San Diego Ghost Tour: Haunted Bus & Entry to Real Locations

Summary

San Diego’s haunted history comes alive inside real locations with eerie stories and local legends

You’ll step right into San Diego’s most haunted buildings with a local storyteller leading the way—think musty rooms, whispered legends, and actual time among the tombstones. You’ll laugh nervously at ghost stories, maybe catch something strange on camera, and end up seeing another side of San Diego you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I was half-skeptical, half-nervous when we met up for the Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour. Something about waiting on that corner in Old Town as dusk settled made me feel like I was already being watched (maybe just nerves). Our guide showed up in full costume, cracking a joke about “not guaranteeing ghosts — only goosebumps,” which broke the ice. The group was small, maybe a dozen of us, so it felt more like a weird little club than a big tour. The bus itself? Painted black, coffin-shaped windows — definitely not your average ride.

The first stop was the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House. We actually got to go inside, which I didn’t expect — most tours just stand outside and point. There was this musty old-wood smell as soon as we stepped in, and honestly, my skin prickled when our guide told us about people feeling hands on their backs when nobody’s there. Someone in our group swore they saw an orb in their phone photo (I’m still not sure). We wandered through rooms where people had died; it felt heavy but weirdly fascinating. At one point I caught myself holding my breath — probably just nerves again.

We rolled through other spots too: the Whaley House (we didn’t go inside — apparently nobody does anymore), El Campo Santo Cemetery under flickering streetlights, and this old villa where guests have caught some pretty strange stuff on camera. Our guide told stories with this mix of dark humor and real empathy for the people behind the legends. At El Campo Santo, someone left flowers at a grave and I remember thinking how odd it is that these stories keep echoing around San Diego after all these years. Oh, and if you’re wondering — yes, there were cold chills that had nothing to do with the night air.

I still think about that uneasy feeling walking between tombstones while listening to locals’ tales of disturbed spirits. It wasn’t just cheap scares; there’s something about hearing history from someone who clearly loves (and maybe fears) these places that sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Haunted San Diego ghost tour

• Enter most active haunted house
• Experience ghost stories and orbs
• Visit haunted hotel bar and lobby
• Hear about infamous gunslinger ghost
• Go to Villa Montezuma premises
• See haunted artifacts and hear music
• View Whaley House history outside
• Learn about Yankee Jim and occupants
• Enter El Campo Santo Cemetery
• Hear stories among tombstones

Top questions

Do you actually enter haunted locations on this San Diego ghost tour?

Yes, this tour includes entry into several haunted sites like the Gaslamp Museum at Davis-Horton House and others—not just outside views.

How long does the Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour last?

The tour lasts roughly 2 hours including bus rides and light walking at each stop.

Which haunted places are included on this tour?

You visit or enter sites such as El Campo Santo Cemetery, Gaslamp Museum at Davis-Horton House, Whaley House (outside only), and more.

Is transportation included during the ghost tour?

Yes—the tour uses a themed bus called the “ghost coach” to travel between locations.

Are children allowed on the Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour?

Children under 10 are not recommended; call ahead if you want to bring younger kids to make sure it’s suitable.

Is this ghost tour accessible for wheelchairs?

No—the bus and historic sites are not wheelchair accessible due to their age and layout.

Where does the San Diego ghost tour start?

The meeting point is at 2425 San Diego Ave (south corner of Conde Street & San Diego Ave); arrive 15 minutes early.

Does this tour include bathroom breaks?

No bathrooms are available at historic stops; use nearby public restrooms before joining—there’s one behind Cafe Coyote a block away.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry into multiple haunted locations across San Diego (like the Gaslamp Museum), theatrical guides who share genuine local ghost stories, transport in a themed “ghost coach,” plus time spent both inside historic houses and among cemetery tombstones before returning to your starting point.