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Whaley House Museum

2476 San Diego Ave · San Diego, CA

Why you should go…

Built by Thomas Whaley in 1856-57 from bricks made in his own yard, the Whaley House was the first two-story brick building in California and over the years held the county courthouse, San Diego's first commercial theater and a general store. Today it is California Historical Landmark No. 65, furnished with period pieces and Whaley family belongings, and widely promoted as America's Most Haunted House. Self-guided day tours run daily 10 am to 4:30 pm; guided evening tours and paranormal investigations run on select nights. The county-owned house is operated by Old Town Trolley Tours / Historic Tours of America.

  • #haunted house
  • #old town
  • #historic home
  • #museum
  • #ghost tour

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Whaley House Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Old Town San Diego

    Free

    The birthplace of California: a historic district of museums, shops and restaurants around Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego

    $25–$50

    Hop-on hop-off trolley tour looping through San Diego's top neighborhoods and Coronado.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

    Free

    A recreated 19th-century Mexican and early-American village on the site of California's first European settlement.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Maritime Museum of San Diego

    $25–$50

    Waterfront fleet of historic tall ships and vessels including the Star of India, with harbor cruise add-ons.

    2.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Iconic

    USS Midway Museum

    $25–$50

    A retired aircraft carrier turned floating museum, docked right on the downtown waterfront.

    2.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Navy SEAL Museum San Diego

    Under $25

    Interactive downtown San Diego museum on Naval Special Warfare, with veteran docents and a VR mission experience.

    3.0 mi awayMore like this