Board a night trolley through Old Town San Diego to explore El Campo Santo Cemetery and the grounds of the Whaley House. This 75-minute guided walk blends documented history and local ghost lore with accessible streets and short walks.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A bell clangs, the trolley doors sigh open and the streetlights of Old Town blur into shadow as you step aboard. The city’s original plaza—once a crossroads of maritime trade, lawlessness and frontier families—shifts from daylight charm to a palette of long shadows and narrow alleys. On this 75-minute Haunted Trolley Tour you move between quiet plazas, a historic cemetery and the iron-gated grounds of the Whaley House, where stories of gamblers, gunfighters and everyday residents linger in the corners.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires standing and short flat walks (paved surfaces)
Wildlife
History
Old Town is the birthplace of San Diego’s modern settlement, anchored by 19th-century Mexican land grants, early American commerce and public spaces like El Campo Santo cemetery and the Whaley House.
Conservation
Old Town’s historic buildings and burial grounds are fragile—follow posted rules, avoid touching artifacts and keep noise to a minimum to preserve both structures and neighborhood residents.
Reserve your spot on the San Diego Ghosts and Gravestones: A Haunted Trolley Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Check in 30 minutes early
Arrive at the Old Town Market ticket booth 30 minutes before departure to secure your seat and allow time for parking.
Bring layered clothing
Night temperatures near the coast drop quickly—pack a lightweight, windproof layer for comfort.
Stay respectful at cemetery stops
Keep voices low, stay on paths and avoid leaning on historic markers to protect fragile sites.
Hydrate before the tour
Carry a small water bottle—tours are 75 minutes with limited opportunities to purchase drinks while moving between stops.
Comfortable walking shoes
Closed-toe shoes handle uneven sidewalks and short steps at historic sites.
Light windproof jacket
Coastal breezes make evenings cooler—pack a thin jacket for comfort.
fall
Refillable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the 75-minute tour, especially on warm nights.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture low-light architecture and atmospheric scenes—use a steady hand or tripod mode.