Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:2476 San Diego Ave.
San Diego, California
Walk into a little piece of history at the Whaley House in historic Old Town San Diego! The two-story Whaley House and store addition was designed and constructed by Thomas Whaley in 1857, and it eventually housed not only the Whaley family but also San Diego's first commercial theater, the county courthouse, and the Whaley and Crosthwaite General Store, all of which have been restored for the museum. Significant events, such as the suicide of Violet Whaley in 1885 and the hangings which occurred on the property before the house was constructed, have suffused the Whaley House with an air of mystery and given it a reputation as something more than just an historic landmark. According to the Travel Channel's "America's Most Haunted," Whaley House is the number one most haunted house in the United States! You can learn about the voluminous documentation of paranormal occurrences at the house on the docent-led tour.
The Whaley House is the main part of the Whaley House complex, but there is more to explore than just the house itself. The replica 19th century rustic gazebo seating area is a pleasant place to relax after a meal at the museum's New Orleans Creole Café. And the historic Derby-Pendleton House, a 19th century wood-frame and adobe structure, named for its two best-known residents, humorist George Horatio Derby (better known by his pennames, "Squibob" and "John Phoenix") and San Diego County Clerk and Recorder, George Allen Pendleton, provides a classic backdrop to the Whaley House grounds. There is also the historic Verna House, which houses the SOHO (Save Our Heritage Organization) Museum Shop. The Museum Shop features Whaley House souvenirs and t-shirts, an eclectic assortment of gifts and art, and a large selection of books on San Diego History, architecture, art and the paranormal.
Formally dedicated as an historic house museum on May 25, 1960 and open to the public ever since, Whaley House receives over 100,000 visitors a year. Since September 2000, the SOHO has managed and operated the property. SOHO, a non-profit organization, advocates historic preservation by raising awareness and appreciation of the region's architectural and cultural heritage.
From Whaley House - San Diego, California:
Located in historic Old Town San Diego, the "birthplace of California," the Whaley House stands today as a classic example of mid-nineteenth century Greek Revival architecture. Formally dedicated as a historic house museum on May 25, 1960 and open to the public ever since, it is one of San Diego's most popular visitor destinations. Over 100,000 people visit the Whaley House annually, with guests traveling from across the globe to experience this world-renowned museum.