San Diego is often associated with beautiful beaches, sunny weather and many must-see attractions; but this city also has an ugly side that must not be forgotten.
The William Heath Davis House in San Diego’s Gaslamp District is widely renowned as one of the city’s most haunted spots, where people have reported hearing footsteps when no one else was present, seeing mists, apparitions and lights turning on and off by themselves.
Whaley House
One of San Diego’s most beloved tourist attractions, The Whaley House is an historic two-story Greek Revival-style mansion dating back to 1857 built by Thomas Whaley that served as his family home, courthouse, theater, and general store – not forgetting America’s Most Haunted House status! Built by Thomas Whaley who became his family home as well as serving court cases and hosting theater performances – and has an illustrious past marked by death, suicide, and mystery – including Thomas’ family home being used by himself and family members! Thomas Whaley built his two-story Greek Revival-style mansion was known as America’s Most Haunted House after it earned this moniker from popular media coverage; Thomas Whaley built it all himself! Thomas Whaley constructed his two-story Greek Revival-style mansion was completed by Thomas Whaley himself back in 1857 to serve his family home; later used as courthouse; courtroom. theater space; after Thomas died it served his family residence; courthouse; courthouse; theater space ; theater; general store service for general store operations until 1857! – death suicide mystery plagued it.
The Whaley House has long been believed to be haunted, with full-bodied apparitions and strange happenings such as cold spots, rattled doors and windows, as well as hearing children’s footsteps throughout its second-floor rooms. A young woman named Violet Whaley may even haunt this residence, possibly mourning over their failed marriage and longing for its recovery. On several occasions this spirit has been seen wandering this part of the building alone.
This haunted mansion has been featured on popular shows such as Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures and Buzzfeed Unsolved, making it a destination of interest among ghost hunters.
Horton Grand Hotel
Restoration of old buildings often seems to draw in ghosts and spirits; such is the case at Horton Grand Hotel where guests have reported footsteps, apparitions and unfathomable sensations while staying there, which was once home of madam Ida Bailey’s brothel.
The Horton Grand is actually composed of two hotels built during the late 1800s: Grand Horton and Brooklyn-Kahle Saddlery Hotel. Due to historians’ efforts, both hotels were saved from demolition in the 1970s; piecemeal they were taken apart and rebuilt into what is today known as Horton Grand Hotel on 4th & Island Streets.
One of the hotel’s more renowned ghosts is Roger Whitaker, said to inhabit Room 309. This notorious gambler and card cheat ran away from creditors during the mid-1800s and sought refuge at this hotel before eventually hiding out there in Room 309 and its adjoining hallway. According to guests reports, his spirit still lingers there today.
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
If you love Halloween, San Diego offers plenty of thrills this Fall – from haunted houses to paranormal trail adventures! Don’t miss out! There is something here for everyone.
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse has long been considered to be one of the most haunted locations in San Diego. Constructed in 1855 to guide ships entering San Diego Bay, visitors have reported hearing footsteps, moaning and heavy breathing sounds as well as feeling that someone is nearby.
The Whaley House in Old Town is one of San Diego’s more well-known haunted houses, constructed by early settler Jesse Whaley as one of his many projects for the community. Through the years it has served many functions including courthouse, general store and theater – becoming home to murders and suicides over time – as well as ghost sightings, wardrobe door opening and lights flickering among many other unnatural events reported by visitors.
Villa Montezuma Museum
Villa Montezuma Museum, once Jesse Shepard’s home, is considered one of the most haunted spots in San Diego. An accomplished pianist himself, Shepard would hold seances at his house believing music could allow him to channel composers, musicians and even Egyptian spirits through seances held there.
Tragedies quickly followed Shepard into his home after moving there, with both his infant son succumbing to scarlet fever and Violet taking her own life due to being betrayed by her husband. Paranormal activity soon surfaced at Shepard’s residence – including hearing footsteps of an infant boy, seeing a woman dressed entirely in white, hearing piano music being played phantomly etc.
The Horton Grand Hotel has hosted celebrities, politicians and royalty – but its mysterious past extends far beyond these guests. According to Ghosts and Gravestones, guests have reported flickering lights, bedshaken mattresses and wardrobe doors opening on their own as haunted phenomena in this hotel.
