Place: Whaley House
Location: 2476 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, California
Phone: (619) 273-5824
Hours: Open daily; hours vary by tour type
Admission: Varies based on tours and experiences
Website: https://www.whaleyhousesandiego.com
History: Constructed in 1857 by Thomas Whaley, the Whaley House is a two-story Greek Revival–style residence made from bricks created in Whaley’s own brickyard. It served multiple purposes over the years, including a general store, San Diego’s second county courthouse, and the first commercial theater in San Diego.
The Whaley family faced numerous tragedies, including the death of their 18-month-old son, Thomas Jr., from scarlet fever, and the suicide of their daughter, Violet, in 1885. These events have contributed to the house’s reputation for paranormal activity.
Hauntings: The Whaley House is reputed to be one of the most haunted houses in the United States. Visitors and staff have reported various paranormal phenomena, including:
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Apparitions: Sightings of Thomas and Anna Whaley, as well as a tall man believed to be “Yankee Jim” Robinson, who was hanged on the property before the house was built.
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Unexplained Noises: Footsteps, knocking, and disembodied voices have been frequently reported.
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Cold Spots: Sudden drops in temperature in certain areas of the house.
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Feelings of Unease: Visitors often describe a sense of being watched or feelings of sadness, particularly in rooms where tragic events occurred.
Personal Experiences: While many visitors have reported paranormal experiences, specific documented personal accounts are limited. Some guests have captured unexplained images in photographs, and others have felt sudden chills or seen apparitions during tours.
Paranormal Activity Rating: High (Frequent activity)
For a visual exploration of the Whaley House, you might find the following video insightful: