San Diego has a reputation for being one of the most gorgeous and desirable locations in the entire country, but underneath the beach-city vibe and amazing weather lies a sinister underbelly.
San Diego Old Town Ghost Tours takes you into the oldest corners of the “Plymouth of the West.” Our captivating and unnerving historical ghost stories pull back the curtain on the real story behind the country’s sunniest city.
Ethereal Planes, Tragedy, and Creepy Kids
People come to San Diego for the mix of cultures, and the unbelievably great weather, but they don’t expect the darkness underneath the surface. Ever since joining the United States in 1850, San Diego has been a city of paradox. All at once it feels like a sleepy beach town, and a bustling metropolitan city. It represents a clash of cultures, and yet somehow feels like its own cohesive destination. It is a sunny vacation destination, and a dark hotbed of paranormal activity. San Diego’s Old Town in particular, holds the key to the city’s rich and complicated history. This is where it all began. Many of the buildings and recreations in this area actually pre-date the state of California. Find out what type of people helped form this city into what it has become today, and how those unfortunate souls are still influencing it in their own way. Find out how people survived, or didn’t, during some of California’s earliest days. We will help you understand the true meaning of family and success through unflinching tales that will thrill, frighten, and in some cases, maybe inspire.
Why is San Diego’s Old Town so haunted?
San Diego’s Old Town has a long and varied history. The area’s unique location has created a distinctive combination of Native American, Mexican, and American cultures that cannot be replicated anywhere else. Any time you have such disparate views and beliefs in one place, you are bound to see some violence and turmoil. While San Diego history has largely been peaceful, death finds a way. The psychic pain of death is everywhere, and that pain manifests through both benevolent and malevolent spirits.
From the active ghosts of the Whaley home to the deafening whispers of the Mormon Battalion, death is woven into the fabric of Old Town San Diego. The reason for this may be under the feet of every visitor to this part of the city. Much of Old Town is built on the repurposed grounds of the El Campo Santo Cemetery. The dead are literally underfoot, and the effect is undeniable. In nearly every corner of Old Town, even among the recreations and refurbishments, is filled with a story or a rumor that leads back to the paranormal. While some of these spirits are peaceful enough, others prey on the vulnerability of the living to terrify and torment.
No matter what draws you to listen to stories about the supernatural, Old Town will give you a unique and compelling experience that will have you thinking long after.
Tour Info
Our San Diego Old Town Ghost Tour takes you through 8-12 different sites around the Old Town area, each one ratcheting up the tension more and more. Meet your experienced tour guide at the intersection of Juan Street and Twiggs Street, near the Old Town San Diego sign at least 15 minutes before your tour’s scheduled departure time. The standard tour takes about an hour, and takes you through several landmark locations in the Old Town area. If you select the extended tour, you will get another 30 minutes of chilling stories and historical locations!
Our San Diego ghost tour meets at the corner of Juan Street and Twiggs Street near the Old Town San Diego sign. Tours are held rain or shine. Please note that we do not go inside the buildings, and we also do not meet inside. However, you are more than welcome to tour the public locations at your leisure after the tour has ended.
1 mile
The one mile standard tour should take about an hour. If you choose the extended tour, you will take another 30 minutes to explore an additional 0.5 miles through the Heritage Historic Park immediately after the standard tour ends.
One-hour tours start at 8pm. Please arrive at the meeting location fifteen minutes before the tour begins, and make sure you leave plenty of time to find parking or to get to the location. Our tours are held regardless of weather conditions unless severe storms are announced.
Parking is available at nearby parking garages and lots. Please check your tour time and meeting location in advance so that you may arrive on time. We recommend arriving early to find parking and to ensure that you are not late.
Adult tickets are $19; children under 12 are $12; and children under 6 are free. The extended tour costs an additional $5 per person.
You must attend the tour for the date and time of your purchase. Ghost tours are held rain or shine. Rescheduling may be done upon prior approval, and is subject to a rescheduling fee.
Free parking is available at nearby lots. Please check your tour time and meeting location in advance so that you may arrive on time. We recommend arriving early to find parking and to ensure that you are not late.
