Whaley House
Location: 2476 San Diego Ave.
Old Town Village, Old Town San Diego, CA (map)
Phone: (619) 297-7511
More info: : Website
The Whaley House is a museum and historic landmark located in Old Town San Diego. While it is considered one of the most famous haunted houses in the country, the Whaley House also has an important place in San Diego history.
The Whaley House was built in 1857 by Thomas Whaley, a successful New York business man. He built the house using bricks he made in his own backyard. Whaley was so proud of his house that he proclaimed, “my new house, when completed, will be the handsomest, most comfortable and convenient place in town or within 150 miles of here.”
His prediction came true. The Whaley House is a classic example of mid-nineteenth century Greek Revival architecture and was considered the finest house in San Diego. Whaley’s wife, Anna filled the house with mahogany and rosewood furniture and other rich decorations. The residence quickly became the gathering place for San Diego. Not only did the Whaley House shelter the Whaley family, it was also San Diego’s first commercial theater, the county courthouse and a general store.
The Whaley House was formally dedicated as a historic house museum on May 25, 1960 and has been open to the public ever since. It is one of southern California's most popular visitor destinations with over 100,000 visitors annual.
Ghost Legends
The Whaley house is considered one of the most famous haunted houses in the country.
Many a museum employee, restaurant waiter or tourist has claimed to see the ghost of one of the Whaley family members. Many Whaley members lived and died in the Whaley house including Thomas and Anna’s daughter Violet who committed suicide under their roof. These events, as well as the hangings which occurred on the property before the house was constructed, have suffused the Whaley House with an air of mystery and added to its reputation as something more than just California State Historic Landmark #65.
Whaley House Museum Shop
Located in the historic Verna House next door to the Whaley House, at 2476 San Diego Avenue in Old Town San Diego. (619) 297-7511
The museum shop features Whaley House souvenirs and t-shirts, an eclectic assortment of gifts and art, and a large selection of books on San Diego History, architecture, art, and the paranormal.
