‘America’s Most Haunted House’ Was Once Considered The Finest Residence In Southern California — And It’s 2 Hours From L.A.

Old Town San Diego’s Whaley House is considered to be “America’s most haunted house,” and the famed paranormal landmark is known to draw over 100,000 visitors per year who come to learn about its eerily fascinating history. Once a central gathering place and lauded residence, the Whaley House gained its haunted reputation through the Whaley family’s tragic experiences there. Read on for a deep dive into the history of the Whaley House, plus some tips if you’re brave enough to visit. History of the Whaley House --------------------------- Early San Diego settler Thomas Whaley built the Whaley House starting in 1856, proclaiming that it would be “the handsomest, most comfortable and convenient place in town or within 150 miles of here.” The property had a grim reputation as the site of horse thief “Yankee Jim” Robinson’s public execution , but Whaley was unfazed and proceeded with construction. The two-story Greek Revival home was built with bricks from Whaley’s own brickyard and furnished with rich mahogany and rosewood furniture. It cost $10,000 to complete—a sizable sum for the time—and was soon lauded as the finest home in Southern California . During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Whaley House served as a cornerstone of the San Diego community , and Whaley even rented out parts of the house as a commercial theater, a county courthouse, and a bilingual general store. That said, the home was still primarily a residence for the Whaley family, who began reporting [paranormal phenomena](https://secretlosangeles.com/haunted-places-los-angeles/) shortly after moving in. They attributed unexplained footsteps to the ghost of Yankee Jim, but more eerie happenings began to occur after the family suffered several tragic deaths. Baby Thomas died in the house of scarlet fever at only 18 months old, and visitors have reported hearing tiny footsteps and the sounds of a baby crying and giggling. The Whaleys’ daughter, Violet, tragically committed suicide after her divorce, and her spirit is said to be active on the second floor. The elder Thomas , his wife Anna , and other spirits are also said to haunt the home after their deaths. Visitors to the home report mists, lights turning on and off by themselves, movement of the crystals in the parlor room’s lamp, temperature differences, and more psychic scars. Visiting the Whaley House ------------------------- The Whaley House is now a popular museum in Old Town San Diego, welcoming 100,000 visitors annually . It’s been featured on numerous paranormal TV shows, including the Travel Channel’s *Ghost Adventures* and *America’s Most Haunted*. You may choose to explore the Whaley House via a day or evening tour , where you can walk through exhibit rooms and learn about the home’s history within the community of San Diego. Or, if you’re brave enough, consider embarking upon the after-hours paranormal investigation tour , where an experienced guide leads participants through more exclusive-access rooms with the assistance of professional ghost-hunting equipment. However you decide to visit the Whaley House, just make sure you check your photos afterward —you never know what or who may make an appearance. 📍 Location : 2476 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110 🌐 Website : The Whaley House Museum Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/whaley-house-most-haunted-san-diego-california/