not service animals.
For guests with epilepsy and/or photosensitivity, please contact us before booking a tour, as some equipment used features a flashing/strobing effect, and we will need to make the proper accommodations.
Daytime Self-Guided Tour: Video recording is permitted for personal use only.
Evening Guided Tour: Video recording, audio recording, or live streaming is prohibited.
After Hours Paranormal Investigation: Video or audio recording is permitted for personal use only; LIVE STREAMING IS PROHIBITED.
If you would like to inquire about filming for content or commercial purposes, you may contact us at [email protected].