Whaley House Museum
The basics
The historic house has undergone an extensive restoration and is open to the public as a museum. During the daytime, visitors explore on their own, but docents are available to answer questions about the house’s history.
Docent-led night tours are more popular and delve into the house's haunted history that has made it famous. Among the reported resident ghosts are the spirit of “Yankee Jim Robinson”—who was hanged on the property—and the Whaley’s daughter Violet, who committed suicide there in 1885. Many San Diego ghost tours also include a stop at the Whaley House for some supernatural exposure.
Things to know before you go
- Whaley is pronounced way-lee.
- Reports of paranormal activity include physical sensations, cold or warm spots, apparitions, and inexplicable movement of objects.
- Night tours last for about 35 minutes.
- The first floor of the Whaley House and the museum shop are accessible.
- Savor local flavor at the New Orleans Creole Cafe, located right behind the Whaley House.
How to get there
The Whaley House is located in Old Town San Diego and can be easily reached from downtown via the Sycuan Green Line trolley. If you're driving, there is free all-day parking in the public parking lot on Harney and Twiggs Streets.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The Whaley House is open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Hours and closures vary with the seasons and holidays.
Haunted San Diego
San Diego may be best known for its sunshine and beaches, but there is a sinister side to this oceanfront paradise. The Whaley House is an essential stop on most haunted itineraries, with other popular paranormal destinations including the Davis-Horton House, Villa Montezuma, and the El Campo Santo Cemetery.
- Old Town San Diego
- El Campo Santo Cemetery
- Liberty Station
- Embarcadero
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- Little Italy San Diego
- B-Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal
- Balboa Park
- Old Globe Theater
- San Diego Museum of Man (SDMM)
- San Diego Zoo
- USS Midway Museum
- San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA)
- Mingei International Museum
- San Diego Automotive Museum