Villa Montezuma Museum — Attraction in San Diego

We have always enjoyed doing something different and luckily for me I have a family that enjoys the same things (well, mostly). We do all appreciate historic landmarks, especially when they are local to our hometown. Haunted OC is one of our favorite places to go to find local (within the SD, OC, LA areas) tours rich in history and information. We have been on many of their tours, and they are all equally amazing.

The evening began with a brief introduction and a few do’s and do nots in front of the museum. Upon entering we were given lanterns to help light our way along the tour. The inside of Villa Montezuma is just as beautiful if not more as the outside. Amazing hardwood flooring and stained-glass details throughout the home. Charles was our guide, and he is a wealth of information. He truly cares about the history and wellbeing of the home. We were able to tour both the 1st and 2nd floors. The second floor had a timeline of sorts with some interesting information about San Diego and the home. I have seen historic homes sprinkled around San Diego but prior to this tour never knew much about their backstories.

Not only are these tours fun, interesting, and well-done, but they also give back. Proceeds from the tour at Villa Montezuma helps ensure the restoration of this beautiful home as well as keeps the amazing stories of those who have lived there alive. If you are a local make sure you book your tickets through hauntedoc.com for the evening lantern guided tour. If you are not local, this tour is worth the...

Where do I start! Villa Montezuma is a gorgeous property with the lovely hosts ,Charles and Tessa, to share the tales of the mansion. On the DOT 4:00 the doors opened and we were greeted with a beautiful entry way. Charles led the charge with quick witted facts and lovely pacing. I never felt rushed in any room, and questions were consistently encouraged.

The tour took me throughout the history of this Victorian home, and the enchantments that filled its walls. I was beyond excited to move into each room and explore the unexpected. Friends of the Villa Montezuma deserve the utmost praise for keeping this: A. A nonprofit to preserve this piece of history and B. closely paying attention to any structural issues to quickly be taken care of.

Charles blew me away with his knowledge. His passion and dedication to history created an educational and invigorating environment. I was intimidated to ask questions at the beginning since there is so much to take in, but we were given the perfect amount of time in each room to explore and raise any questions. I am beyond grateful that we had our experience with him and Tessa. I hope to take another tour with him at some point.

Overall I was blown away by the beauty and the elegance that this enchanted mansion provides for all of its guests.

A big thank you to Louise, Charles, and Tessa for an unbelievable experience. Keep doing what you're doing and I am super excited to come back for the Spiritualism tour.

Viva Las...

Where to begin... We took the evening tour of this magnificent, enchanted gem of a house. Upon arrival, the rooftop gargoles greeted us from the Villa's gables and intricate, asymmetricale facade. Our charming and often witty and unbelievably, knowledgeable guide Charles, greeted us and led us through the darkened rooms with soft, lighted lanterns...so we could experience the house just as Jesse Shepard would have once entertained there in the 1880's. His knowledge and personal attention to all of his guests is lovely and perfect. Every single room of this beauty has such splendor and mesmerizing detail that one must stop and wonder why so little people know of her grandeur. I would hope more people would come and experience this for themselves....Nothing in San Diego compares... This house speaks for itself.... From the top to the bottom...the ceilings, the woodwork, fireplaces, mosaics, tiles, wallpaper...stained glass windows and many more enchantments, all perfectly and equally beautiful and fascinating! I suggest seeing this again in daylight. Albeit, I am sure there are even more eye-pleasing details to behold. However, better is to go see it first, as only the late 1800's upon-invite guests of the mysterious Jesse Shepard would have seen it...in...