San Diego offers a city filled with stories, legends, and lively experiences that go beyond its beautiful beaches and vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re into spooky tales, historic crime stories, or just want to enjoy some local brews, San Diego has a tour for you. We especially enjoy the Gaslamp Quarter Ghosts and Crime Walking Tour because it combines history, mystery, and a touch of the paranormal, giving you a different perspective on this lively district. It’s a great way to explore the city’s darker side after sunset.
If you’re after something more energetic and social, the History Tour Pub Crawl of the Gaslamp Quarter offers a fun mix of local history and craft beer. For those interested in San Diego’s more sinister past, the Gaslamp Quarter Historic True Crime Walking Tour dives into infamous crimes from the late 19th century. Our list covers a variety of experiences—haunted walks, crime stories, pub crawls, and even self-guided bike tours—so there’s something for every traveler’s taste.
1. San Diego: Gaslamp Quarter Ghosts and Crime Walking Tour
This tour by US Ghost Adventures (view details here) offers a 1-hour journey through some of San Diego’s most haunted landmarks in the Gaslamp Quarter. For $27, you’ll explore sites like the Davis-Horton House, Carriage Works, and Old City Hall while hearing spooky stories and unsolved crime mysteries. The guides share tales of a secret room with hieroglyphics, a terrifying past at a historic shop, and ghostly encounters that will give you goosebumps.
What makes this tour stand out is the blend of ghost stories and historical anecdotes. The guide Fernando gets high marks for enthusiasm and knowledge, making the experience both fun and (a little) frightening. The tour runs at night, which enhances the spooky atmosphere, and is perfect for those curious about San Diego’s ghostly secrets.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in creepy tales and iconic city landmarks, this tour offers a captivating, cost-effective way to experience San Diego’s haunted side. It’s especially good for first-time visitors wanting a quick, memorable introduction to the Gaslamp District.
2. History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter
The History Tour Pub Crawl is a lively 2-hour experience that combines local history with craft beer tasting. For $30 per person, you’ll visit some of the best bars and breweries in the Gaslamp Quarter while listening to stories about conquistadors, bootleggers, and aviation pioneers. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed way to learn about San Diego’s past while enjoying a cold brew or two.
What makes this tour unique is the focus on hidden stories and local brews, creating a casual atmosphere perfect for socializing. The guides are knowledgeable, and the stops include some of the most popular watering holes in the district. It’s a great choice if you prefer your history with a pint in hand, especially since the tour includes exclusive tastings.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy craft beer and want to hear intriguing tales of San Diego’s colorful past, this pub crawl offers excellent value and a fun night out. It’s especially suited for those who like their history served with a splash of local flavor.
3. San Diego: Gaslamp Quarter Historic True Crime Walking Tour
The True Crime Walking Tour walks you through San Diego’s darker past over about 1.5 hours for $30. Led by a local crime history fanatic, this tour explores notorious crimes from the late 1800s in the historic Stingaree district, now known as the Gaslamp Quarter. You’ll hear graphic details about unsolved murders, criminal legends, and the gritty side of San Diego’s development.
This tour is distinguished by its detailed storytelling and focus on real crimes, giving a different lens on the city’s colorful history. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s engaging delivery and depth of knowledge. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy true crime stories, historical intrigue, and a slightly more serious tone compared to ghost tours.
Bottom Line: For those fascinated by San Diego’s crime history, this walking tour offers an insightful look into the city’s past, with plenty of stories that linger long after the walk ends.
4. San Diego: Old Town Ghost-Themed Walking Tour
At around $25, the Old Town Ghost-Themed Walking Tour offers a family-friendly, 1.5-hour ghost adventure. This tour explores the haunted sites of Old Town San Diego, including tales of ghostly residents and spooky happenings at historic locations like the Whaley House. It’s designed for all ages, blending entertaining storytelling with a light spooky atmosphere.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on Old Town, a charming historic area that’s rich with stories of spirits and legends. The tour is conducted by an engaging guide who balances fun and fright, making it suitable for those traveling with children or anyone interested in ghost stories. Although reviews are positive, some note it’s less ghostly than they expected, but it remains a lively, family-friendly option.
Bottom Line: A good pick for families or those who want a gentle introduction to San Diego’s haunted past, this tour combines local history with some light ghostly fun.
5. San Diego: Self-guided Bike Tour App – Audio + Written
For travelers who love exploring at their own pace, the Self-guided Bike Tour App provides a convenient, budget-friendly way to see San Diego and Balboa Park. For just $5, you get access to an app that offers detailed commentary, photos, and recommendations along your route. Available for 365 days, it’s perfect for flexible planning and independent exploration.
This tour is especially suited for active travelers who prefer to skip group schedules. It covers key sites, film locations, food spots, and scenic viewpoints, making it a versatile way to experience San Diego. The app’s GPS-based guidance ensures you won’t miss out on anything, and it’s easy to stop and explore whenever you want.
Bottom Line: If you want control over your itinerary and enjoy cycling or walking, this self-guided tour offers excellent value with the independence to tailor your day.
6. San Diego: Embarcadero Waterfront Ghost Walking Tour
The Waterfront Ghost Walking Tour is a 1-hour spooky adventure along San Diego’s Embarcadero. For $22, you’ll explore haunted sites including Dead Man’s Point, the USS Midway, and the Maritime Museum, all while hearing stories of ghostly ships and maritime mysteries.
This tour offers a blend of history, paranormal tales, and a bit of interactive ghost hunting, with paranormal investigation equipment provided. It’s a great option for those interested in maritime history or who enjoy a quick, spooky stroll along the waterfront. The stories of disease, death, and espionage add depth to the ghostly experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike, this tour provides a short but intriguing look at San Diego’s haunted waterfront.
7. San Diego: Gaslamp Quarter Ghost Walking Tour
Finally, the Gaslamp Quarter Ghost Walking Tour is a highly-rated, 1.5-hour tour priced at $30. It focuses on the district’s most haunted locations, sharing stories of sinister spirits, murders, and gruesome deaths from a knowledgeable guide. The tour feels modern, using the latest paranormal equipment to investigate spirits, making it especially engaging.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on interactive ghost-hunting, making it a popular choice for thrill-seekers. The stories cover disease, espionage, and murder, providing a comprehensive haunted experience. Several reviews praise the guide’s storytelling skills and the tour’s spooky atmosphere.
Bottom Line: For those seeking an immersive, ghost-hunting adventure in San Diego’s historic district, this tour delivers a fun, creepy experience with plenty of surprises.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, budget, and time. If spooky stories and haunted landmarks excite you, the Gaslamp Quarter Ghosts and Crime Walking Tour or the Gaslamp Quarter Ghost Walking Tour are excellent options. For a more social experience with craft beer and history, the Pub Crawl is ideal. Those wanting independence can try the Self-guided Bike Tour, while history buffs interested in crime stories should consider the True Crime Walking Tour.
Book early, especially during peak seasons, as popular tours fill up quickly. Think about your comfort level with walking or active travel, and match that with the tour’s duration and difficulty.
Final Thoughts
San Diego offers a variety of tours that cater to different tastes—whether you’re into ghost stories, historical crime, craft beer, or self-guided exploration. The Gaslamp Quarter Ghosts and Crime Walking Tour and the Ghost Walking Tour stand out for their engaging storytelling and spooky charm, perfect for evening adventures. Meanwhile, the Pub Crawl offers a fun, social way to enjoy San Diego’s vibrant nightlife and history.
For active travelers, the self-guided Bike Tour provides flexibility and independence. Whatever your preference, San Diego’s diverse tour options make it easy to add a memorable chapter to your trip. Remember to book early and enjoy discovering all that this lively city has to offer.