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San Diego Gaslamp Ghosts and True Crime Walking Tour

41 Reviews 4.95 out of 5 stars Based on 41 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 98% of reviewers
98% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. San Diego, USA
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from $29.99 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Two tours built into one: explore San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter after dark through ghost sightings and true crime stories, from gambling dens and brothels to unsolved murders and haunted hotels.

With a small group, walk the old Stingaree, San Diego's red-light district, where gambling halls, brothels, and bought-off cops ran the show. Visit some of the most haunted places in San Diego, including Room 309 at the Horton Grand Hotel, the Balboa Theatre where unexplained movement is reported in the basement, and a block that was once the city morgue.

The night ends at the Davis-Horton House, downtown's oldest building and the county's first hospital, where visitors report symptoms of long-gone diseases. It's widely considered the most haunted building in the Gaslamp.

Perfect for history buffs, paranormal fans, true crime lovers, and anyone looking for a spooky date night in San Diego.

What's Included

  • Local recommendations
  • Professional storytelling guide
  • Gratuities
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

397 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

410 Island Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Your tour will end near the Gaslamp Museum, a very well lit and central area a couple blocks from where the tour started.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Horton Plaza Park

Meet your guide at Horton Plaza Park in downtown San Diego, beside the 1910 Broadway Fountain. The plaza sits at the north edge of the Gaslamp Quarter and is easy to reach from the trolley and nearby parking. We start with how this neighborhood went from a frontier town to the Stingaree, San Diego’s old red-light district.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Balboa Theatre

The Balboa Theatre opened in 1924 and is one of the Gaslamp Quarter’s grand old landmarks, and it still hosts shows today. People who work there at night talk about voices in the basement dressing rooms when nobody is down there, and a few crew members have refused to go back. We stop outside to hear their stories.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Yuma Building

The Yuma Building went up in 1888. It’s one of the oldest brick buildings in the Gaslamp, and it once ran as a brothel in the heart of the Stingaree. Here we cover the 1912 police raid that put the district’s women on a train out of town. We also get into the crooked cops, politicians and madams who kept the place running for decades.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Prohibition Lounge

From the sidewalk, Prohibition Lounge looks like a law office, but behind the unmarked door is one of the best speakeasy bars in the Gaslamp Quarter. Local lore says this spot was San Diego’s city morgue in the 1860s, and bartenders closing up late say they never feel alone. We stop outside. Drinks aren’t included, but it’s a great place to come back to after the tour.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Horton Grand Hotel

The Horton Grand is a Victorian hotel from the 1880s and one of the most haunted places in San Diego. Most of the activity is in Room 309, where guests report shaking beds, wardrobe doors swinging open and lights turning on by themselves. The ghost is said to be Roger Whittaker, a gambler killed in the 1800s, and we’ll tell you why he never checked out.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House

The tour ends outside the Davis-Horton House, the oldest surviving building in downtown San Diego. It was built in 1850, became the county’s first hospital and is now the Gaslamp Museum. Many locals call it the most haunted building in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the San Diego Gaslamp Ghosts and True Crime Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5673937P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.95
41 reviews

Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 41 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
40
4 stars
0
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the San Diego Gaslamp Ghosts and True Crime Walking Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Local recommendations.
  • Professional storytelling guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the San Diego Gaslamp Ghosts and True Crime Walking Tour is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for San Diego Gaslamp Ghosts and True Crime Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Local recommendations
  • Professional storytelling guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Unfortunately, we will not be entering any building
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Report Product Issue

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