Old Town’s Most Haunted – San Diego Ghost Tour

Dropped into San Diego for a spell last week, and my wife and I couldn’t pass up the chance to take the Old Town’s Most Haunted Ghost Tour, hosted by veteran area Ghost Hunter Michael Brown.

We liked it immediately. No advanced reservations required, we grouped up in front of a cheesy outdoor Tex-Mex place in Old Town San Diego. It was an eclectic mix of us – a mid-twenties couple with real fascination, a father trying helplessly to quell his young daughter’s torrent of dialogue (she was really into Ghost Hunters), an old man who sat out at every stop for bad legs.

Then Michael shows up – jeans, button down – and starts marking us with glow bracelets. No signs, no silly forms, no credit cards. Just cash in hand and a let’s-do-this attitude. Perfect.

As he explains on the tour, Old Town’s Most Haunted is the only ghost tour in California that operates in a state park (Old Town San Diego Historic State Park). As a result, the state requires him to augment the tour with items on the history of San Diego and the area. It’s your luck, actually, as both Old Town and San Diego itself is brimming with fascinating history. Michael paints it in simple terms, a flourish-free style that I appreciate.

The Walking Ghost Tour starts in Old Town at the fountain in front of the Tex-Mex place and runs for approximately 90 minutes, covering several locations in Old Town Park as well as the surrounding areas. Michael takes you to stops allegedly rife with paranormal activity, fills you in on whatever lore there might be, and then follows up with his own experiences. After 10 years of ghost hunting San Diego, especially Old Town, he’s had plenty of good ones to share.

The tour takes you through Old Town, to the Little Adobe Chapel, to a haunted Cajun restaurant, to a sectioned-off stamp of cemetery a mere fraction of what it used to be and finally to San Diego’s notorious Whaley House, one of America’s most haunted houses. Cool stories and a few surprising finds accompany every stop (you might even speak to a ghost!)

Your host, Michael Brown, has not a shred of corporate veneer, and this may or may not work for you, depending on what you want. He’s a serious guy and a true believer. He puts his experiences out there matter-of-fact, take’em or leave’em. He won’t try to convert you or even convince you that his findings are proof of hauntings. He’ll let you decide. And if you’re a fan of the Ghost Hunters television show, prepare to have ol’ Jason and Grant knocked a few times (but it’s all in good fun).

Old Town’s Most Haunted Ghost Tours are hosted four nights a week, Thursday – Sunday, for $19. Cash only. Learn more about this tour and Michael’s other tours here.

Got a couple of fine San Diego hotels near Old Town and plenty else there is to do in San Diego: 

• Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay – a great location on the bay next the Gaslamp Quarter. Free airport and attractions shuttle.
• Doubletree Downtown San Diego Hotel – another sublime location for traveling just about anywhere in San Diego. Free airport shuttle. 

Have fun and happy hunting

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