Sinister Shadows of San Diego Gaslamp Ghost Tours
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Sinister Shadows of San Diego Gaslamp Ghost Tours

Active
(97 reviews)
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a spine-chilling journey through San Diego’s haunted heart with our immersive walking ghost tour.

Explore the historic district with an experienced local guide, delving into iconic sites like the eerie Carriage Works and the storied Horton Grand Hotel. As you wander these haunted grounds, your guide will share chilling tales of ancient turf wars, tragic events, and restless spirits. Discover real-life accounts of the inexplicable and uncover dark secrets beneath San Diego’s sunny facade.

This mile-long tour offers intrigue at every turn, featuring the historic William Heath Davis House and Yamada Building. While entry into private buildings isn’t included, the ghostly atmosphere will surround you, making it feel like a living history book.

Experience thrilling stories of life, death, and the supernatural, gaining insight into the city’s tumultuous past and its lingering spirits.

Join us for an evening of thrills and unforgettable memories in America’s Finest City!

Available options

90-minute San Diego Ghost Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

San Diego Ghosts:Gaslamp Haunt

Duration: 1 hour

What's included

Documented accounts of historic hauntings
Professional and Courteous Guides
Intensely researched true stories of history

Detailed itinerary

1

The Carriage Works in San Diego, now the bustling Garage Kitchen + Bar, was once a hub for selling and repairing carriages, horses, and later, horseless carriages. Following a tragic event that occurred here, the site has gained a reputation for paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly occurrences adding an eerie undertone to its lively present-day atmosphere.

2

The Horton Grand Hotel, one of San Diego’s oldest and most storied hotels, was originally commissioned in 1886 and stands as a testament to the city’s rich history. Its venerable age has given rise to numerous ghostly tales, with visitors reporting eerie apparitions, flickering lights, and other unsettling phenomena that add a haunting dimension to its historic charm.

3

The William Heath Davis House, the oldest building in San Diego, is notorious for its reputation as the most haunted residence in the Gaslamp Quarter. With a history that includes serving as a makeshift hospital, office quarters, and a hiding spot for a German spy during World War II, the building's past is rife with unsettling events, leading to numerous reports of ghostly hauntings and eerie phenomena.

4

The Yamada Building, constructed in 1869 during San Diego's transcontinental boom, has a rich history marked by its succession of Asian-descended owners, including Frank Yamada, who ran a popular billiard hall known as Frank's Place in the 1950s. Though steeped in cultural significance, the building is also shrouded in mystery, with tales of lingering spirits and unexplained occurrences that hint at a haunted legacy.

5

The Prohibition Lounge in San Diego, a bar themed like a 1920s speakeasy, carries a chilling past as its basement location once served as the city’s morgue. Today, this atmospheric venue is known for more than just its craft cocktails, with rumors of strange occurrences and eerie happenings that add an unsettling layer to its already mysterious ambiance.

6

Old City Hall in San Diego, originally built as a bank in the stunning Florentine Italianate style, had its ornate facade tragically dismantled and covered in stucco during the 1950s to achieve a more modern look. Fortunately, in the 1980s, investors restored its original grandeur, but the building's past is still whispered about in tales of lingering spirits and mysterious happenings within its historic walls.

7

The Yuma Building, a distinctive and versatile structure in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, has transitioned through various roles including office space, hotel, and now features a commercial first floor with luxury private residences above. Its intriguing history is shadowed by paranormal reports, with the ghostly presence of "The Captain" and a woman driven to madness said to haunt its storied halls.

8

The Old Casino Theater, which opened in 1913 and now houses the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, once had a tumultuous history as an adult store until the early 1970s. The building's dark past includes a tragic fire that claimed the life of a trapped projectionist, and today, it is known for its ghostly hauntings, with eerie encounters reported by those who visit this site of past violence and despair.

What's not included

Food and Beverage
Motorized Transportation

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.3
46 reviews
5★
19
4★
5
3★
6
2★
4
1★
12
Tripadvisor 4.5
51 reviews
5★
39
4★
5
3★
1
2★
3
1★
3

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

All Ghost Tours meet outside the Balboa Theatre in Horton Plaza Park at 868 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. Look for your tour guide, who will be wearing a black US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carrying a lantern. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour’s departure time.

Important notes

Meet your tour guide outside the Balboa Theatre in Horton Plaza Park at 868 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour’s departure time.

About San Diego

San Diego is known for its mild year-round climate, extensive beaches, and beautiful parks. It's a vibrant city that offers a mix of urban attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, making it a popular destination for travelers of all kinds.

Top Attractions

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world, known for its extensive collection of animals and beautiful landscaping. It's a must-visit for animal lovers and families.

Zoo 4-6 hours Expensive (around $60 for adults, $48 for children)

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban cultural park that houses museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. It's a great place to spend a day exploring art, history, and nature.

Park Half day to full day Free (some attractions require admission fees)

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a beautiful coastal area known for its sea caves, tide pools, and marine life. It's a popular spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and whale watching.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some activities require fees)

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum is a historic aircraft carrier that has been converted into a museum. Visitors can explore the ship's decks, hangars, and exhibits, and even take a simulated flight in a fighter jet.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate (around $26 for adults, $12 for children)

Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic neighborhood known for its Victorian-era buildings, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. It's a great place to explore the city's history and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere.

Historical 2-4 hours Free (some attractions require fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish Tacos

A San Diego specialty, fish tacos are made with fresh, locally caught fish, usually served with cabbage slaw and a creamy sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Gluten-free options available

Burrata

A creamy, rich Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream, often served with bread and olive oil.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Birria Tacos

A Mexican dish made with slow-cooked, spiced meat, usually served with corn tortillas and consommé for dipping.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Avocado Toast

A popular breakfast and brunch dish made with toasted bread, mashed avocado, and various toppings.

Breakfast/Brunch Vegetarian, Vegan options available

Popular Activities

Surfing Kayaking Hiking Beachcombing Picnicking Spas Museums Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

March to May and September to November

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It's ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-24°C 59-75°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-8 (Pacific Standard Time, PST) or GMT-7 (Pacific Daylight Time, PDT) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

San Diego is generally a safe city, with low crime rates compared to other major cities in the United States. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
  • • Use licensed taxis or rideshare services, and avoid unmarked taxis.
  • • Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, especially in your car or when using public transportation.

Getting there

By air
  • San Diego International Airport • 3 miles (5 km) from downtown
By train

San Diego Santa Fe Depot

By bus

Greyhound Station, San Diego Metro Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

The MTS bus system covers the entire city and is affordable and reliable. Buses are a good option for getting around, especially during off-peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gaslamp Quarter La Jolla Little Italy Pacific Beach Hillcrest

Day trips

Coronado Island
6 miles (10 km) from downtown • Half day to full day

Coronado Island is a beautiful beach town known for its historic Hotel del Coronado, sandy beaches, and scenic views. It's a great place to relax, enjoy the sun, and explore the island's history.

Tijuana
20 miles (32 km) from downtown • Full day

Tijuana is a vibrant border city known for its Mexican cuisine, nightlife, and cultural attractions. It's a great place to experience authentic Mexican culture and enjoy its culinary scene.

Temecula Valley Wine Country
60 miles (97 km) from downtown • Full day

Temecula Valley Wine Country is a picturesque region known for its wineries, vineyards, and scenic views. It's a great place to spend a day tasting wine, enjoying the countryside, and relaxing.

Festivals

Comic-Con International • July San Diego International Film Festival • October San Diego Street Food Festival • June

Pro tips

  • Visit Balboa Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
  • Explore the city's beaches and coastal areas, such as La Jolla Cove and Coronado Island, for stunning views and unique experiences.
  • Try San Diego's famous fish tacos and craft beer at local restaurants and breweries.
  • Take a guided tour of the USS Midway Museum for a behind-the-scenes look at this historic aircraft carrier.
  • Visit during the off-peak season (December to February) for fewer crowds and lower prices.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 0-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook