San Diego may be known today for its sunny beaches and vibrant neighborhoods, but beneath the surface lies a rich and eerie history. After the Mexican-American War, San Diego became part of the U.S., attracting settlers, entrepreneurs, and all kinds of characters looking to establish themselves in this new territory. But with the city’s rapid growth came stories of hardship, violence, and untimely death. It’s no wonder that certain areas of San Diego have become haunted, as the spirits of its past continue to linger in the city’s most notorious locations.

Walk Among the Nightly Spirits on Our San Diego Ghost Tours

Join us as we explore the dark side of San Diego’s history with our walking ghost tours. These tours take place in three of the city’s most haunted neighborhoods—Coronado, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Old Town—each with its own unique and chilling tales. With insights from our experienced tour guide, you’ll learn about the lives of the people who once lived there and the chilling events that still resonate today. This historic tour highlights specific stories of San Diego history, where nightly spirits may still wander, sending shivers down your spine!

What You’ll Experience

• Victorian-Era Hauntings: San Diego’s haunted history is closely tied to its Victorian-era architecture. The grand buildings from the late 19th century hold the stories of the good, the bad, and the ugly, and we’ll take you through their dark pasts.
• Chilling Ghost Stories: Learn about the spirits that still roam these streets, from vengeful apparitions to restless souls. Our expert guides will share ghostly encounters that have been experienced in these haunted places, making it a spirited, entertaining tour.
• The True History Behind the Hauntings: It’s not just about the ghosts—it’s about the people and the notorious wild characters they once were. Hear about the lives, tragedies, and mysteries that make these spirits linger long after their time on Earth has ended.
• Not for the Faint of Heart: This tour is full of shocking stories and unsettling details, making it unsuitable for children. If you love a good thrill and are fascinated by history’s darker side, this is the perfect tour for you.

Ghost Tours in San Diego’s Most Haunted Neighborhoods

Our San Diego Ghost Tours take you through three of the city’s most storied areas, each with its own blend of rich history and paranormal activity:

Coronado

Coronado is known for its stunning Victorian hotels and seaside beauty, but behind its charming exterior lie stories of mystery and death.

• Hotel del Coronado: One of the most famous haunted locations in the area, the Hotel del Coronado has been the site of numerous ghost sightings, including the tragic ghost of Kate Morgan, who checked in but never checked out.
• El Cordova Hotel: This historic building has its own stories of restless spirits and strange happenings, with ghostly encounters being reported by staff and guests alike.

Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter may be the heart of San Diego’s nightlife, but beneath its lively streets are tales of murder, scandal, and lingering souls.

• Horton Grand Hotel: Step inside this historic hotel where a gambler named Roger Whitaker is said to haunt Room 309, after meeting a grisly end.
• Historic Building Basements: Many of the old buildings in the Gaslamp Quarter have basements that once served as opium dens, speakeasies, and even mortuaries. These hidden spaces are steeped in eerie stories of their dark pasts.
• The Old Mortuary: Now repurposed, this former mortuary was where the bodies of San Diego’s dead were prepared for burial—some say the dead never truly left.

Old Town

As one of the oldest parts of San Diego, Old Town is teeming with ghostly tales and paranormal activity. It’s often called the most haunted area in the city.

• Whaley House: Known as one of the most haunted houses in America, the Whaley House has seen executions, suicides, and hauntings that have terrified visitors for generations. Several paranormal investigations have been conducted at this house, most notably in the 2014 Season of the Travel Channel series Ghost Adventures.
• Campo Santo Cemetery: This old cemetery still holds the remains of early San Diego settlers. Many believe the spirits of those buried here still roam the nearby streets, particularly after nightfall.