The historic house has undergone an extensive restoration and is open to the public as a museum. During the daytime, visitors explore on their own, but docents are available to answer questions about the house’s history.
Docent-led night tours are more popular and delve into the house's haunted history that has made it famous. Among the reported resident ghosts are the spirit of “Yankee Jim Robinson”—who was hanged on the property—and the Whaley’s daughter Violet, who committed suicide there in 1885. Many San Diego ghost tours also include a stop at the Whaley House for some supernatural exposure.
The Whaley House is located in Old Town San Diego and can be easily reached from downtown via the Sycuan Green Line trolley. If you're driving, there is free all-day parking in the public parking lot on Harney and Twiggs Streets.
The Whaley House is open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Hours and closures vary with the seasons and holidays.
San Diego may be best known for its sunshine and beaches, but there is a sinister side to this oceanfront paradise. The Whaley House is an essential stop on most haunted itineraries, with other popular paranormal destinations including the Davis-Horton House, Villa Montezuma, and the El Campo Santo Cemetery.
