whaley house daytime self guided tour

Whaley House Day and Evening Tour Package

Daytime Self-Guided Tour: Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.

Guided Evening Tour*: Crossover to the dark side of San Diego history in California’s Oldest Town and let us enchant you with spirited tales of the past.

• Daytime Self-Guided Tour:
• Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
• Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
• Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
• Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
• Haunted Evening Guided Tour:
• As seen on the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel and Discovery Channel.
• Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions.
• Approximately 30-40 minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds.
• Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal.
• Tour tickets do not have to be used on the same day

Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour

Viewed as an integral part of Old Town San Diego since 1857, the Whaley House offers you a glimpse into the past. With more than a century in the making, the Whaley House holds an impressive amount of San Diego heritage, from the rough and tough times of early California statehood to the flourishing center of San Diego tourism. Recognized as the oldest two-story brick-structure south of Monterey California, the Whaley House features magnificent Greek Revival architecture along with an unrivaled historical timeline encompassing San Diego’s second County courthouse, a lively theatre, a charming general store, and a prominent family home. Learn the history behind the mystery of San Diego’s legendary Whaley House.

Whaley House Evening Guided Tour

While the story of the Whaley House’s origins may seem as simple and innocent as any family history, the truth is, many believed this home was destined to be haunted before it was even built. The property was the site of one of the town’s most famous public executions – that of the hanging of the infamous thief James “Yankee Jim” Robinson.

The Whaley House, designated as a museum in 1960, is located in Old Town San Diego, California’s Oldest Town. Designed and built by Thomas Whaley, the house is furnished with curated historical items and original family owned treasures.

Worldwide known as the Most Haunted House in America, it is recognized for its historical significance in Old Town San Diego.

Notes: Please plan appropriately for the historic attributes of the Whaley House Museum including stairs and uneven grounds. Wheelchair access available only on the first floor; no elevators on-site. Service dogs allowed.

If you are an individual with a disability and require an auxiliary aid or service to enjoy one of our tours, please contact us at (619) 298-8687.

For those guests who are unable to take the stairs, we are happy to provide a tablet with an audio/visual presentation of the second floor of the Whaley House.

Evening Guided Tour: In order to maintain proper storytelling ambiance a significant amount of this tour takes place in low-lit areas. We also ask that you wear comfortable and appropriate footwear as you will be traversing through a historic site with some uneven surfaces and stairs.

Video recording, audio recording, or live streaming policy:

Daytime Self-Guided Tour: Video Recording is permitted for personal use only.

Evening Guided Tour: Video recording, audio recording, or live streaming is prohibited.

If you would like to inquire about filming for content or commercial purposes, you may contact us at  [email protected] .

Open daily. 10am – 4:30pm.

Duration: Walk through at your own pace. You will receive a brief introduction every 15 minutes that will give you a glimpse of the history and the Museum information in general.

Reservations are not required for daytime tours. Tickets available on site.

Location: 2476 San Diego Ave. Intersection of Harney St. and San Diego Ave.

Parking: There is free parking available at Old Town State Park. Please plan accordingly.

See calendar for available dates and times. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Duration: Approximately 30-40 minutes.

The Evening Guided Tour has a capacity of 20 people in each tour.

*Reservations are required. Check-in is 20 minutes prior to the start of tour time. Late check-in may result in forfeited reserved entry. Reservation based tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance of your tour time by calling 619-333-4020 or the website tool “Manage Booking” to reschedule your own reservation. **The Whaley House Evening Guided Tour is rated PG-13. Due to some sensitive topics, the Evening Guided Tour is not recommended for children 12 years of age or younger.

Inside the Whaley House, San Diego’s Most Haunted Spot

As someone who has a difficult time walking the dog after I’ve watched a scary movie or a particularly thrilling  Law & Order , I was honestly worried for myself about visiting a place on numerous lists as one of the most haunted places in America.

I was also flying solo that day, so there was no buffer for my fears. 

If you’re scared easily in a similar way or curious about exploring the most haunted house in San Diego , read on to see how I fared, how to book a Whaley House tour of your own, and whether a visit is worth the potential fright.

Quick Tips for Your Whaley House Visit

Your Flight:  Seek out deals to San Diego using  Skyscanner . Love deals? Subscribe to  Going .

Your Accommodations:  We lived in San Diego, but browse Booking.com  or Hotels.com  for some options. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative.

Your Ride: You’ll need a car to get out there. Book a rental car ahead of time.

Top Spots: You’re here for the Whaley House, but don’t miss Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and the Victorians of Heritage County Park while you’re in Old Town.

Disclosure: Travel on the Reg uses affiliate links to keep things running around here . At no additional cost to you, I earn a lil’ commission if you make a purchase. Any income earned supports the upkeep of this site . I appreciate you!

Is the Whaley House haunted?

The legendary Whaley House is supposedly one of the most haunted houses in the United States. This is what makes it special.

It has a reputation among ghosthunters as a hub for paranormal activity. That includes cold spots, orbs, and even apparitions if you’re lucky, so bring that ghost-hunting equipment.

I’m not sure what I believe when it comes to haunted houses, but I’m not going to go out of my way and say I don’t believe. I don’t want to offend anyone or make myself all available for a haunting.

That all said, while I was a little creeped out moving through the property on my self-guided Whaley House tour, I didn’t see, feel, or hear anything that would prove this unique legacy site is haunted.

What happened at the Whaley House?

The history of the Whaley House starts with Thomas Whaley, who started construction on the family home back in 1856. It was completed by 1857, making it one of the oldest homes in San Diego.

At that time, it was a place of business and a residence of Whaley, a New York entrepreneur who came to California during the Gold Rush.

The Old Town house he ended up purchasing in 1855 would serve as a shop, a granary, a courthouse, and a theater, all very fun things that added to the vibrancy of the neighborhood at that time.

It was also the site of the public hanging of an alleged boat thief, James “Yankee Jim” Robinson, and where one of Thomas Whaley’s daughters, Violet, committed suicide.

Note: Violet suffered from depression, exacerbated by her con artist husband.

A number of the Whaley family members, including Thomas Jr., who came down with scarlet fever as a baby, also died in the house. You can likely see where I’m going with this as far as purported hauntings.

Although it wasn’t that uncommon to die at home back in the day, the reported crying dead baby sounds today are less common, and of note in terms of what makes this place pretty creepy.

The place’s significance as a historic house museum makes it an important stop on any Old Town itinerary, but I’m here for the spooky stuff. The Whaley House Museum is a good place to start for a primer on what makes this place so intriguing.

It offers up a detailed history of both Whaley and the Whaley family home, open to the public since 1960.

Why is the Whaley House famous?

The Whaley House is famous for being haunted.

It has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures as one of the most haunted houses in America. It’s also why Regis Philbin overnighted there for an episode of The Haunting Of… on the Biography network.

Fun fact: Philbin was there for a second time following an encounter with Whaley’s wife Anna Eloise at the house in the 1960s.

Evidence of ghosting — and by this I mean the spooky kind, not the kind where you stop texting someone back because that’s easier than being an adult — has been found back to the Thomas Whaley days.

Historical records show the family members would report unexplained footsteps throughout the house.

I wonder then if ol’ Tom had any regrets about being a spectator at Yankee Jim’s hanging. 

READ MORE: Love historical stops? You may enjoy Julian, an old mining town and easy San Diego day trip.

Can I take a tour of the Whaley House?

You can definitely take a tour of the famed Whaley House. Whaley House tickets to access the Whaley House ghost tour are available at the museum shop in the cottage next door.

You can also purchase reservation-based tickets online, a move I’d recommend if you’re visiting during the month of October .

There are all kinds of knick-knacks and other items in the shop for you to browse through while you’re there. That includes books detailing just how haunted this place is based on after-hours paranormal experiences and tales of the tragedies that occurred here back in the day.

If you’re visiting on a self-guided tour, you can also just pay the kind lady for your ticket and be on your way.

You’ll get a sheet full of historical information for your tour, including information about the Greek Revival architecture you’re about to be treated to.

What are the different types of tours offered at the Whaley House?

The Whaley House offers a few different types of tours depending on whether you want a historical or spooktacular tour of the property.

Those include:

• Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour: This is what I chose to do on my own Whaley House tour. You can walk about the house at your own pace and still speak to docents in period garb if you have any burning questions. If you’re a little chicken like me, it’ll all happen in daylight, too.
• Whaley House Evening Guided Tour: The Whaley House doesn’t offer guided daytime tours, so if you’d like to walk about with a docent, this is your best bet. You’ll learn about any myths and misconceptions related to the house and potentially get into some spooky fun.
• Whaley House After Hours Paranormal Investigation: Learn the darker side of the Whaley House history on this small group tour. You’ll get a quick training session on “real” ghost-hunting equipment to reach whoever is waiting for you on the other side.

Hours for a self-guided visit to the Whaley House vary a bit by season, with extended hours and special events during Halloween time.

Generally, the house is open 10am-9:30pm, with a break in the evening for the docents to get some grub or whatever haunted house docents do.

Maybe they tell each other spooky ghost stories in the glow of a flashlight. I really don’t know.

Anyway, check out posted times if you’re heading over to the Greek Revival house.

My Whaley House Tour: A Complete Review

The house itself isn’t very large.

There is a downstairs area of artifacts displayed how they might have been in 1868-1871. Display cases show the kinds of things sold in the general store that existed there back in the day.

Of course, there were dead-eyed dolls for sale back then. OF COURSE. What else would a child in that era need or want?

One of the first things I saw in the old general store was an old book of family photos. Apparently, the Whaley family found it impossible not to take a creepy photo. 

Moving on, you’ll see the family’s old dining room and the kitchen.

A parlor with a light flickering off the study sets quite an ominous mood. I later learned that the study is where Thomas’ daughter, 22-year-old Violet, was laid out after shooting herself on the surrounding grounds. 

Thanks for that, Alex the docent.

Going up the stairs, which much a to-do has been made about on all the TV shows, you’ll find the bedrooms.

Of course, there are more creepy dolls, sitting there on those bedspreads like that’s a normal thing for a doll with this level of creepiness to do.

You’ll also find the commercial theater, which was the first commercial theater of its kind until the theater troupe’s leader died shortly after it opened.

What else would he do in a haunted house?

Fun fact: The only fright in that room today is how cheap theater tickets used to be. There is a sign posted boasting tickets for sale for 50 cents.

The skeletons in there give things a nice touch on Whaley House tours, although I’m not sure whether they were moved in just for the season.

Is the Whaley House scary?

The Whaley House isn’t generally scary if you’re there on a self-guided tour.

That said, I’m too big a chicken to go in the evening or even at dusk, and too cheap to go on one of their private nighttime tours. I’m also too chicken for that, and could probably find the money if I really wanted to. 

When I walked into the house, there was a group in there talking to the docent, Alex.

One of the women visiting said she hadn’t been at the house since the 1970s because of an experience she had there at that time.

She was apparently pushed down the stairs going up to the second level by a ghost set of hands.

Red marks on her back at the time proved it, she said. If she wasn’t caught by a friend with her at the time, who knows where she’d be?

Today was the day she conveniently decided to show up, the same day I was brave enough for my own visit.

I walked behind the woman while she walked up the stairs with her group, thinking that was safer for me somehow. 

I realize the woman can’t provide receipts of those red marks on her back from back in the day, but in these scenarios, I find it best to just err on the side of believing what I’m hearing. 

Done with my own tour, I chatted with Alex, the docent, for a bit more.

I asked him if he had ever experienced any spooky things during his tenure there. He said he has SO many stories.

He then asked me where I felt the most uneasy. I told him upstairs because of that ghost lady’s story AND the creepy dolls on the bed in one of the rooms there. 

Alex then launches into a scary story of his own.

If it were dark he would’ve needed a flashlight, because that was the kind of tone happening here.

The story begins with Alex opening the house one morning.

He was setting up the fan that blows in the theater upstairs when he saw a woman pass by in the doorway, dressed in old-timey garb.

He thought it was Pat, another docent who works at the house with him, who is typically dressed in her old-timey garb because that’s just how she rolls, and what she’s paid to do.

Alex calls out for Pat, to no answer. 

He calls for her again, no answer.

Finally, he comes downstairs and finds Pat, milling around doing something or other. He asks her if she was upstairs at any point in the morning. 

Pat says no.

At this point, I asked Alex if Pat was messing with him, because she seemed like the type, what with her being in character and all.

Alex said she wasn’t, that she wasn’t actually the type to be messing around, and I was wrong to assume that about her.

Note: It seemed like maybe he had a story like that for whatever room I had told him creeped me out. Perhaps he’s really haunted by a mysterious old-timey woman. I can’t say, but either way, his life is quite intriguing.

In any case, the house gave me weird vibes.

I’m not a true believer when it comes to the spirit realm, but that doesn’t mean I want to be upsetting them by poo-pooing their haunting abilities while visiting the Whaley House.

Nothing but respect, Mr. Whaley.

Whaley House Tour Logistics

Before you go, here are a few more things to note about the Whaley House:

• The Whaley House is on San Diego Avenue in Old Town, an adorable part of town with nightmarish parking. If you’re not wary of parallel parking uphill, I’ve had the most luck on Juan Street if you’re seeking free parking available.
• No, you don’t need to book tickets in advance for a self-guided day tour until you’re traveling very close to Halloween. Reservation-based tickets for guided experiences are never a bad idea.
• While you’re here and near Old Town State Historic Park, you can also check out the old Victorian homes in  Heritage County Park . Pop in for some tea time at the Coral Tree Tea House  if you’re fancy .
• Once you’re done with your tour, take some time to check out the grounds outside. The Derby-Pendleton House and trees in the back, planted by the Whaley kids, are quite beautiful.
• The New Orleans Creole Cafe on the property is also worth a visit if you’re hungry after your ghost-hunting tours. They have yummy-sounding gumbo on the menu.

More San Diego Ghost Tours

The Old Town Trolley tours run more than historic tours around San Diego . They have a San Diego Ghosts and Gravestones ghost tour that takes you to various notorious spots throughout the city, including the Whaley House.

It allows you to experience the house with a guide on a trolley tour that requires little effort of you.

Their San Diego City Lights Night Tour is more romantic than spooky, taking you through the city at night on one of the company’s most popular Old Town Trolley tours.

Want to comparison-shop a few San Diego ghost tours? Check out these options:

Can you stay at the Whaley House?

You can’t stay overnight at the historic Whaley House on your San Diego trips , no matter how much you spent on the latest ghost-hunting equipment.

Visitors can take Whaley House haunted evening tours on a 40-minute guided tour, but that’s as close are you’re going to get to an overnight there.

To that, I say, “OK!” I’m fine with my self-guided, middle-of-the-day tour of this haunted house in Old Town.

Where to Stay in Old Town

I may have ruined your dreams of staying overnight in a haunted house, but you can stay in Old Town. We lived near these parts , in hipster North Park to be exact , but I do have some suggestions. Check out the map below:

READ MORE: Interested in handing around Old Town? Check out my preferred spots in my Old Town guide!

Is the Whaley House tour worth it?

Yes, the Whaley House tour is worth it. When I visited, it was only $10. While it’s gone up a few bucks since I’m sure you spend more than that on more ridiculous things .

It’s a historical house , first of all, and that’s inherently interesting. That’s what makes it one of the most popular San Diego attractions before any of the spooky stuff.

Add on top of that the haunted layer and it’s a fun outing. I’d even call it one of the best tours San Diego has to offer, and certainly one of the best historical haunted house tours around the country.

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Agnes Groonwald

San Diego Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour

Description.

• $13.00 per person

The San Diego Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour offers an immersive journey into the intriguing history and paranormal folklore of one of America’s most notorious buildings. As visitors step into this well-preserved 19th-century home, they are greeted with a captivating blend of historical narrative and spine-tingling tales. Unlike conventional tours, this experience allows guests to explore the house and its grounds at their own pace, fostering a sense of personal discovery and connection with the past.

What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to delve into the darker side of San Diego’s history, as the Whaley House is renowned for its spectral activity. From the interactive live narrative overview to the self-guided exploration, visitors can uncover the stories of the Whaley family and the chilling events that have contributed to its haunted reputation. With no reservations required for daytime tours, this unique experience invites guests to step back in time and unravel the mysteries of this iconic landmark.

Key Highlights

– Historical Immersion: Step into the past with an e-ticket to the San Diego Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour, where history comes to life in the heart of San Diego. – Interactive Experience: Engage all your senses as you explore the meticulously preserved rooms, each whispering tales of the Whaley family’s life, love, and legacy. – Spiritual Encounters: Feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up as you traverse the halls rumored to be haunted, adding an extra thrill to your historical escapade. – Architectural Marvel: Marvel at the stunning Greek Revival architecture, a visual feast for architecture enthusiasts and novices alike. – Curiosity Unleashed: Uncover lesser-known stories and secrets about the Whaley House, adding a layer of intrigue to your visit.

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The Whaley House Story – San Diego’s Scariest & Most Haunted Place

March 11, 2024 By: Hedge Metreyeon This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through our links.

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The Whaley House San Diego Story

Likely one of the biggest haunted attractions in all of San Diego , the Whaley House is infamous around the world as one of the most haunted places in America.

San Diego already has a long history of mystery and ghost stories, there are many ghost tours you can go on year-round. However, nothing quite tops the Whaley House Story. It not only involves Thomas Whaley and his family but a plethora of other stories and mysteries that have happened on the land. 

Important: I highly recommend the guided tour to give you even more information about the history and ghosts you may encounter during your visit. Get your tickets here>>

Recommended San Diego Ghost Tours: – San Diego Ghosts and Gravestones Tour (read our full review here) – Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour – San Diego Gaslamp District Ghost T our – San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter Historic True Crime Tour

Old Town Video

Check out our segment on the Whaley House in our Old Town Video:

The Whaley House has been so famous, they even made a movie about it. In 2012 they made a horror movie called The Haunting of Whaley House .

Now, much like other horror movies based on real places, the Whaley House movie is an exaggerated movie for fun. It by no means sets the tone for the actual house.

If you’re a San Diego native or have lived in town for over 5 years, you would know at least a little bit about the Whaley House. As a kid, I would go on field trips to the Old Town and more often than not did we go on the ghost tour. I wasn’t a believer in ghosts until I went on the Whaley House ghost tour.

I remember feeling as if someone was following me when I was at the very back of the group. As we walked through the dining room, I saw her. A little girl around my age looking at me. We made eye contact for what felt like ages but could’ve only been a couple of long seconds. I’ve believed in the supernatural ever since. Let’s dive into the fascinating ghost stories and how you can experience them yourself.

A Little About The Whaley House

The house has turned into a museum located in Old Town San Diego . For my architecture nerds, it is a perfect example of a mid-nineteenth-century Greek revival. It’s a gorgeous house with a red brick facade, green window panes, and white detailing. I’ve always thought it was the most beautiful building in Old Town.

The house has been a formal historic house museum and opened to the public on May 25th, 1960. San Diego county owns it but it’s operated and managed by the SOHO (Save Our Heritage Organization). They have been restoring the house to it’s former historic glory for accuracy. Thomas Whaley was very proud of his handy work and boasted of its convenience to the town. 

I’d have to agree. The Whaley House was the most convenient house of the time. There was a courtroom where many were convicted of crimes. Copies of the case records can be seen at the house.

In another room was a general store where patrons could purchase anything from tobacco to shavers. Upstairs, amongst the bedrooms, there was a theater. Each room has been restored to its former glory so visitors can soak in the history. 

Daytime tours are offered and tickets can be purchased at the museum shop next to the actual house. Unlike a lot of tours in San Diego, this one is self-guided and super inexpensive. The normal rate is $13 but for active military, seniors (55+) and children (6-12) it’s only $8.

There are employees all around so if you have any questions they can answer them. On your daytime tour, guests receive a little pamphlet with the history and details of each room on the tour route. Beware though, you may feel the presence of a specter. Let’s explore the specters you may encounter.

Dark History Turned to Modern Mystery

There is a reason why the Whaley House has been dubbed one of the most haunted places in America. Visitors report seeing orbs and apparitions all over the house during both the day and night tours. There are quite a few ghosts that are rumored to show themselves. 

Yankee Jim Robinson

James Robinson, originally from Australia, was a bandit who stole horses. In 1849 he found gold a few miles from Foresthill and formulated a plan to hide the discovery from miners and camps, a plan which ultimately failed. In fact, so many came flocking, a town was established. 

Jim stayed in town until a fire broke out in 1852 destroying the settlement. The papers reported three different fires started simultaneously then grew into one huge destructive fire. The townspeople suspected arson. While they didn’t point fingers at Jim, the miners did discover his thieving ways. He was forced out of town under the threat of hanging.

He ended up in San Diego in late 1852. His kleptomania did not stop and he was arrested for stealing a boat. He ended up convicted of grand larceny and sentenced to death by hanging on the grounds of the Whaley House. 

His hanging wasn’t exactly normal because James was a lanky guy. He was very tall and slender so when they pulled the wagon from underneath him, he swung like a pendulum while slowly choking to death. Usually, a person’s neck breaks and they die under their own weight. Jim was reportedly hanging for an unusually long time before he finally died. 

Due to this torturous death, Yankee Jim still walks amongst living in the unseen world. Visitors have captured pictures of a lanky man with Jim’s description. Mrs. Whaley was even plagued by his presence during her time in the house. Thomas Whaley himself reported mysterious footfalls around the house that he concluded was Yankee Jim. 

Thomas Whaley Jr. 

Many believe that the land has always been cursed, doomed to hold spirits for eternity. Yankee Jim was simply the first to suffer from that curse. The second was the Whaley’s first son, Thomas Whaley Jr.

After moving into the finished house, their first son was stricken with scarlet fever and died at 18 months. The tragedy did not end there. 

A few months after the baby’s death, there was a fire inside the house that destroyed the general store. So Thomas Whaley decided to move the family to San Francisco. They didn’t return until a few years after in 1868 with both Mr. and Mrs. Whaley and their five children. 

Some visitors can hear the sound of a baby crying softly, little footfalls, and his innocent giggle when nobody else is around.

Anna Eloise Whaley

Mrs. Anna Whaley is the most common spirit in the house. People can smell her potent French perfume or see her in the parlor.

Mrs. Whaley grieved of attracting the spirits in the house a lot. Perhaps it’s fitting that in the afterlife she provides a comforting presence rather than a malicious one. More often than not, she appears to young people in an effort to welcome them and interact. 

She was not the luckiest of ladies in terms of her adult life. She married a man who watched an execution then decided to build his home on that very land, and she outlived 3 of her children and her husband.

Not to mention, while her husband was away, she was held at gunpoint by a group of men so they could steal courtroom records. This was a turning point in our tragic story.  

Violet Whaley

Violet’s is a tale of sorrow. She grew up in a family that was well endowed yet she met a tragic end. A few years after the courtroom records were stolen, Violet and her sister got married in the house. Violet married George Bertolacci and the marriage, despite her best efforts, was doomed from the start. George left her divorced and depressed. 

She was so full of grief that she decided that she simply couldn’t live on. In 1885, she shot herself. Now, people claim to see a woman looking very sad wandering around the second floor. Actually, I believe I encountered her on my most recent visit to the Whaley House.

My friend from Kansas was visiting and she, like myself, loves the occult and the paranormal.

Since I hadn’t visited the Whaley House in years, we decided to visit. We were looking over the bedrooms and trying to guess which family member slept there without looking at the pamphlet.

Suddenly, I got hit with a massive wave of sadness and I just wanted to cry. It followed me around the second floor but stop once we went back downstairs. It was the strangest thing.

Thomas Whaley Sr.

The last ghost with a very specific presence is none other than Thomas Whaley himself. He was a pioneer in his time. Mr. Whaley followed the Gold Rush like many men of the time. He sought to make a name for himself. He just didn’t know he’d be more well known in death than life. 

Thomas married Anna in New York before the construction of the house. In fact, he saw Yankee Jim die. Despite what literally everyone told him, he bought the land anyways and built on it.

Now anyone who has seen a haunted house movie knows that most haunted houses are a result of a dead person being disrespected. A dead person that either lived or died on the land. Do you see where the trouble is?

Unlike most horror movie characters, Thomas Whaley saw the trouble brewing with his now-dead namesake and the fire erupting. So he left for San Fransisco. Their family curse traveled with them. Years later, they moved back to their San Diego house with their five kids. An earthquake had run them out of town. 

When the Whaley’s came back, it was like they never left. Their businesses began to boom again and he was, in fact, running the most convenient business in town. He lived in San Diego until his death in 1890.

His specter accompanies his wife Anna in all black. Some visitors have even reported Mr. Whaley blowing smoke right into their faces. 

Whaley House Ghost Tour

There are, of course, a few specters I didn’t go into detail on. But most of the Whaley family appears in the house including Thomas Whaley Sr., Anna Eloise Whaley, Thomas Whaley Jr., Violet Whaley, Anna Amelia Whaley, Corinne Lilian “Lily” Whaley, and even the family cat and dog.

Yankee Jim is another resident of the house but it is suspected that other spirits roam the house, if Mrs. Whaley’s complaints about them are to be believed. You can get a chance to experience the spookiness of it on your own.

Daytime Tours:

10 am – 4:30 pm Tickets can be bought here>>

The daytime tour is a self-guided tour that allows you to explore the Whaley House in Old Town at your own pace.

Important: Please check in at the sales desk 30 minutes prior to your tour or otherwise you might lose your reservation and pre-paid tickets.

Nighttime Tours/Whaley House Ghost Tour: FIRST COME FIRST SERVE

5 pm – 9:00 pm

These tours are rated PG13 and dive a little deeper into the gruesome details of the Whaley House family tragedies. The guides make it a fun experience and some of their stories will send shivers down you spine, I promise!

Whaley House Ghost Hunting Tours:

If you want to explore the ghostly happenings even deeper, you can join one of the Paranormal Investigation tours that take place after hours and you get to play with the latest ghost hunting equipment with the help of an experienced guide.

You will also get exclusive access to some areas of the house and grounds that are off-limits to other tour groups. This overnight tour is not for the faint of heart, but if you always dreamt of staying overnight in a haunted house, this tour is for you!

Private After-Hours Tour:

10:30 pm start time

Requirements:

• 2 person minimum
• $75/person for 1 hour
• $50/person for each additional hour
• 3 hours maximum
• Reservations must be made two weeks in advance
• Tickets must be paid for at time of reservation
• Offer Sunday – Wednesday
• No private tours the last week of October

Get A Private Tour Here

October and Halloween Whaley House Tour:

Hours are extended the last week of October!

Most tours happen during the nighttime in October due to the spooky demand at the time. But the most special tour is definitely on Halloween .

Halloween at the Whaley House:

$15/person for nighttime (7 pm – midnight)

Regular price otherwise (10 am -5 pm)

Reserve Halloween Tickets Here

Many believe that a haunted house should have some malicious feeling behind it, some kind of evil like the Whaley House movie depicts. But that’s not always the case. The majority of the occurrences at the Whaley House are innocent and even kind of funny. Who can say a ghost blew smoke in their faces? Even if you don’t believe in the supernatural, a visit to the Whaley House is a great look into the past. It is absolutely worth it.

Also read: Old Town Ghost Tour Ultimate Old Town Guide

The Whaley House San Diego Story was written and edited by Hedge Metreyeon. For more San Diego Explorer posts, check out our homepage. For more of their articles visit here . Follow them on social media here.

The Whaley House Story – Pin for Later

Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Maria Haase

About Hedge Metreyeon

Hedge is a San Diego local and loves to share their top recommendations for the best restaurants and places to go, fun stuff to do in San Diego all year round, and the best secret spots this city has to offer.

Reader Interactions

May 15, 2023 at 5:03 pm

learning this information was amazing I’ve recently been into ghosts. And learning this information made me more interested about them I was just reading about the crescent hotel when I came across this. I have also seen a video about the Whaley house and the crescent hotel by a YouTube channel called Sam and Colby they have all these mysterious ghost stories and I watch them all the time. Any way that’s all I think I am going to wright but once again thank you for this amazing information.

September 22, 2023 at 3:31 am

The Whaley House in San Diego is an absolute gem! I had the most captivating and hauntingly beautiful experience during my visit. The history behind this place is truly fascinating, and the tour guides were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The architecture is stunning, and you can feel the stories reverberating through the walls. The Whaley House is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and spine-tingling adventure in San Diego. Thanks for the unforgettable experience!

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Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour

2004 reviews

Whaley House Museum 4.4

Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.

• Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
• Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
• Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
• Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.

Viewed as an integral part of Old Town San Diego since 1857, the Whaley House offers you a glimpse into the past. With more than a century in the making, the Whaley House holds an impressive amount of San Diego heritage, from the rough and tough times of early California statehood to the flourishing center of San Diego tourism. Recognized as the oldest two-story brick-structure south of Monterey California, the Whaley House features magnificent Greek Revival architecture along with an unrivaled historical timeline encompassing San Diego’s second County courthouse, a lively theatre, a charming general store, and a prominent family home. Learn the history behind the mystery of San Diego’s legendary Whaley House.

Please plan appropriately for the historic attributes of the Whaley House Museum including stairs and uneven grounds. Wheelchair access available only on the first floor; no elevators on-site. Service dogs allowed.

If you are an individual with a disability and require an auxiliary aid or service to enjoy one of our tours, please contact us at (619) 298-8687.

Video recording is permitted for personal use only. If you would like to inquire about filming for content or commercial purposes, you may contact us at  [email protected] .

Got to  Whaley House FAQs .

Open daily. 10am – 4:30pm.

Duration: Walk through at your own pace. You will receive a brief introduction every 15 minutes that will give you a glimpse of the history and the Museum information in general.

Reservations are not required for daytime tours. Tickets available on site.

Location: 2476 San Diego Ave. Intersection of Harney St. and San Diego Ave.

Parking: There is free parking available at Old Town State Park. Please plan accordingly.

*The Whaley House Day Tour is rated PG. An adult must accompany children 12 years of age and under. Tour may not be suitable for children under 13. Content might be sensitive for some guests.

Trolley Tour & Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour Package

• TROLLEY STOPS

Old Town Trolley Tours is the best way to see the city. The tour is also designed so that you can hop on and off and explore on your own at any time. Our fleet of orange and green trolleys travel frequently throughout San Diego and over the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bridge to Coronado on a continuous 25-mile loop visiting various neighborhoods with 11 destination stops.

Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour: Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.

• Old Town Trolley Tours:
• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding.
• Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops.
• FREE discount coupons ($30 value).
• FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
• FREE map brochure with day planner.
• Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour:
• Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
• Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
• Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
• Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
• Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day.

San Diego Old Town Trolley Tours Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment, a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment. Our friendly conductors narrate the San Diego tour with a fascinating and fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. It will be our pleasure to guide you through the birthplace of California on one of our orange and green trolleys.

Old Town Trolley Tours is the best way to see the city. Because we showcase the best of San Diego and Coronado, you can avoid costly parking and city driving. The tour is also designed so that you can hop on and off and explore on your own at any time. With frequent pickups at all our stops, this helps you avoid walking long distances.

FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours Enjoy San Diego your way with our self-guided walking tours. As you hop off the trolley, the adventure continues at your own pace, using your smartphone for turn-by-turn guided audio tours. Explore rich history, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of America’s Finest City. Even after you disembark, the fun keeps going, ensuring an unforgettable experience that’s uniquely yours.

Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour Viewed as an integral part of Old Town San Diego since 1857, the Whaley House offers you a glimpse into the past. With more than a century in the making, the Whaley House holds an impressive amount of San Diego heritage, from the rough and tough times of early California statehood to the flourishing center of San Diego tourism. Recognized as the oldest two-story brick-structure south of Monterey California, the Whaley House features magnificent Greek Revival architecture along with an unrivaled historical timeline encompassing San Diego’s second County courthouse, a lively theatre, a charming general store, and a prominent family home. Learn the history behind the mystery of San Diego’s legendary Whaley House.

Notes: Please plan appropriately for the historic attributes of the Whaley House Museum including stairs and uneven grounds. Wheelchair access available only on the first floor; no elevators on-site. Service dogs allowed.

If you are an individual with a disability and require an auxiliary aid or service to enjoy one of our tours, please contact us at (619) 298-8687.

For those guests who are unable to take the stairs, we are happy to provide a tablet with an audio/visual presentation of the second floor of the Whaley House.

Video recording is permitted for personal use only. If you would like to inquire about filming for content or commercial purposes, you may contact us at  [email protected] .

A. Old Town Market B. Maritime Museum C. Embarcadero Marina D. Seaport Village E. Marriott Marquis and Marina F. Gaslamp Quarter G. East Convention Center – Petco Park and Hilton Bayfront H. Barrio Logan I. Coronado / Orange Avenue J. Balboa Park / Zoo K. Little Italy

Booth Locations

Stop A – Old Town 4010 Twiggs St. See in Google Maps

Stop C – Embarcadero 1004 North Harbor Drive See in Google Maps

Stop D – Seaport Village 825 North Harbor Drive See in Google Maps

Stop F – Gaslamp Quarter 4th and Island Ave. See in Google Maps

Stop I – Coronado – Orange Ave. 1107 Orange Ave. See in Google Maps

Old Town Trolley Tours

Tours open daily.

January 1 – March 9, July 4, November 3 – December 31 9am – 5pm Last tour departs Old Town at 3pm finishing up approximately at 5pm.

March 10 – July 3, July 5 – November 2 9am – 6pm Last tour departs Old Town at 4pm finishing up approximately at 6pm.

Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Times vary depending on season.

Special Event Dates (Events may cause delays, closed streets & tour stops) Memorial Weekend, Rock-N-Roll Marathon, Independence Day, Comic Con, AFC Half Marathon, Labor Day Weekend, December Nights.

Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour Open daily. 10am – 4:30pm.

Duration: Walk through at your own pace. You will receive a brief introduction every 15 minutes that will give you a glimpse of the history and the Museum information in general.

Reservations are not required for daytime tours. Tickets available on site.

Location: 2476 San Diego Ave. Intersection of Harney St. and San Diego Ave.

Parking: There is free parking available at Old Town State Park. Please plan accordingly.

*The Whaley House Day Tour is rated PG. An adult must accompany children 12 years of age and under. Tour may not be suitable for children under 13. Content might be sensitive for some guests. Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day.

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