Last week I did something a little different…
I went out. Hahahah.
And not just around my neighborhood either – your girl ventured all the way downtown for some spooky fun.
I was invited/hosted by US Ghost Adventures (San Diego Ghosts) to experience the Sinister Shadows of San Diego Ghost Tour in the Gaslamp District.
Tickets were gifted in exchange for a blog review, but everything shared here reflects my genuine experience and honest thoughts.
And my immediate thoughts? This was such a fun Friday night activity!
I’ve been to Gaslamp plenty of times – usually for chaotic nights out with friends, birthday dinners, bar hopping – you know the vibe.
But I had never done a ghost tour before. I didn’t even realize downtown San Diego had one.
My only haunted experiences locally were visiting the Whaley House and hearing all the stories about Hotel del Coronado – so I was excited to dive into something new.
I love haunted experiences… even though I’m also scared the entire time. But that never stops me!
So let’s get into all the spooky details
Location & Meeting Point
The tour takes place right in the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego – which, if you’ve never been, is known for nightlife, restaurants, bars, and historic buildings.
You will meet your guide in front of the Balboa Theatre.
They arrive about 15 minutes before the tour start time. And they’ll be holding a lantern so you can spot them easily. Very on theme.
Parking is nearby (Horton Plaza Garage is the closest/easiest option), but since it’s downtown, give yourself extra time just in case.
Tour Times & Pricing
Sinister Shadows of San Diego – Gaslamp Tour
- Nightly tours at 7 PM & 8 PM
- Tour length: ~1 hour 20 minutes
- Walking distance: About 1 mile
Pricing:
- Tour Ticket: $26
- Optional EMF Detector Rental: $7
(If you’re into paranormal tech, this is a fun addition to the tour!)
My Tour Experience
My tour was the 8 PM slot – so fully dark, fully spooky. Exactly what you want for a ghost tour.
Our guide was Tino and he was great!
Tino was knowledgeable, very engaging, and he kept us moving at a good pace without making it feel rushed.
We had a smaller group too, which I loved because I asked approximately one million questions.
The Stops
We visited 7 different haunted locations – all within about a 2-block radius.
Which blew my mind.
Like… why are there SO many haunted places packed into Gaslamp?!
Well, turns out there’s a reason.
Gaslamp used to be San Diego’s historic red-light district. So you can imagine the kind of chaos, scandal, and wild stories that came out of that era.
There were also stories about entire buildings being physically moved from one location to another – which, apparently… ghosts don’t love.
A lot of the reported hauntings and activity started after buildings were relocated or disturbed.
I won’t spoil the stories (because hearing them in person is the fun part), but I will say…
Some of them are DARK.
And yes – there’s even a very famous, unsolved murder tied to one of the stops.
Atmosphere & Walking Experience
Since it’s a walking tour through downtown at night, definitely:
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Expect some… colorful local characters along the way
It’s Gaslamp, after all.
But it honestly added to the experience. The mix of nightlife energy + haunted history made the whole thing feel extra immersive.
Bonus: Places You Can Revisit
One thing I loved – a few of the haunted stops are actual bars/restaurants or historic buildings you can go back and visit after the tour.
So if you’re feeling brave…
You can grab a drink inside one of the haunted locations or go explore more during the day.
It makes the experience last longer than just the tour itself.
Should You Book a Gaslamp Ghost Tour?
Overall, this was such a fun, unique night out.
It’s perfect for:
- Locals looking for something different to do downtown
- Visitors wanting a spooky twist on Gaslamp history
- Date nights
- Friend group activities
- Halloween season plans (obviously)
US Ghost Adventures actually operates ghost tours in 170+ cities across the country, so if you travel a lot, you could easily add one of their tours to other destinations too.
For me, it was a fun new way to experience a part of San Diego I thought I already knew – and now I have some spooky little facts to share anytime friends visit.
Let me know if you end up booking this tour or if you’ve done it before. I’d love to hear what you thought (and if anything weird happened…).
XOXO,
Julia
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About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of San Diego and beyond!
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