The Whaley House is a museum and a California Historical Landmark located in Old Town, San Diego, California. This world-renowned museum is one of southern California's most popular visitor destination and one of only two California houses recognized by the U.S. Commerce Department as being haunted. Visitors to the Whaley House will experience a beautifully restored historic house museum that was finished in 1857, it housed not only the Whaley Family, but also Mr. Whaley's general store, San Diego's first commercial theater, and the second county courthouse, all of which have been accurately restored. Some people claim to have encounters with the supernatural, but it's not guaranteed that visitors will encounter them.
Best and worst times to go to The Whaley House
The best time to visit The Whaley House is in the afternoon after school trips from the morning are over. The worst time to go to the museum is during the summer due to the larger crowds.
Must see/do at The Whaley House
- Ghost Hunting Tour: Embark on an exclusive ninety-minute paranormal investigation of San Diego's most famous haunted site hosts by the Whaley House Museum staff and the San Diego Ghost Hunters.
- Silent Movie Sunday/Silent Screens: Watch Horror and suspense classics of the Silent Era screened in San Diego's first theater.
- Past and Presence Ghost Tour: Explore some of Old Town San Diego's most haunted locations.
Admission to The Whaley House
The Whaley House is open year round -- closed on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day -- from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays to Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. All tickets are sold at the Whaley House Museum Shop, right next door to the Whaley House. Tickets range from $6-10 depending if you go during daytime hours or during the evening. There are special prices for group tours (over 15 people), private tours and the ghost tours.
Parking and public transportation at The Whaley House
The Whaley House is located in historic Old Town San Diego, so you can either park at The Old Town Transit Center, arrived by trolley or park in the large public lots on Harney and Twiggs Streets. There's also a small number of 2-hour unmetered parking spaces available on the streets of Old Town.
Food at The Whaley House
Directly behind the Whaley House Museum Shop, there's a really good, but pricey restaurant called, New Orleans Creole Cafe. It offers elegant crawfish étouffée, shrimp and sausage jambalaya, hearty, spicy gumbo or you can enjoy dessert with an espresso in the serenity of the Whaley House gardens. There are many other dining establishments located throughout Old Town San Diego for all budgets.
Insider tip for visitors to The Whaley House
If you get a Go San Diego Card you have access to unlimited admission at over 55 San Diego attractions, tours and activities for one low price. This includes The Whaley House.
Author's bio: Rose Wheeler has lived in San Diego for over nine years. She's been published in "La Jolla Patch," "Global Post" and Yahoo. Her blog regularly features great local finds and trending style tips.