The Whaley House

The Whaley House, in Old Town San Diego, is reputed to be among the most haunted houses in the country. With such a full and colorful history stretching back over 200 years, it is little wonder that San Diego has a reputation for being haunted!

According to the Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted, the house is the number one most haunted house in the United States. The alleged hauntings have been reported on numerous other television programs and been written up in countless publications and books since the house first opened as a museum in 1960. Although it cannot be positively stated that the Whaley House is really haunted, the voluminous documentation of paranormal occurrences at the site makes a compelling case. But, if there are ghosts at the Whaley House, who are they and why are they here?

People say that the departed love San Diego so much that they simply don’t want to leave! People report seeing ghostly figures, and feeling cool puffs of air on the back of their necks. Some even hearing low voices that seem to be calling out to them. So, if you’re brave or, just curious, take a trip to The Whaley House Museum for an experience you will never forget.

Whaley House Museum
4.4
Based on 1463 reviews
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malevolent_avocado
malevolent_avocado
05:30 31 Mar 22
We had a great experience. Our tour guide was awesome and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend the evening tour... if you are interested in the paranormal aspects of the house’s history!read more
Valerie Maximoff
Valerie Maximoff
04:12 18 Mar 22
My tour guide was very fun and knowledgeable. She definitely helped make the experience a lot better. The stories... behind the family members that used to live there are so fascinating. Our guide even shared her own personal ghost story when she was closing up after hours. Obviously a very touristy place when visiting Old Town San Diego, but fun nonetheless. Highly recommend this place for ghost hunters and all tourists looking for a place filled with fun and rich history.read more
Derilyn Atkinson
Derilyn Atkinson
19:44 27 Feb 22
We are locals always looking for fun things to do around town and we have wanted to visit for awhile. It's a... fantastically kept historical house with a fascinating history, even if you're not interested in the paranormal stuff. Not to mention it's right next to old Town so there's plenty to see and eat close by.read more
Whitney Martin
Whitney Martin
06:36 17 Feb 22
What a fun tour!I am very into learning about the history of the places I visit and also into ghost stories. This was... the perfect combination.We purchased our tickets a day in advanced. We were in town on Thanksgiving weekend so it may have been a slower time. You may need to buy your tickets a little more in advanced.Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny.I highly suggest taking this tour!read more
Melissa Arleo
Melissa Arleo
18:55 23 Jan 22
I have a picture of what I think is her. I zoomed in to show a better view of what I’m looking at. Looks like her side... profile.Place is definitely spooky and this is actually the second paranormal experience I have had going here: the first time the doors were opening and slamming.read more
Timmy Hart
Timmy Hart
21:31 14 Jan 22
The Whaley House is a must see place if you live or visit San Diego. Located in the heart of Old Town, it is... accessible via the San Diego Trolley ($6 per day per adult for unlimited Trolley & Bus usage).Several years ago I took my spouse & kids to the Whaley House late in the afternoon. We were all upstairs when the kids went downstairs, so my wife followed them leaving me upstairs alone in the Haunted Whaley House.I stood there looking around the room and heard some whispering but thought nothing of it. I then saw the empty rocking chair start to rock. I looking over to the windows and saw that every single window or door was CLOSED. I looked back at rocking chair as the rocking speed increased then decreased.I yelled for my family and heard them downstairs!I ran for my life downstairs and out the front door. My family followed me out and laughed at me and my story but none of them were brave enough to go upstairs.I have never returned to the Haunted Whaley House!read more
Sergio Ochoa
Sergio Ochoa
07:10 01 Jan 22
We (the family) are fans of the super natural and this was a must place to visit while in San Diego. We did some... research before heading there so we didn't use the guided tour, however, if you are visiting the place while there, a guided tour is strongly suggested. The is kept incredible well conserved, once in the house, is like taking a leap back in time. We got the tickets online but they can also be purchased there.read more
Adam Lee
Adam Lee
17:10 03 Dec 21
Spooky! Well priced, authentic, and very interesting. Learn all the history of a famous haunted house and what really... happened when no one was looking. Plan a tour and enjoy it!read more
Anahy Reyes
Anahy Reyes
21:27 08 Nov 21
Loved our tour guide Ghouly Julie she was so awesome and super fun to listen to! I liked the way she told us the... stories. Also to the two gentleman who helps us after I missed our reservation thank you very much!!!!! You guys were so nice I really appreciate it. Go visit them in the gift shop you might even be lucky enough to over hear them talk about some cool ghost hunting stories! Everyone really seemed to care about their job but but above all the house and the history behind the house which I loved. I will be coming back !read more
Mel Anne
Mel Anne
07:13 04 Nov 21
5-STARS! My sister and I were in Old Town on Halloween night and on a whim decided to check out the Whaley House, we... had a great time!We'd been to the Whaley House a few years ago and done a tour, but on Halloween we noticed all the rooms had amazing, spooky mood lighting with flickering candles, so we wanted to check it out again. We really enjoyed the tour! Kelsey (I'm pretty sure her name is Kelsey!) was our guide and she was a GREAT storyteller, really set the fun, spooky mood for Halloween! She really knows the history and was a fantastic tour guide.We are very familiar with the Whaley House and its history, like I mentioned, we'd done a tour in the house before, but even so, Kelsey had a lot of interesting facts that we'd never heard before. I think I heard her mention the Whaley House is under new management and they are doing a GREAT job! We will definitely take the tour again next time we're in town!read more
Lei Loni Figueroa
Lei Loni Figueroa
05:54 25 Oct 21
We had a delightful experience today! I am disabled and have both a wheelchair and a service dog. They were incredibly... accommodating and helpful the entire time. All staff went out of their way to ensure that we had the best experience! The property is tight for a wheelchair, but they helped us navigate the narrow areas and allowed me to transfer out of my chair in order to visit the upstairs, ensuring my safety as I went up and down the stairs. On the second floor there is a theater that you can sit and listen to some of this history, which was lovely! I cannot thank the staff enough for their kindness and assistance. If you are unable to transfer from your chair to see the upstairs, the room and exhibit downstairs (as well as the accessible grounds) are well worth the visit. We're locals, so we will absolutely be back when the new exhibits open!Big shout out to Bones, who helped us navigate the building, helped with my wheelchair and transfer upstairs, shared her amazing (and sometimes creepy!) stories, and answered our bazillion questions. She took such amazing care of us and made the trip memorable! I really couldn't thank her enough!They also have a great system so you can Venmo tips in lieu of cash, which was wonderful! (And make sure you tip them, they deserve it!)Thank you for a lovely afternoon!read more
Maia Martinelli
Maia Martinelli
17:50 19 Oct 21
I went to the night tour with my son. It was a great experience and the staff was very good at re-enacting what it... would be like to really live in the Whaley House at that time, making you feel what each family member that resides in the house really felt for each event that they experienced in their lifetime. Before even knowing the details of the story, my son was able to smell Mrs. Whaley’s iconic lavender perfume whereas, I, myself, felt the hand of a child tug on my clothing. That’s was a cool experience.read more
Alexander Tiedemann
Alexander Tiedemann
05:45 16 Oct 21
Fun, spooky tour of the old house with a funny and patient guide, Ghoulie Julie. There were more people in our group... (20+) than I expected, but it went smoothly regardless. This tour was the weekend before Halloween so I'm sure it's busier than usual and it felt a little rushed.read more
Carol Davis
Carol Davis
20:07 03 Oct 21
I am so disappointed in the changes to the Whaley House. The County of San Diego has once again bent over to big... money.San Diego Trolley Tours now operates this historic property. Instead of volunteer docents there are now young paid actors popping in and out of doors delivering scripted ghost stories. The historic feel of the home is gone now that when non profit SOHO (Save Our Heritage Organization) lost the lease to this commercial tourist trap, they removed their collections.We went on the San Diego Trolley Ghosts and Gravestone tour. When Gary and I did the tour years ago Villa Montezuma, the William Heath Davis House and the Whaley House were included in the tour. Last night's tour included a ride to Pioneer Park and Cemetery of El Campo Santo. Dang! I could have done a better tour myself! We then had to pay separately for the theatrical tour of "America's Most Haunted House."The kids had a good time, so that's great. It's the only thing I'm not disappointed in.read more
Teah Vaughn
Teah Vaughn
16:48 14 Sep 21
Currently the museum store and the house are not doing indoor tours (maybe covid related? It seemed like they took the... opportunity to do some regular maintenance that can’t be done while the house is open), but very talented tour guides are doing outdoor and walking tours that are well worth it! Plan a day that ends with an after-dark tour for the most spook factor!read more
John Martin
John Martin
18:22 09 Sep 21
Museum was closed, family loves visiting. Took some photos one came out very interesting. When enlarged it appears to... show a young girl behind my reflection and a white face in background. No, not my daughter dressed in blue. Enlarge window.read more
Curtis Rain
Curtis Rain
18:59 02 Sep 21
Drove all way down to Old Town to find the place closed for renovations! Contrary to what their site suggests. The... museum is still closed and hasn't reopened. They didn't have the courtesy to post a sign on the door or anywhere else for that matter. Terribly disappointed as I leave California within mid September. One Star at best !read more
Ria Jimenez
Ria Jimenez
15:17 24 Aug 21
Me and my late husband visited the house a couple of years and ago . We were both amazed how the house looked. Weird... encounter was when I walked in the court room , I couldn’t breathe and my chest felt so heavy. I thought I was gonna pass out. I had to stepped outside to get some fresh air. Other than that we love the place.read more
Indiana1616
Indiana1616
05:26 15 Aug 21
Great historic house, but not currently open. The posted hours online are wrong- a sign on the front door says the... house won't reopen until fall 2021.read more
Tyson Smurov
Tyson Smurov
04:29 06 Aug 21
Very nice area for walking with the family. This sculpture is much larger than I thought. The kids loved it here.
Sonya Wilson
Sonya Wilson
13:41 23 May 21
I used to live in San Diego and worked in old town. I spent all my breaks in the Whaley house. I have seen Mr. Whaley.... He’s a short man. He was wearing dark pants, a mexican blanket poncho, and a brimmed hat. He was standing right next to his desk staring back at me.read more
J H
J H
05:58 23 Mar 21
Closed but you can walk around the yard and get some creepy vibes. Had fun though wish it was open !
Jennifer
Jennifer
07:16 18 Feb 21
I love the coming here. My Great 5x’s grandfather is Philip Crosthwaite. He sold this house to Whaley, his last name is... also on the front. Unfortunately right now it is closed because of Covid. But you can still walk around the outside and through the yard during the day, it is closed off to the public at night (spirits are free to roam though ?) if you are in San Diego this is definitely a fun place to check out.read more
Tori
Tori
15:24 18 Nov 20
I went with my brother who lives in san Diego and we had alot of fun. They told us about all the people that haunted... the house and there experiences with the ghosts. It was really interesting. Should definitely stop by if your in that area.read more
Tristan
Tristan
09:33 30 Sep 20
Nothing happened to me even though it's claimed to be haunted. Also, too many people trying to fit in small rooms and... hallways, so be prepared to get squished. The tour itself was already explained on an 8x11in. piece of paper. Not worth the hype and ghosts aren't real. ??? Save your money and time and go to Salem, MA for Halloween.read more
Gavin Clayton
Gavin Clayton
23:32 20 Sep 20
Please reopen this place I miss coming here I want to show my family this place.
Steven Grimes
Steven Grimes
17:34 14 Aug 20
I had the pleasure of going to the Whaley house 2 years before any mention of a pandemic would change the way we travel... and partake in these kinds of events. The history was fantastic with the backdrop of old town San Diego. I personally did not have any ghostly experiences, the idea that one could potentially occur left a sense of anticipation the entire tour. In that regard the tour had an element of fun to it. If you are walking down the streets of Old Town, you owe it to yourself to check out this piece of history.read more
sara.sweets564
sara.sweets564
04:00 30 Jul 20
I loved this tour. We got lucky because there wasn’t anyone else going on a tour other than us at the time. I didn’t... feel like the house was extremely haunted at the time, but I think that also has to do with the fact that when we went on the tour it was daytime. However, I always had an eerie feeling while walking through the house, especially in the dining room with the red table. The tour was very interesting and informative.read more
Brittany S
Brittany S
14:17 10 Mar 20
It was a very nice historic home and the guides inside of the building were very helpful especially the guide in the... courthouse. I wish I had taken more pictures, but one thing that I was told by one of the guys was that the house itself was original but a lot of the furniture and carpet was replaced!read more
Emily Sandness
Emily Sandness
02:48 02 Mar 20
I didn't get any haunted vibes when I visited by myself. I tried to go at a slow time, but there were too many people... around me to feel the aura place. I couldn't sense any presence or anyone either. It just felt like an old house. I took many photos, sadly none of them had "glowing orbs" I've heard about.As a museum, it's neat. Lots of history and historical furniture/decor. You pay admission at the building to the right and you get a printed copy of the history of the place. The employees working there were awesome. I talked to them a bit and some of them have had hauntings while working there.Maybe I'll try again next time I'm in San Diego. Otherwise, I would recommend this place to those who are interested in historical things.read more
Andrew Syiek - PhotoArtShowcase
Andrew Syiek - PhotoArtShowcase
21:01 01 Feb 20
Incredibly rich in history and folklore, considered by some as the most haunted house in America, the Whaley House... Museum is an intriguing and original prized possession of Old Town San Diego, certainly worth the tour.Once considered the finest mansion in southern California, the two-story Greek Revival Whaley House was built in 1857, serving throughout history in various capacities; evolving from a general store, purveyor of liquor, stoves, clothing, groceries and dry goods to a courthouse and theater into the current museum today, opened in 1960.read more
James Morgan
James Morgan
22:25 25 Jan 20
A must visit place when visiting Old Town. Reputedly haunted, one of the 4 places in San Diego that are. All the... docents are dressed in period clothing and are very knowledgeable about the history of the Whaley House. Inside it is fixed up like the old days. Also a very old cemetery next to it.read more
Shawnda LV
Shawnda LV
23:55 21 Jan 20
Had an awesome private tour. Our tour guides were so knowledgeable and had a great respect for the home and it's... history, which made it even more interesting. Thank you so much for accommodating us last minute... You all rock! We'll definitely be planning a trip back!read more
Boyd Wilkie
Boyd Wilkie
07:38 11 Jan 20
Quick place to go. The people upfront will tell you the haunting. If you have a San Diego go pass, it's only good... during daytime hours. It's a quick history visit, and worth $10 dollars.read more
Liseli Martin
Liseli Martin
15:14 14 Dec 19
This little museum is so fun and a little spooky. You get tickets at the store next door and there are guides in the... house that can direct you where to go. There is a print out of the story of the house. They have a break in the middle of the day for an hour or 2 so just keep that in mind when planning your day. There are a few floors - quite a few stairs - there's a cellar, main floor and upstairs (if you are with older adults or younger children) but it's really fun. The people who work here are very knowledgeable and are more than happy to answer any questionsread more
Dana Fritz
Dana Fritz
22:08 04 Dec 19
The Whaley House Museum is an interesting little spot to visit and not too expensive. I heard that it was one of the... most haunted houses in America and decided to see it for myself. While I didn’t actually see anything paranormal with my own eyes, I did catch some weird anomalies on camera and there is definitely a creepy vibe in here with unexplainable cold spots throughout the house. Paranormal activity aside, there is a lot of history to see and learn about here in the museum including the courthouse and theater.read more
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