Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours: Your Guide to the Best Eerie Adventures in the City

San Diego may be famous for sandy beaches and fish tacos, but it’s actually a sunny city with a dark side. After sunset, its haunted history takes center stage thanks to the many San Diego ghost tours that dig into the city’s eeriest corners.

If you’re hunting for thrills with a side of true crime, folklore, and theatrical storytelling, you’ll love what haunted San Diego ghost tours have to offer. Whether you’re a couple planning a unique date night or a family with brave teens, San Diego’s ghost scene is packed with variety.

Some tours let you go inside haunted buildings, others arm you with ghost-hunting gear, and all of them promise an unforgettable walk or ride into the city’s most chilling past. Even better? Many are budget-friendly, making it easy to experience the spooky side of San Diego without sacrificing your beach day.

Curious which San Diego ghost tour is right for your crew? Keep reading!

Ghosts and Gravestones San Diego Tour

Step aboard the “Trolley of the Doomed” for a San Diego ghost tour that keeps it classic—and spooky. The Ghosts and Gravestones San Diego Tour departs from 4008 Twiggs Street, right in Old Town, and promises just the right balance of creepy and captivating.

This 90-minute trolley tour rolls through the city’s haunted highlights, with stops at El Campo Santo Cemetery and the infamous Whaley House grounds. While you won’t go inside the Whaley House itself, the chilling stories told on site more than make up for it.

Guests should plan to check in 20 min prior to the tour departure at the Old Town Trolley ticket booth to avoid missing out. Expect some light walking over uneven ground, so bring comfy shoes—and maybe a flashlight, just in case.

This tour is best for older kids, teens, and adults due to the mature (but fascinating) content. The guides are theatrical, entertaining, and loaded with local lore. If you’re near the USS Midway Museum earlier in the day, this is a perfect after-dinner plan to end your night with a chill.

Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours

This isn’t just a San Diego ghost tour—it’s a full-blown haunted theatrical experience. Starting at 2415 San Diego Ave, you’ll board a purple “coffin on wheels” and explore five of the city’s most haunted spots, including the Gaslamp Quarter and El Campo Santo Cemetery.

What sets Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours apart? You actually get to go inside four out of the five haunted locations. The costumed guides are part historian, part actor, part ghost enthusiast, making this both educational and wildly entertaining.

This tour leans into dark history, with stories of murder, scandal, and paranormal encounters that skip the fluff and go straight for the goosebumps. There are no jump scares, but the eerie ambiance is enough to make you keep one eye on the shadows.

Groups are small for a more intimate vibe, but plan ahead—90% of the time the tour fills the day of. Not suitable for young kids, but perfect for ghost-loving teens and adults. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, this one’s guaranteed to leave a mark.

San Diego Ghost Tours by Michael Brown

If you’re looking for the real deal—like, actual ghost-hunting—this San Diego CA ghost tour is it. Michael Brown has over 25 years of experience chasing spirits, and he leads every walking tour personally.

You’ll meet up at 2754 Calhoun St, just steps from the heart of Old Town, and visit ten haunted locations with ghost-hunting equipment in hand. No costumes, no gimmicks—just ghost meters, spirit boxes, and first-hand stories of eerie encounters.

One of the big highlights? You’ll go inside what’s claimed to be the most haunted building in Old Town, with exclusive after-hours access. This tour is perfect for small groups looking for an immersive and legit experience. Expect goosebumps and maybe even photographic evidence of something unexplainable.

It’s a San Diego CA ghost tour that bridges paranormal investigation with creepy local history. And yes—Michael will show you real ghost photos caught on tour!

US Ghost Adventures San Diego Ghosts Tour

If your ideal San Diego ghost tour is a blend of history, hauntings, and true crime vibes, this one checks every box. Departing from 868 Fourth Ave, right outside the Balboa Theatre, this tour prowls the heart of San Diego Gaslamp Downtown, stopping at 8–12 eerie sites.

Expect spine-tingling tales about tragic deaths, haunted hotels, and restless spirits that just couldn’t leave. A crowd favorite is The Davis-Horton House, which is said to be the most haunted home in the city—yep, you’ll be going there.

The US Ghost Adventures San Diego Ghosts Tour is offered nightly, rain or shine, and is perfect for visitors staying near the Gaslamp or the USS Midway Museum. It’s mostly outdoors and walking-based, so bring comfy shoes and your brave face.

You’ll hear ghost stories tied to real historical events, making this tour as informative as it is unnerving. The extended tour adds 30 more minutes of ghostly goodness. Great for families with older kids, history nerds, or anyone who loves a side of chills with their city tour.

Ghost City Tours – The Ghosts of San Diego Tour

If you’re traveling with kids or are new to the haunted scene, this haunted ghost tour is your starter pack of spooky fun. Meet your guide at 4100 Heritage Park Row and set off on a walking journey that blends historical tidbits with ghostly tales.

Ghost City Tours – The Ghosts of San Diego Tour is family-friendly (but not babyish), so your kids stay engaged while adults still get the shivers. The stories are rooted in real San Diego history, and the guides are fantastic at keeping things interesting for all ages.

This is a great tour to pair with daytime sightseeing near the USS Midway Museum or Seaport Village. Pets are welcome (as long as they don’t steal the spotlight), and rescheduling is super flexible if your plans change.

You’ll visit key haunted landmarks and even hear about famous local ghost sightings. It’s a 90-minute commitment that doesn’t feel like homework. If you want chills without nightmares, this haunted ghost tour is your safe bet.

Heritage Park & Old Town Walking Ghost Tour

This haunted guided tour is the most immersive way to explore Old Town’s eerie side on foot. Meet your costumed guide at 2454 Heritage Park Row, near the colorful Senlis Cottage, and prepare for about a mile of easy walking.

You’ll enter Heritage Park and the ghost tour San Diego continues through cemeteries, dark alleys, and historic homes with haunted backstories. Heritage Park & Old Town Walking Ghost Tour is theatrical but also deeply informative—great for those who love history and a good scare.

There are no jump scares, just spooky ambiance and compelling storytelling. Most of the stops include time to take photos, hear first-hand accounts, and ask your burning ghost-related questions.

You’ll also swing by the Whaley House grounds and El Campo Santo Cemetery during your route. Kids are allowed, but this one’s best for mature preteens and teens. Bathrooms are scarce, so plan accordingly. Bring comfy shoes, curiosity, and your sixth sense—something might follow you home.

Ready for a Chilling Adventure? These San Diego Ghost Tours Will Haunt You in the Best Way!

If you’re craving goosebumps with your getaway, you’re in the right city. From haunted mansions to eerie graveyards, the ghost tours San Diego offers are packed with spine-tingling surprises.

Curious to explore beyond the basics? Plan your itinerary, grab deals, and book your favorite San Diego attractions and hotels through Tripster for a seamless spooky season.

Still wondering, is the Star of India haunted or what secrets the Maritime Museum of San Diego holds? Or maybe you’re bold enough to ask if the USS Midway haunted legends are true. One thing’s for sure—San Diego’s paranormal side is calling your name!

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