Five spots in San Diego that are rumored to be haunted

You’ll find many ghost stories in San Diego, and we’re taking a dive into a darker side of history that still remains with us.

Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant in Old Town san Diego

Rumor has it, some souls never checked out of the Cosmopolitan.

Photo via @ryancglenn

Table of Contents

Would it be Halloween without scary stories? We’ve heard spine-chilling tales set in San Diego, and legend has it, a few ghosts reside in the city. Let’s take a tour of allegedly haunted sites — it’s up to you to determine if these stories are fact or fiction.

The Whaley House

Dubbed “America’s Most Haunted House,” this Old Town site has a long history. Alleged spirits include homeowners Thomas and Anna Whaley, their children, and notorious thief Yankee Jim.

Hotel Del Coronado

This landmark’s history isn’t all Hollywood glamour — the spirit of Kate Morgan is allegedly a permanent resident. In 1892, the young woman checked into the hotel, but after “five lonely days,” she never checked out. Room 3327, where she stayed, remains The Del’s most-requested room. Learn more by taking a ghost tour.

The William Davis-Horton House in the Gaslamp Quarter

Lots of history is held in the The William Davis-Horton House.

The Davis-Horton House

Built in 1850 in “New Town,” this home is downtown San Diego’s oldest remaining wooden structure. Initially, William Heath Davis lived here. It was later home to Alonzo Horton, and then Anna Scheper who operated a county hospital out of it. Alleged spirits include Davis’ daughter Lillian Davis, Alonzo Horton’s second wife Sarah, a WWII spy, a meowing cat, and and unknown “Lady in Black.”

The Cosmopolitan Hotel

Built in 1827, this is one of San Diego’s oldest buildings and served as the home for pioneer Juan Bandini. Particularly, Room 11 is said to be haunted by Bandini’s daughter, Ysidora. She’s rumored to have fallen off the building, but survived after she was caught by Col. Cave Johnson Couts, who she later married.

The star of India ship on San Diego Bay

The Star of India might have some paranormal guests lurking aboard.

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

Star of India

Built in 1863, this ship is said to have made 21 trips during which many lives were lost. Perhaps the most infamous spirit is English Army Captain McBarnett, who took his own life while traveling from New Zealand to England.

More from SDtoday
Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around America’s Finest City and plan for your next adventure or staycation.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 18 golf courses in San Diego are sure to make for a good round.
U-Haul rolled out info on 2024 moving trends — and now you just might know a little more about your new neighbors.
Explore San Diego’s murals — from images of postcards and celebrities to unforgettable splashes of color.
Check out these 23 yoga options around America’s Finest City.
The 95-year-old venue on downtown San Diego’s B Street has been fully renovated and its 2024-2025 season is packed with live performances.
Prepare for fall weather in America’s Finest City with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
The overhaul is the largest capital improvement to the aquarium since it was built in 1992; it will be closed from Monday, Sept. 30 to Thursday, Oct. 3 so crews can begin renovations.
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in San Diego, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
This first phase of the New T1 Parking Plaza has opened 2,834 parking spaces directly across from Terminal 1.