Welcome To San Diego Ghosts
Unveil the shocking truths that hide under San Diego’s sunny facade, and see why it’s considered to be one of the most haunted cities in the US. Follow along to hear the sordid secrets about this famously haunted region…if you dare.
Waterfront Charm and White Sand Beaches Disguise San Diego’s Sinister Past
San Diego has a rich history that dates back hundreds of years. From the time of the Kumeyaay tribe of Native Americans to the introduction of Spanish missionaries, to officially becoming a part of the US in 1848, this region has seen it all. And the sins of its have left an irreversibly bloody stain on its present.
Today, San Diego is known for being a sun-kissed piece of paradise. But only few know of the city’s shockingly dark history. Under the moonlight, strange creatures and phantoms from San Diego’s tormented past begin to arise, enveloping both residents and tourists in fear. Don’t be fooled: among the trendy boutiques and theaters, something sinister lurks in the shadows, hidden by the city’s sunny facade.
Uncover the hidden truths that lurk beneath the surface of San Diego’s murky waters, and prepare to take a deep dive into the mystic, the mysterious, and the unexplained with a tour from San Diego Ghosts.
What will I see?
The “Birthplace of California” Breeds Death, Disease, and Disaster
Ever since Spanish explorers founded the Mission San Diego de Alcala in 1796, San Diego has been a particularly active center of violence and human suffering. From the horrific consequences of colonization—including violence against the land’s native inhabitants—to the city’s role in the Mexican-American War, this region has seen countless atrocities over the years. Crime, death, and disease have spurred tragedy after tragedy around San Diego, leading some to wonder: is this city secretly cursed?
Travel back in time on a San Diego ghost tour and hear about the sordid secrets that haunt this Western metropolis. Learn about the impact of Yellow Fever on the region, which rocked families throughout the 19th century. One such family stayed at the historic Davis-Horton House—the oldest building in downtown San Diego. Legend has it that a wispy ghost donning Victorian-era clothing haunts the residence to this day, and has frequently been spotted pacing outside of the upstairs nursery. Some say that this woman is actually a distressed mother, Forever mourning her deceased baby, imprisoned in the home where her child’s life was so abruptly taken.
Join us to learn more about the strange happenings that have occurred at this historic home and at other San Diego landmarks…if you dare.
Murder, Unsolved Mysteries, and Infamous Hauntings
The amount of violence, murder, scandal, and other ungodly acts has left no building, no park, and no quiet corner immune from the lingering sense of doom that’s come as a consequence of San Diego’s sinful past. Journey into San Diego’s tormented history, and learn why death, destruction, and conspiracy are built into the very heart of the city.
Perhaps nothing is more symbolic of San Diego than the Old City Hall, which is located in the center of the Gaslamp Quarter on the corner of Fifth Avenue and G Street. This ornate Florentine Italianate building was originally built in 1874 as a commercial bank, and was bought by the city to serve as their City Hall, library, police headquarters, and even jail in 1900. It remains an architectural icon of San Diego, but its picturesque facade is simply a mask for the terrifying and strange incidents that have taken place inside its sordid walls.
The building was sold off in 1938, and around the 1950s is when puzzling events started taking place around the building. Dull thuds and unexplainable banging were oftentimes heard by tenants. But an especially bone-chilling tragedy took place in 1966 when a family found a small room hidden behind one of the walls of their apartment. The father and his family were asked to leave for tearing down the wall. When a cleaning crew came in to clean out what the landlord thought to be the recently-vacated apartment, they found the bodies of the entire family, bludgeoned to death. The police never solved the case. But the twist? The father’s head was missing and has never been found.
WHY IS SAN DIEGO SO HAUNTED?
Unsuspecting Buildings Hide a Dark Past and Tormented Present
Many have struggled to explain some of the bizarre occurrences that have taken place around downtown San Diego. Whether it’s because of this part of the town’s shady past, or perhaps the result of some sort of centuries-old curse, remains uncertain. But one thing should be known about the buildings that line the streets of the historic Gaslamp Quarter: a seemingly charming facade cannot hide a legacy of violence and bloodshed.
Although this building now houses something rather pleasant–the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop—643 Fifth Avenue actually has a disturbing and demented past that dates back to 1913. It originally opened as the Casino Theatre, which operated as a cinema and café until the 1970s, when it had been turned into an adult store and X-rated moviehouse. Because of the nature of this theater, it attracted a very specific, oftentimes violent clientele. In the 80s, an altercation between a man and a woman would end in tragedy after shots broke out, leading to the untimely death of an innocent projectionist who was trapped inside the theater. Shortly after, the building was boarded up and subsequently abandoned.
Since then, the building has been brought back to life thanks to Ghirardelli, but employees still complain of experiencing some strange things. Sometimes, staff members have reported feeling hot in places that shouldn’t be warm, as well as disembodied cries of someone screaming for help walls. Stories such as these are far from uncommon in San Diego, a place where the dead very much walk amongst the living.
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO GHOSTS TOUR?
See a Different, Darker Side of this Historic Destination
The amount of horrific violence, murder, and other ungodly acts that have taken place in San Diego’s bloodstained streets is enough to leave anyone nauseated. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is a treasure trove of chilling tales, hair-raising mysteries, and mystics that has something to offer for everyone.
We invite you to step back in time to the gritty streets of 1920s San Diego, and stroll with us through these dim streets while hearing grim retellings of real-life ghost stories that have haunted this waterfront city for decades. Join us to experience a side of San Diego that can only be unveiled after the sun goes down, and prepare for a night of frights.
A Unique and Unforgettable Adventure You’ll Cherish Forever
To visit San Diego is to travel deep into the unknown, where all the normalcy and routine of day-to-day life is left behind for a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime adventure meant only for the brave of heart. The memories you’ll make along the way are sure to stick with you forever—whether you like it or not.
Join San Diego Ghosts for a nonstop, bone-chilling journey to get the adrenaline rush you seek when you come face-to-face with the ghosts and ghouls of America’s Finest City. And watch out, because they may be trailing close behind.
Stop by legendary haunts such as the Prohibition Lounge, a stylish cocktail bar that hides a deeply disturbing past. Once a 19th century morgue, the tile is said to still be stained with bloodied bits and bobs from the countless corpses that once rotted away in this basement. Strange occurrences have taken place ever since the building was renovated into a bar, including flickering lights and even the sensation of ghostly hands grabbing onto bartenders after their shifts…making it an ideal destination for lovers of spirits of all sorts.
Join a Growing Community of Ghost Fanatics
Thanks to social media, the online ghostly community is as connected as ever. And for lovers of the supernatural, visiting downtown San Diego is any ghost fanatic’s dream—or nightmare. This haunted haven attracts thousands of visitors fascinated by the macabre each year, bringing together creative, sinister minds, and they join the ghostly culture with unbridled passion.
Keep your cameras ready when visiting the Carriage Works building, the site of a particularly gruesome tragedy. It’s said to be haunted by the ghost of a young boy who used to work there, and he’s often seen walking around or ducking into a hiding spot around the premises. Be prepared for a close encounter: he’s been known to approach both customers and employees.
* This is a walking tour and we do not enter privately-owned buildings or private property *
