About San Diego Ghosts: Why We're The Best

Our Founder

The founder of US Ghost Adventures developed a deep respect for history and storytelling through his military service and travels around the globe. These experiences shaped his belief in the importance of preserving the stories of those who came before us and honoring their legacy. At US Ghost Adventures, our mission extends beyond sharing ghost stories—we strive to keep history alive and create meaningful connections to the past.

We proudly support St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center and other charitable organizations. Our tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture that continue to shape San Diego.

Real History | Real Hauntings

San Diego’s haunted past is deeply connected to its role as the birthplace of California and the events that shaped its history. Founded as part of the Spanish mission system, the city witnessed conflict with native populations, colonization, and religious conversion. During the Mexican-American War, battles fought on this soil left behind restless spirits that many believe still roam the area. The city’s importance as a military hub and its history of social upheaval and natural disasters have also contributed to the numerous hauntings. Places like the Whaley House and the Cosmopolitan Hotel are tied to real events and people from San Diego’s past.

Exclusive Stories and Locations

For those looking to dive deeper into the haunted history, we offer an optional extended tour with exclusive stops that will send chills down your spine. These locations are filled with eerie stories and paranormal activity that few have experienced. Possible stops include:

• The Mormon Battalion Historic Site: Visitors have reported hearing whispers from the past as if the spirits of those who once served still linger.

• Coral Tea Tree House: Known for ghostly encounters, some say the spirits here reach beyond the grave to make their presence known.

• Sherman Gilbert House: Beware of the phantom music that has been known to play, as if past residents are still hosting grand events from the beyond.

Best Local Guides

Our tours are led by the best local guides who care deeply about both the city’s history and its haunted side. Our guides are dedicated to uncovering the rich stories behind the city’s most haunted locations, blending historical facts with chilling ghostly tales. They bring passion and expertise to every tour, ensuring you not only learn about the city’s past but also feel its lingering ghostly presence. With our local guides, you’ll experience San Diego like never before.

Why is San Diego so Haunted?

San Diego’s rich and complex history makes it one of the most haunted cities in America. As a city that has seen centuries of conflict, growth, and change, the lingering spirits of its past have left an indelible mark. From its early days as a Spanish mission to the wild days of the Old West, San Diego has witnessed tragedy, hardship, and mystery. Sites like the infamous Whaley House, built on the site of a former gallows, and the Cosmopolitan Hotel, where the spirits of its original residents are said to remain, are just a glimpse into the city’s haunted legacy.

The blend of cultural history, untimely deaths, and the energy of a growing city have all contributed to San Diego’s reputation as a hotspot for the supernatural. Ghostly apparitions, strange noises, and mysterious occurrences are common, making San Diego a place where the past never truly lets go.

Some of Our Favorite Locations

Our San Diego Ghosts tour takes you to some of the city’s most haunted and historically rich locations. These stops are filled with eerie tales and ghostly encounters that leave visitors captivated. Some of our favorite stops include:

• Seeley Stable: Visitors report seeing the ghostly apparition of a former resident still lingering in this historic structure.

• The Cosmopolitan Hotel: This iconic building is said to still house the spirits of its original family, who aren’t ready to move on just yet.

• La Casa De Estudillo: Keep your eyes open for the ghost of a monk who passed during his visit—many claim to have seen him wandering the grounds.

• Whaley House: Known as the most haunted house in America, this location has a chilling history and numerous reported sightings of ghostly figures.

Interactive Experiences

For those seeking a more hands-on ghost-hunting experience, we offer EMF detectors for an additional fee on our San Diego tours. Use this equipment to track possible unexplained activity while our expert guides bring the city’s haunted history to life. This interactive experience lets you delve deeper into the stories of San Diego’s spirits, combining ghostly encounters with real history. Our guides work hard to make sure you leave with a deeper understanding of both the supernatural and the past.

Featured In

Our San Diego ghost tours have been spotlighted in various prominent publications, proving that the haunted history of the city runs deeper than you might expect. US Ghost Adventures has been featured in The Smithsonian Magazine, Travel Channel, and The Wall Street Journal, where our unique blend of history and the supernatural has captured the attention of both believers and skeptics alike. Discover why these media outlets have taken notice of San Diego’s haunted side.

What Our Guests Are Saying

“Dave was such an engaging and entertaining tour guide! I love history but don’t much believe in ghosts or haunting though my friend does, and there was truly something for everyone on this tour. I would honestly go again if I knew Dave would be the guide!” (5 Stars) -Emilee Mullen

“We had a great time on the tour. Dave was fantastic and entertaining.  The tour was full of history and was a unique way to see the Gaslamp Quarter.” (5 Stars) -Jessica R

“We had Dave as a tour guide and he was AMAZING!! super funny and friendly. Would definitely do again and highly recommend it!!” (5 Stars) -Baby coz

Photos and Experiences

We welcome you to snap photos throughout our San Diego ghost tours. But don’t be surprised if your camera picks up something unexpected! Many of our guests have captured ghostly apparitions, strange lights, or mysterious figures lurking in the corners of their photos. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, your pictures may reveal more than meets the eye in this haunted city. Don’t miss your chance to capture the unexplained!