Whaley House Museum
2476 San Diego Ave., San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92110
If walls could talk, the Whaley House could fill history books. Completed in 1857, the Greek Revival House in San Diego’s Old Town has served as a family home, general store, theater, and county courthouse. Today, visitors mostly come looking for a good scare, as the Whaley House is considered one of the most haunted places in the US.
The basics
The historic house has undergone an extensive restoration and is open to the public as a museum. During the daytime, visitors explore on their own, but docents are available to answer questions about the house’s history.
Docent-led night tours are more popular and delve into the house's haunted history that has made it famous. Among the reported resident ghosts are the spirit of “Yankee Jim Robinson”—who was hanged on the property—and the Whaley’s daughter Violet, who committed suicide there in 1885. Many San Diego ghost tours also include a stop at the Whaley House for some supernatural exposure.
Things to know before you go
- Whaley is pronounced way-lee.
- Reports of paranormal activity include physical sensations, cold or warm spots, apparitions, and inexplicable movement of objects.
- Night tours last for about 35 minutes.
- The first floor of the Whaley House and the museum shop are accessible.
- Savor local flavor at the New Orleans Creole Cafe, located right behind the Whaley House.
How to get there
The Whaley House is located in Old Town San Diego and can be easily reached from downtown via the Sycuan Green Line trolley. If you're driving, there is free all-day parking in the public parking lot on Harney and Twiggs Streets.
When to get there
The Whaley House is open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Hours and closures vary with the seasons and holidays.
Haunted San Diego
San Diego may be best known for its sunshine and beaches, but there is a sinister side to this oceanfront paradise. The Whaley House is an essential stop on most haunted itineraries, with other popular paranormal destinations including the Davis-Horton House, Villa Montezuma, and the El Campo Santo Cemetery.
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