old town house tour

SPECIAL EVENT:

Our haunted ghost tours - click below and choose wisely, use code "karma" for a big discount, you are entering the bus tour - beware, welcome to your official haunted san diego ghost bus tours, on our ghost bus, your are going to the top 5 haunted places in san diego proper including the gaslamp and old town - keep your eyes and all senses open..

Bus Tour Meeting Address: Old Town, 2415 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110

• Highest Reviewed - #1 - The Best SD Ghost Tour on: Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor & Facebook
• 5 Haunted Locations (enter 3). Experience More - Old Town. Sherman Heights. Gaslamp.
• Costumed Master Storytellers with You on a Ghost Coach/Bus .
• Historic tour with a Haunted Twist. History. Theater. Folklore. Comedy. Ghosts.
• Small Groups (8-14 guests). Intimate Presentation .
• Experience Our Proof that Ghosts Exist !
• Most nights - 7pm & 9pm (Occasional 5pm & 11pm ) - Click Book Now to See & Schedule
• Meet 20 minutes before your show in Old Town - 2415 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
• $55 per seat (discount code often available) | Kids under 10 - call us | Unfortunately not wheelchair accessible
• 2 Hour Tour . Give or take 15 minutes. When "eerie" things happens, which is rare, then the tour can go over 2 hours . No traffic = shorter (1:50ish).

Our tours are really dreadful! If you want to be alerted to updates, stories, events and get discounts please sign up below.

Haunted Gaslamp / Old Town Tours / Bus / Discounts and Stories

Our historic tour is an experience you'll never forget., join us, we’ve been dying to meet you…, our haunted san diego locations - you will visit.

You will enter 3/5 locations and go on the premise of them all .

Our haunted ghost tour will take you on our Ghost Bus – starting at San Diego’s haunted Old Town , then on the bus to the Sherman Heights / Golden Hill community, next is San Diego’s haunted Gaslamp District / Downtown area and finally returning to the El Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town. Go beyond just Old Town tonight! (most of our competitors only do Old Town and maybe a park above Old Town).

Click Here & Learn More About Our Haunted Locations.

Haunted san diego locations - 3 homes 1 hotel 1 graveyard.

Haunted San Diego Ghost Coach

Climb aboard our custom Haunted San Diego Ghost Bus if you dare. The inside is decorated like a coffin and we can seat 14 hunters plus the driver and host. We like to keep it intimate. The host will be telling you stories and entertaining you during your travels on board.

The Whaley House

You will see the place several sources (The Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted, Life Magazine, and Time Magazine) claim is the most haunted house in the United States. Find out how it all began with Yankee Jim and it's other doomed occupants.

The Villa Montezuma

You will see this location which is haunted by 2 people who once lived there. Strangely enough they say, it is the first person to live in the house and the last to live in the Villa Montezuma. Perhaps you yourself will hear music from beyond or see a haunted artifact move.

Davis-Horton House

This is the house where people would come to die as it was a hospital of sorts with a dramatic history. Our guests have experienced being pushed around the house with a hand on their back when there is no one behind them and catching mysterious shapes on camera.

The Horton Grand Hotel

Famous for room 309 and room 209, which are both active. One of the ghosts maybe someone you have already heard of, an infamous gunslinger, can you guess who that might be? Visitors still experience mysterious cold chills, footsteps and glowing orbs.

El Campo Cemetary

Back to where it all began. Old Town San Diego, El Campo Santo Cemetery has a long history of the macabre. Ghosts there are disturbed as their burial grounds have been disturbed many times. Strange figures still appear seemingly to glow and float above the ground.

Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour Reviews Compared

We have most reviews AND the best – our guests rate us the best/top/#1 of all the SD ghost tours on Google, Facebook, Yelp, Expedia and TripAdvisor . Proof below. Beware of imposters - some other ghost tours will steal our name.

#1 on TripAdvisor

#1 on Facebook

#1 on Google

Couple Things to Know - For Expectations

We bring the spooky, the creepy! I wouldn't call us scary as there are no monster or clowns jumping out at you (no jump scares). You get environments, stories, and folklore. If you are looking for jump scares this is not the tour for you. Things can and do happen on the tour , and people have gotten a bit scared. It's not because we scared them, it's rather the environment and the person.

We also bring crazed tongue 'n' cheek humor. We are heavily inspired by 80s and 90s movies, like Scream and The Evil Dead, think Arnold Schwarzenegger cheesy one-liners. We play with all your emotions including humor. If you are going with us, do bring your sense of humor with you. If you don't want cheesy one-liners, this is not the tour for you .

Your Haunted SD Ghost Hosts

Your host are amazing and award winning. All very passionate about history and ghosts. Your hosts are professionals: Historically accurate , amazing storytellers featuring theatrics, horror, and comedy . Hear the stories of the people who lived, died, and still haunt San Diego today , as told by our world-class professional costumed storytellers.

Click Here & Meet Our Ghosties

A glance at your dark history ghostie.

Rebecca - People on Tour

They just liked the word “Pearl”: it's surfer slang for submerging the nose of your board, it's a good Janis Joplin record, it was the nickname of basketball great Earl Monroe, and Vedder did have a cool great-grandmother named Pearl. She didn't wed a Native American–but she did marry a circus contortionist.

Victoria - Ghost Experiences

Your tour combines guided sightseeing with a haunted bus tour and some light walking. We get off the bus at each location, but the most you’ll walk is two city blocks.

You and your party will need to be able to handle the 3 steep steps of the ghost bus. Expect to stand at each stop to enjoy our tales for about 20 minutes. You can manage with a walker, but a wheelchair won’t fit. If you have ambulatory concerns, please call us for a personal answer.

Archie - Random Thoughts

Do keep in mind that even though you do not enter the Whaley with us, we will enter the Horton Davis house downtown in the gaslamp. A location that the SD Ghost hunters (who do investigations throughout San Diego proper) recently said is – “The Horton Davis house is currently the most active location in San Diego”. Which is one of the main reason we focus on that location on our tour.

At one time we did tour the Whaley House. Since your tour takes roughly two hours, and there’s already plenty of walking, we decided to give you the highlights and show you a variety of fascinating, spooky sites.

Rosalinda - Style

Rosalinda is an exotic and mysterious raconteur who may or may not be a self-made widow. She may or may not also be a chthonic entity who crawls up from Hades every single night to tell tales of ghosts and ghouls and things that go bump in the night to the mortal world. The adorably undead Rosalinda is always ready to take you for an epic ride.

Promo Video

This is our original promo video, about 10 years old now. Still true. Retro in style with that Evil Dead feel and the tongue n cheek humor we sometimes bring. Awesome!

Dante - Do You Believe?

Meet Dante, a long time Gentleman’s Undertaker. He makes sure all the spirits are properly cared for and enjoys entertaining them with guests from around the world. You’ll find Dante often conversing with the locals in the town saloon but also with the dearly deceased in El Campo Santo Cemetery where he knows all the spirits by name. Let Dante tell you all about their history and his many experience’s. His favorite quote is, “Look Alive!”

Dante is the tour patriarch and has been with us for the last 13 years, since inception. Dante is a master stroyteller and host.

Ghostly Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)

Considering taking a look at some of these if you are serious about the tour. Click the + to open each question.

Do Things Happen? Is it Scary?

Hauntings and Events Web Designer's Personal Note: " I have been on 5 tours as of this writing. On 2 of the tours, something happened . Once, a chair started rocking when no one was around. Another time, there was this deep sound that lasted 30 seconds or so. The weird thing about it was that you couldn’t locate its source; it was like surround sound, coming from everywhere. On both occasions, I asked the host if they did that. They replied, 'No, this is what happens'."

" Not every host who has been with the company was a believer when they joined. They all are now ."

"Bottomline - We can not guarantee that something will happen on your Haunted San Diego tour, and we can not produce or employ ghosts. Things do happen we just don't know when, they are rare . But as I said, twice for me personally - so far!"

Scary? Our tour is an engaging adventure with spooky stories. It's a dark history tour with a haunted twist. It is not a haunted house with staged effects, or stooges popping out of corners unexpectedly. No jump scares! We don't use the word, scary, we call it spooky though it could scare some . Even so, some reviewers have called the tour scary. Everyone may expect some eerie, if subtle, moments. Please join us with that in mind.

How Much Walking?

Your tour combines guided sightseeing with a haunted bus tour and some light walking . We get off the bus at each location, but the most you’ll walk is three city blocks (not including the walk to the meeting location from your parking spot).

You and your party will need to be able to handle the 3 steep steps of the ghost bus. Expect to stand at each stop to enjoy our tales for about 20 minutes per stop - some a bit more, some less . We can fit a walker, but a wheelchair won’t fit. If you have ambulatory concerns, please call us 619.255.6170 , for a personal answer.

Here’s how it breaks down – About 33% of the bus tour is on the bus, with a host to entertain and inform, plus a driver to keep everyone safe. You’ll be walking 10-15% of the time, and standing for the rest .

Basics The tour contains mildly racy content, and some disturbing stories . It is geared toward an adult audience (PG-13). Children under the age of 10 are discouraged. Children under the age of 6 are not allowed to attend due to the lack of child-restraint seats in the bus. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult – no exceptions.

Scariness Yes, many kids see scary movies and enjoy them. However, going to these actual locations is heavier than “just a movie”. The eerie energy of these locations is real , and you may be surprised how many kids are not as grown up as they think they are.

If your child becomes frightened, we ask that you as the parent to please comfort him. You may step away from the tour so your child may regain her composure. When the moment passes, then rejoin the tour.

Ultimately, it is up to the parent to decide. If you have doubts, please call/text us 619.255.6170 , and we can talk about it .

Racy The haunted downtown/Gaslamp district of San Diego used to be called the Stingaree. It was a dangerous place. Once, it was packed with rough bars, brothels, cutthroats, cardsharps, and vice of every description. We do discuss some of these things, including prostitution. This is done lightly, not graphically, but be advised.

Booking Questions

Booking questions.

Do you have to book in advance with a credit card or Debit Card? Yes. There are a limited number of seats for each of our tours and we often sell out well in advance. To ensure that you are able to join us, reservations and payment are required ahead of time. You can book online or over the phone with one of our reservation specialists. If you prefer to pay cash, your only option is to show up at the Old Town Old Town Corral Plaza at least 30 min prior to the tour departure. If we have seats available, you can pay cash at that time. PLEASE NOTE: Reservations are highly recommended as empty seats are rare as the tour time approaches.

Process When you book online, you will get an email saying your spot(s) have been reserved. If the tour minimum has been met, your card will be charged and you will get another email with details about the tour, where to meet and so on. We operate out of the Old Town Old Town Corral Plaza, please make sure to be there 20 minutes before departure time . Enjoy the tour and happy hauntings!

Waitlist We do not have a waitlist . If you are trying to book a full tour, your best bet is to show up at the Old Town Old Town Corral Plaza at least 30 min prior to the tour departure. If there has been a cancellation, we will know by the time the tour starts and will get you in. Cancellations are extremely rare; only a couple a month, so this is a long shot option. Don't miss out - order now !

Tour Minimum

Our Haunted Guided Tour is small to ensure personal attention to you, our guests. We have only 14 seats available per tour. We require an 8 person minimum in order for us to do a tour. When you reserve a spot you will get an email confirming that your spot has been reserved. Once 8 people are confirmed on the tour, we'll send another email so you know that the tour is on.

Your credit card is not charged until we hit the 8 minimum.

If the tour already has 8 people you will get the email immediately, and your card will be charged immediately.

It is rare, but occasionally if it appears that the tour will not go on. We will personally call and/or text you with a tour update 3-5 hours before your tour departure time. Please give us a legit working phone number you'll have on you for calls/texts . You will not be charged. Your credit card is not processed if the tour does not meet the 8 person minimum.

If you book well in advance, bless you. Most people will book the day of their tour, so please be patient and remember: 90% of the time the tour fills the day of. Your confirmation will likely come sometime that day.

Please call or text us 619.255.6170 if you have questions.

Cancel? Not Satisfied?

Cancellation Policy If we cancel on you due to flooding, unforeseen incident or the tour minimum is not met know that you will be fully and promptly refunded . In the case of the minimum, you will not be charge as your card is not processed unless the minimum is hit. If you book us through someone else, Viator, Expedia, and so on - we will reach out to them and get you refunded.

If you cancel and let us know 24 or more hours before the tour, you will be refunded in full. If 24 hours or under - all sales are final. There are no tour date exchanges or refunds. Just like a concert or theater performance, once the tickets are purchased, the seats are considered sold. We do not offer refunds, nor can we change your booking to a different night or time if you miss the tour. This is our official policy.

Even so, we are human too, and know things happen. At our discretion and circumstances permitting, if you must cancel within 24 hours , we will do our best to make things work for you. You must contact us via text or call 619.255.6170 , and if we can sell your seats before the tour , we will happily refund your purchase . So, the sooner you contact us, the better chance we have to sell your spot(s) and then get you your money back.

Your Satisfaction It is rare, but we are not perfect and every once and a while someone will have a "meh" experience. If this happens to be you please call/text us 619.255.6170 and give us a chance to make things right. Often times we will refund you. Deep gratitude.

Discounts & Pricing

Do you offer discounts for Seniors, Military or anything else? Our bus is smaller, we like to keep it intimate. The downside of keeping it intimate is that our profit margins are super thin. Plus we pay to enter locations, have a driver and host. Occasionally, we will set up a discount code on our site because we do want to get people a discount for asking. If you don’t see it, call or text us 619.255.6170 , and we will set something custom up for you. Discounts are not available during September and October.

Group Discounts If you have a group of more than 12 individuals, please call our reservation line to discuss potential discounted options – 619.255.6170 .

Pricing Transparancy We keep our tour groups small at 14 people maximum, to ensure a personal touch. Pricing wise it is hard for us to compete with a walking tour (which has no bus insurance or overhead associated in that way and takes as many as possible since they don’t have “seats”), and a larger bus tour that adds another 14 people but loses the intimacy. We must pay for you to see and enter some of the locations we visit. Unlike many tours, we have a driver and a host, which ensures your tour is safe and top quality, and this costs us more as well. Basically we pay to enter locations and run a bus and a driver which no other tour in town does so yea our cost on the bus tour is higher. If you are looking for a more affordable option please check our Gaslamp walking tour or Old Town Walking tour,

Should I Tip? Driving Host?

Should I tip? If you enjoy the performance of your host, yes! It is customary to thank them however you see fit. Your host is a trained, experienced, and knowledgeable professional who puts a lot of effort and energy into your experience. Your generosity is always appreciated. It is how the host makes much of their income. Remember the driver, too, if you are pleased with your evening. If you tip the driver remember the host is tipped seperately so don't forget them.

No Driving Host? Consider the important reasons for this: 1. Safety and performance first - That's why we have a dedicated driver and a seperate host . Anyone telling stories while driving may become distracted. This means they might forget and skip over important stories on the tour as they deal with traffic. Worse, they may get into an accident. We provide you get a driver and a host on your tour. The driver concentrates on the road and your safety, while the host focuses on the performance, stories, and your good time.

Our competition skips on having a separate driver to cut costs / quality by having one person perform both jobs , and they don’t pass the savings on to you. It also makes for easier scheduling.

2. Entertainment. Your ghost host will be standing at the front of the bus, enthralling you with San Diego ghost stories the entire time you are on the tour. There is no storytelling break while you ride. They are directly involved with you at all times. This keeps them on top of their performance – not distracted by traffic.

3. We keep an eye on the bus and your valuables. You’ll be getting off at every haunted location with the host guiding you. The driver will stay with the bus so your valuables are watched over, and kept safe .

Parking? Arrival?

Parking You should arrive in Old Town at least 35 minutes prior to the tour departure (more during busy season). There is parking available, but it can be competitive. You may have to walk some blocks. Below is a map of the free parking locations in town. You may also used the paid parking beneath the meeting location (Old Town Corral Plaza).

Click here to download the Haunted Old Town free parking spots map!

Consider using Lyft, Uber, or a taxi, and forget parking.

Arrival Our tour leaves from the Old Town Corral Plaza | 2415 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110

Please make sure to be at the plaza 20 minutes before your tour embarks. When you get there you will see our ghost host dressed in Victorian attire. You will also see our purple shuttle bus, you can't miss it. Please introduce yourself to the host, have the ticket buyer give their name, and you are good to go. There is no ticket or phone app needed just your name. We go by a roster.

There are rare cases where the earlier tour may have gone over. In that case please be patient, they will materialize.

Locations / What do We Enter?

We take you into the last 3 locations (Horton Grand Hotel, Davis Horton House and the El Campo Graveyard) of the 5 locations. We bring you into more locations on our tour then any other San Diego ghost tour . We will take you to the Whaley house yard but not enter. The other site you won’t enter is the Villa Montezuma. Even so, many of our guests considered this mansion one of their favorites on our tour. The stories and the presentation is excellent. You might be glad you didn’t go in there after dark…

What about the Whaley House? You’ll enter the grounds and see the house, but not enter. We’ll tell you about the Whaley House, who lived and died there, and the circumstances that make it a ghostly hot spot. You’ll learn more about the Whaley House later on, at the graveyard.

The Whaley House has its own tour. They control and care for this historic site, which is their specialty and all they do. This means they can go into much more depth, at the cost of not seeing the intriguing variety of haunted places San Diego has to offer. Many of our customers that are interested in the Whaley house will take their tour before or after ours. At the time of this writing I am told the Whaley tour cost roughly $7 and is self-guided (at your own pace), most spend 20 minutes, with some docent support.

Do keep in mind that even though you do not enter the Whaley with us, we will enter the Horton Davis house downtown in the gaslamp. A location that the SD Ghost hunters (who do investigations throughout San Diego proper) recently said is – “The Horton Davis house is currently the most active location in San Diego proper”. You enter it with us! Which is one of the main reason we focus on that location on our tour.

Why We Are The Best Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour.

• The most reviews AND the best – our guests rate us the best of all the SD ghost tours.
• Our tour creates intriguing fun and memories . You'll see and learn about 5 locations around town, and actually enter more sites than any other San Diego haunted tour .
• Your hosts are professionals: Historically accurate, amazing storytellers featuring theatrics, horror, and comedy.
• Our bus tour is cozy, intimate and personal , with only 8 – 14 guest allowed on board.
• You get a historic tour with a haunted twist . History beyond just Old Town.
• Our haunted ghost tour will take you on our Ghost Coach - starting at San Diego's haunted Old Town , then on the bus to the Sherman Heights / Golden Hill community , next is San Diego's haunted Gaslamp District / Downtown area and finally returning to the El Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town .
• Check out Google, Yelp, Facebook, and TA and see for yourself - We are SD's top ghost tour.

Tickets Can and Do Sell Out.

On most dates, tickets sell out faster as the day progresses. Often an unbooked tour at noon will be sold out by 4 pm . Don’t miss out! </ br> Click our Book Now button to see the available tours.

San Diego is the “Most Haunted City in the West". All social website reviews agree - we are San Diego’s best ghost tour!

On your OFFICIAL Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour you will hear spine-tingling stories about real people, history, folklore, and the ghosts that make up haunted San Diego.

Our 2-hour combination bus and light walking tour brings San Diego history alive, one ghost story at a time. You'll be entertained with authentic history, comic moments to lighten the mood, and genuine creepy moments.

NO "JUMP" SCARES OR STAGED STUNTS! Expect some cheesy comedy as well.

A Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour lasts roughly 2 hours. Maybe less if there is no traffic and things go super smooth.., more if you are fortunate enough to experience a haunting event . No guarantees - the ghosts don't work for us.

Winter Visitors - Your bus is heated and we have umbrellas for you (if it rains)! Summer Visitors – Your bus is air conditioned!

Enter, what has been called by the SD Ghost Hunters, "Currently the Most Active location in SD proper".

Once aboard this haunted adventure, you'll visit 5 different locations including:

• One of The Most Haunted House in all of America
• A Mysterious Mansion where some still hear music from beyond
• A Haunted Hotel where you may find you know one of the ghosts
• A quaint Historic Hospital, with so many deadly secrets
• Finally, you'll bury it all together at San Diego’s oldest cemetery

Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours is the city’s oldest and finest ghost tour. We provide you an entertaining history tour with a haunted theme , and we’re the best at it . Not a franchise or cut-and-paste tour! We offer only this tour so we can focus on providing guests with a fun and educational experience. This is true whether you believe in ghosts or not.

Our guides are theatrical storytelling professionals who show you around San Diego aboard a coffin on wheels. You will have an opportunity to see haunted artifacts during our time together, and proof that ghosts exist!

Disembark at each location and learn who lived and died there, who still haunts there today - maybe tonight! The Hauntings Await… Come With Us!

Join Us, we hope you've made your final arrangements...

Our tour leaves from the old town corral plaza | 2415 san diego ave, san diego, ca 92110 questions call/text us 619.255.6170.

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• Old Town San Diego

Visiting Old Town in San Diego

A hub for history, restaurants, shopping and more.

Old Town San Diego features acres of Mexican heritage, historical sites, colorful shops, eclectic restaurants, a theater and tons more to explore. 

Go Back in Time

Witness the living legacy of California's birthplace in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Its many preserved historic buildings and museums commemorate the early days of the town of San Diego from the period 1820 to 1870, allowing you to visit California's history firsthand. Need some inspiration? Check out the Old Town San Diego Guide for can't-miss shopping, restaurants, attractions and more.

Restaurants in Old Town

Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, Old Town's dining is lively and vibrant. For traditional flavors and techniques in an upscale atmosphere, head to El Agave. This second-floor hacienda-style hideaway boasts a mind-blowing tequila collection and a menu specializing in upscale dishes that celebrate indigenous Mexican ingredients. Café Coyote enchants with its festive décor, massive margaritas, strolling mariachis and open-air atmosphere. You’ll also find authentic fare at Old Town Mexican Cafe y Cantina or any of the other local cantinas. Taste the expansive world of mezcals paired with Oaxacan bites at Tahona Bar. Explore even more of Tahona with reservations at Oculto 477, a neo-speakeasy bar adjacent to the iconic Campo Santo Cemetery graveyard.

Beyond the excellent Mexican cuisine, Harney Sushi offers creative Japanese dishes and sushi roll concoctions, such as the "Mike Check" roll featuring lobster, cilantro, garlic ponzu and wonton chips, as well as expertly prepared traditional nigiri.

Historical Buildings

The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park maintains a collection of 19th-century homes and businesses that provide a glimpse into colonial life in San Diego. Seek out the old adobe ranch homes, schoolhouse and graveyard spread among the occupied areas of the neighborhood. Kit Carson was among the first pioneers to raise the American flag here in 1846. There are also numerous rumors of ghost sightings in the area—most persistently at the old Whaley House Museum on San Diego Avenue.

The Whaley House Museum is one of only two officially designated haunted houses in California. Constructed in 1856 on a former gallows' site, the house was once home to the Whaley family as well as San Diego's first theater and county courthouse.

Constructed in 1825, Casa de Estudillo unveils the lifestyle of a prominent San Diego family. Standing as the most famous of the original adobe buildings in Old Town, it’s furnished with representative items from the 16th to 20th centuries within its 13 rooms.

The Junípero Serra Museum in Old Town's Presidio Park is one of the most familiar landmarks in San Diego, recognized as the site where California began. Neighboring Heritage Park showcases San Diego's Victorian era with six restored houses from the 1800s and the city's first synagogue.

Shopping in Old Town

Shopping in Old Town State Historic Park reflects the history of the 1800s and captures the essence of San Diego's colorful past. A diverse selection of stores can be found in Old Town like Cousin's Candy for fresh homemade taffy, Toby's Candle Shop where you can make your own candles and the Johnson House specializing in millinery. Old Town Market Place, an open-air courtyard, is home to a variety of carts and shops that sell handcrafted trinkets, clothing and accessories traditional to the Mexican culture.

Nestled in the heart of Old Town State Historic Park, Bazaar del Mundo , a San Diego shopping and dining institution, is popular for food, folklore and fun. Translated as "marketplace of the world," Bazaar del Mundo features award-winning restaurants and international shops with a dazzling array of ethnic clothing, jewelry, pottery, furnishings and many other treasures. Countless special events also make Bazaar del Mundo an attraction year-round.

Entertainment

Live mariachi performers can be seen every day in old town as well as seasonal and special event shows throughout the year. View the calendar of events for the Fiesta de Reyes stage in Old Town State Park for when the Ballet Folklórico dancers perform, a wonderful spectacle of Mexican heritage that’s not to be missed.

Annual Events

The free annual Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo  is a three-day happening with a bustling mercado, nonstop music and live entertainment, lucha libre wrestling, and a huge display of lowriders and other incredible autos!

The Historic Old Town 4th of July celebration combines a parade, crafts and activities of early San Diego to recreate an old-fashioned Independence Day celebrated on the frontier. Visitors can also compete in contests, such as cherry pit spitting or the egg toss, for handmade ribbons.

Old Town San Diego's Día de los Muertos  celebrates of the history, culture, and heritage of the region that honors one of its most important holidays.

See Old Town State Park decked out for the season during Old Town Las Posadas, with entertainment and holiday experiences for the whole family, including the traditional Las Posadas procession, which has been part of Old Town San Diego's celebration of Christmas for more than 65 years. The day's festivities wrap up with a campfire and s’mores in the Plaza.

California's Missions

On the hillside overlooking Old Town is Presidio Park where Father Junipero Serra founded the first California Spanish Mission in 1769. The museums here and at the current Mission site, the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá in Mission Valley, have excellent exhibits about the area's early history.

With more than 100 distinct neighborhoods in San Diego, you're always just blocks away from a new experience. Discover other nearby San Diego neighborhoods such as Mission Valley , Point Loma, Harbor Island and Shelter Island .

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Flying ahead to 1986, the region’s aviation recognition soared when the blockbuster film “Top Gun” starring Tom Cruise was released, and the US Navy’s Fighter Weapons School at San Diego’s Naval Air Station Miramar gained international fame.

GayCities Best San Diego Outdoor Adventures for LGBTQIA+ travelers

From 70 miles of coastline to dramatic vistas for hiking, biking, or just chilling out, San Diego’s outdoor attractions  make the Southern California paradise a must-visit any time of year. Spending time outside in San Diego can be as action-packed or low-key as you’d like, with plenty of spots to enjoy an al fresco meal or rooftop cocktail . GayCities offers tips for making the most of your San Diego vacation , with a special emphasis on fun in the sun.

Explore Old Town San Diego

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Old towns most haunted

SCHEDULE Ghost Tours are Open 7 Nights a Week

2754 calhoun street san diego, ca 92110 old town state historic park.

7pm and 9pm

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Join The Twig for an Old Town Scavenger Hunt — A fun afternoon for all ages. We start at the Old Town Welcome Center and end at The Light Horse Restaurant, with 15+ stops along the way.  Prizes and fun await at the end of...

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80th Historic Alexandria Homes Tour

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September 24, 2022 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Old Town Home Tour

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Date/Time Date(s) - April 8, 2023 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Celebrate spring by visiting 8 beautiful homes in the Old Town Historic District!

Not to be missed, the tour includes the home used in the 1988 film “The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking.”

Tickets are on sale and may be purchased at the Museum or over the phone. Advance tickets are $25 or $30 the day of.

If you purchased your ticket online, please note that your ticket will not be mailed. You can pick up your ticket at the Will Call table at 800 Someruleus Street on the day of the tour.

Arbat Street and Arbat District in Moscow

Stroll Down the Street of History

Arbat Street, or Ulitsa Arbat, is also known as the Old Arbat (to differentiate it from New Arbat Street). Arbat Street once served as a main Moscow artery and is one of the oldest original streets in the Russian capital. The Arbat District, through which Arbat Street runs, was once a location where craftsmen set up shop, and the Arbat's side streets show evidence of their past with names that describe various trades or products, like Carpenters, Bread, or Silver. Arbat Street is within walking distance of the Kremlin, so it's possible to visit this free Moscow attraction when you visit the heart of ancient Moscow.

Arbat Street's Evolution

During the 1700s, Arbat Street began to be looked upon by Moscow's noble and wealthy community as a prime residential district, and it eventually began to be settled by some of Russia's most famous families and notable individuals. The famous Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin, lived on Arbat Street with his wife, and visitors can stop at a museum that preserves the house in his honor. Other famous Russian families, like the Tolstoys and the Sheremetevs, also had houses on Arbat Street. Fires damaged many of the oldest Arbat Street houses, so today its architecture is a mixture from different styles, including Art Nouveau.

It wasn't until the 19th century that Arbat Street gained a central location in Moscow because the city's prior development had meant that the street was on the outskirts until this time. Taking a stroll down this street, it is possible to imagine how Moscow might have felt during Pushkin's or Tolstoy's time, though now it is a highly touristed area that is congested with sightseers, buskers, and street vendors. Additionally, it was only in the 1980s that Arbat Street was closed to motor vehicle traffic and made a pedestrian street, so even Pushkin would have had to have dodged carriages and carts while taking a stroll outside his residence.

While Arbat street's significance lies in its history, Arbat Street today is a lively and interesting Moscow attraction. The Pushkin House-Museum, identifiable by a statue of the poet, can be visited--as the Father of Russian Literature, Pushkin deserves to be paid homage to at the sight of one of his former residences. One of Stalin's Seven Sisters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is on Smolenskaya-Sennaya Square. Other attractions include a monument to the songwriter Bula Okudzhava; the Melnikov House, built by constructivist architect Konstantin Melnikov; the Wall of Peace; and the Spaso House; and the Church of the Saviour in Peski.

Tips for Visiting Arbat Street

Some visitors to Moscow complain about the touristy nature of Arbat Street. Buskers and beggars take advantage of its popularity, and street vendors take advantage of deep pockets. Pickpockets may be hiding out on Arbat Street, so keep your personal possessions close. Arbat Street, despite its popularity and the way it attracts those who prey on tourists, is still a Moscow must-see sight . If you've never been to Arbat Street, take time to see it at least once. Over the centuries, it has worked its way into the Russian cultural psyche, which means you'll find it referenced by Russian artists, musicians, and writers.

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Tour San Antonio sights – Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of San Antonio aboard the Old Town Trolley. Our expert guides breathe life into the city’s history, offering a unique blend of entertainment and education.

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Money blog: 10 million homes have days to check their energy meter reading to avoid paying too much

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and advice. Let us know your thoughts on any of the topics we're covering using the comments box below.

Friday 28 June 2024 11:50, UK

• UK's economic growth better than thought
• 10 million homes have days to check energy meter reading to avoid paying too much
• HSBC says sorry as customers report IT issues with accounts
• Fuel shock could be on the way - as sports shop hit by Nike downgrade

Essential reads

• Save 105 teaspoons of sugar (and money) by switching to classic ice cream
• How to stop your car from being stolen - or even 'cannibalised'
• A week when probable future of mortgage rates became clearer
• Savings Guide: What to look for with 5% rates still available on easy access accounts
• Women in Business : How accident in cafe and £400 turned into a genius business idea that's about to go global
• Money Problem : 'I bought a new car but it's been back six times with same fault - what can I do?'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

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Almost 10 million households need to read their energy meters this week to make the most of the energy price cap change on 1 July.

Missing the first week's worth of cheaper energy would cost them £30m collectively, according to Uswitch.

From 1 July to 30 September 2024, the annual energy price cap will be set at £1,568 for the average household - £122 lower than it is at present.

"Households should be adding 'read my energy meter' to their to-do-list this weekend if they want to take full advantage of lower energy prices from July," said Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.

MoneySavingExpert's Martin Lewis has issued a similar warning.

Without an accurate meter reading, households on standard variable tariffs without a smart meter will be charged estimated ones.

The difference between a week's worth of energy at June's rates compared to July's is £2.78 for the typical household.

Mr Gallizzi said now is also the time to check if you can get a better energy tariff before expected price hikes in October.

Industry analysts suggest energy rates will rise again by 12% to £1,761.

Earlier, we brought you the news that HSBC customers have reported IT issues with mobile banking and the bank's app (see 9.37am post).

Now Nationwide has also said there was a "delay with some customers receiving their salary or pension payments today".

Read more in our breaking news story...

By Emily Mee, news reporter

A car was stolen roughly every eight minutes in the UK last year, according to DVLA figures. 

Some 64,087 vehicles were reported stolen - an increase of 5% on the previous year. 

While car thefts are on the rise, reports have also highlighted a growing trend of "car cannibalism" - when criminals rip parts off cars to order. 

Bonnets, bumpers and headlights are among the parts often nicked by thieves. 

It might sound like a familiar refrain at this point, but consumer rights expert Scott Dixon says the cost of living crisis is largely to blame. 

Scott, who runs The Complaints Resolver , told us the costs of spare parts and insurance have "rocketed" post-COVID - driving opportunists to turn to crime. 

He also pointed to a scarcity of decent second-hand cars on the market currently, saying people are "holding onto their cars for longer because they can't afford to change them". 

How can you protect your car? 

Scott says there are numerous ways you can prevent your car from becoming a target - and many of them are cheap and simple. 

Get your keys recoded

If you're buying second hand, getting your keys recoded can give you additional security. 

Scott says it's possible the person you bought from could have copies of the keys, allowing them to steal your car or break in. 

Fit a tracking device

This should be fitted professionally, and while it won't stop your vehicle from being stolen, it will increase the chances of police being able to track it down and return it. 

You should be aware, though, that you'll need to pay a fairly costly annual subscription fee. 

Secure your number plate

Some thieves will take number plates so they can steal petrol from forecourts - and Scott says some are now doing this to escape ULEZ fines. 

He recommends getting anti-theft screws to secure your number plate. 

Keep your car tidy

Handbags, phone leads, sat-nav holders and paperwork can all attract the attention of opportunist car thieves. 

Scott says many people are "too careless and complacent" with this - and it's completely free to fix. 

Fit a steering or handbrake lock

You can get these on Amazon for less than £20 each - and because they're visible, they can also act as a deterrent. 

A pedal box, which encases the pedals in a highly visible metal box, is another option. 

A good wheel clamp - Scott recommends this one  - can be bought on Amazon for about £30. 

Another visible deterrent is a sticker to say the vehicle is alarmed or has a tracker fitted. 

Think about where you park

Thieves are more likely to target quiet and dimly lit areas, as well as quiet side streets, Scott says. 

If you can, try to park in a well-lit and busy area - preferably with CCTV. 

Install cameras 

You could keep your dashcam recording through the night (which could capture anyone walking in front of the car) and put up signs stating you have cameras around. 

Fit a car alarm or immobiliser

Although most modern cars have these fitted, older cars often don't. 

Plus, having a professionally fitted alarm or immobiliser could lower your insurance premium. 

Etch your car windows 

You can buy a car window etching kit for less than £15, including warning stickers to show the identification number is traceable. 

If you have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto the doorframe, windows and steering wheel, it can deter thieves from stealing the vehicle or its parts as it will be harder to sell stolen parts if they're personalised. 

Window tinting

Of course, you'll only be able to do this to a certain extent as the law states the front windscreen has to let in at least 75% of light through. For front side windows, you need 70%. 

But there are no rules around the rear windscreen or rear passenger windows, and having a tint can deter criminals from looking into the car. 

Take steps to prevent relay theft

An increasingly popular way to steal cars is through relay theft - when criminals use devices to relay signals from the car key to the car. 

One person will get near enough to the key inside the house to pick up the signal, while a second person will hold another device next to the vehicle. 

All keyless cars are vulnerable to relay theft - but in particular, Audi, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Land Rover, Mercedes and Volkswagen cars are the most popular targets.

You can help prevent it by keeping your keys in a "Faraday pouch" - which has a lining preventing the keys inside from receiving or transmitting radio frequency signals.

A pack of two is available online for roughly £8. 

Another option is to use a metal container, as the relay device cannot pass through metal. 

You should also avoid storing your keys near doors or windows. 

Forget the bank of mum and dad, the bank of gran and grandad is coming into play as parents struggle to afford school trips.

Some 23% of parents say they have had to make cutbacks - even to essentials - to fund them, while 10% said grandparents had paid for the trip and 8% said an aunt or uncle had chipped in.

The research, undertaken by public sector insurer Zurich Municipal, found one in five financially pinched parents felt embarrassed about struggling to pay for trips.

"School trips bring a plethora of benefits to young lives, it's heartbreaking to see so many could miss out due to cost," said Tilden Watson, head of education at Zurich Municipal.

"These trips can also expose some children to new places and experiences that they wouldn't necessarily get to enjoy with their families so they really do offer a window to the world they otherwise wouldn't see."

OnePoll surveyed 1,000 parents of children aged five to 16 across the UK in May.

More than a third (35%) of parents believed school trips are critical to their child's education.

A major bank has apologised to its customers for IT issues.

In a post on X just before 9.30am, HSBC said: "We’re really sorry that some customers are having issues accessing personal online and mobile banking. 

"Our IT teams are working hard to get these services back to normal. 

"You can still authorise online card purchases via SMS."

By  James Sillars , business reporter

The FTSE 100 is on course to end the week on a positive note, opening 0.4% up at 8,211.

Energy stocks are leading a march north following a rough few days for shares generally.

The reason, however, is not great news for us consumers.

Resurgent oil prices are driving the performance, with Shell and BP among the early winners.

The Brent crude contract for August delivery is currently trading just below $87 a barrel, leaving oil costs on track for a third week of gains in a row.

There are a wealth of reasons for the surge but analysts are crediting hopes of a US interest rate cut for the latest lift.

Meanwhile, on the high street, shares in JD Sports are among those dragging.

Its stock opened more than 4% lower after Nike flagged yesterday a downgrade in its own revenue expectations for the current year.

That saw 12% wiped from Nike's price on Wall Street.

The UK's economy grew slightly more than expected between January and March, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has just announced.

It was previously estimated that it grew by 0.6% during this three-month period.

But the ONS has revised that figure up - ever so slightly - to 0.7%.

Chances are, that won't change how most people feel about their personal finances.

The change could be a talking point in the ongoing election campaign, though.

Follow the latest on the race for Number 10 in our politics blog:

It can be hard to balance the demands of eating well without spending a lot.

In this series, we try to find the healthiest options in the supermarket for the best value - and have enlisted the help of  Sunna Van Kampen , founder of Tonic Health, who went viral on social media for reviewing food in the search of healthier choices. We also speak to dieticians each week.

It's important to note from the outset that in this series, we don't try to find the outright healthiest option, but help you get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.

With the weather finally getting warmer, this week we're looking at ice cream. 

"With so many options out there, how do you fancy a 63% reduction in your sugar consumption and some savings for your wallet too?" says Sunna. 

What's in our ice creams? 

"Technically speaking, ice cream is just frozen milk and cream with a bit of added sweetness," Sunna says. 

But as time has gone on, we've progressed to less and less cream and more and more sugar.

"To give you an example, Mars Bar Ice Cream is only 31% milk and cream, while the traditional Mackie's ice cream is 81% milk and cream," Sunna says. 

"When you remove the cream, quite clearly you lose a lot of the creaminess and smooth texture, so manufacturers have turned to gums (like guar gum, locust bean gum, tara gum) to give the creaminess while lowering cost," he adds.

"The problem is some of these gums have demonstrated to be gut disruptive and hard to digest."

How much sugar can we eat?

The NHS recommends adults have 30g of sugar a day, with that decreasing to 24g for seven to 10-year-olds and 19g a day for four to six-year-olds. 

"A cut in sugar is not just good news for our waistlines, but also for our overall health, contributing to a balanced diet without the same spikes in blood sugar levels," Sunna says.

Those spikes can cause sudden drops in energy, spates of hunger and potentially lead to type two diabetes. 

How much sugar is in ice cream?

Let's look at some popular examples to compare the sugar content and the impact on your wallet... 

• Cadbury Flake 99: £4.25 for 4x125ml and 22.9g sugar per ice cream (5.5 teaspoons)
• Magnum: £3.25 for 3x100ml - 20g of sugar per ice cream (five teaspoons)
• Solero Exotic: £2.75 for 3x90ml - 12g of sugar per ice cream (three teaspoons)
• Mars Ice Cream Bars: £2.75 for 4 x 49.5ml - 12g of sugar per ice cream (three teaspoons)
• Cornetto Classic: £3.50 for 6x90ml - 10g of sugar per ice cream (2.5 teaspoons)
• Milk Choc Ices: £1.60 for 6x70ml - 7.3g of sugar per ice cream (under two teaspoons)

"Assuming you have one ice cream a day across, hopefully, 30 days of sunny weather this summer, and you'll find yourself saving over 105 teaspoons of sugar from your diet this summer if you choose a Choc Ice over a Cadbury Flake 99," Sunna says. 

That's a decent saving for your health - but what about your wallet? 

"Choc Ice is firmly in the category of win-win, as it's 65% cheaper than a standard Magnum," he adds.

That's a considerable £24.30 saving over 30 ice creams.

The nutritionist's view - from Nichola Ludlam-Raine, dietitian at  nicsnutrition.com ...

"Shop-bought ice cream isn't a product that I recommend having daily, and luckily for the UK population this isn't something that is too hard to stick to, given the distinct lack of sunny, warm weather.

"I recently had a Mars ice cream and although I really enjoyed it. I needed two to feel satisfied, as they were so small - which doubled my sugar intake (to 24g). 

"The good news, though, is not all the sugar quoted on the label is free or added sugar (and under 30g a day of this is acceptable within the context of a healthy balanced diet), as some sugar will be naturally occurring in the milk.

"Choosing ice creams where milk is the first ingredient is always preferable - or plant-based/fruit-based alternatives if you have a milk intolerance or allergy.

"The evidence regarding thickeners and emulsifiers on gut health is still in its infancy, and most of the studies are small and have been done on rodents, with relatively large amounts of the additives being used. 

"Some emulsifiers may also confer benefits due to their prebiotic effects - but with gut health, the key is to add in more fibre, natural colour and plants."

Read more from this series... 

Every week we take an overview of the mortgage market with industry experts, while the guys at Moneyfactscompare  round up the best rates...

We start this week with the exclusive interview Sky News' Ian King conducted with the chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group - the UK's biggest lender.

Charlie Nunn warned homeowners not to expect a return to the ultra-low interest rates seen for most of the last 16 years.

"We've just come off a decade where mortgages have been in the 1.5-2.5% range," he told King.

"The expectations the market have is that interest rates probably won't get below 3.5%. And that means mortgages, or the new normal for mortgages, will be in that 3.5-4.5% range, not 1.5-2.5%."

Mr Nunn's comments earned applause from brokers and mortgage experts, with the industry news service Newspage speaking to a range of voices...

"I agree with Charlie Nunn: ultra-low interest rates are history. The public is adjusting to the new normal of 3.5% to 4.5% mortgage rates. Nunn's comments highlight market reality and urge borrowers to adapt now." Ranald Mitchell, from Charwin Private Clients

"If you're a first-time buyer, you may not see ultra-low interest rates in your mortgage lifetime. But that doesn't mean a return to good interest rates isn't possible. We should see rates beginning with a 3 or even a 2 in the not-too-distant future, especially for those with good deposits or equity." Ben Perks, from Orchard Financial Advisers

For now, the focus of many mortgage holders has been on when the Bank of England will start easing rates from the current 16-year high of 5.25%.

June had been touted but this month's meeting came and went without a change - and the delay means more people coming off mortgages secured in the ultra-low era are facing significant hikes.

About three million UK households are still set to witness hikes in their mortgage repayments over the next two years, the Bank has said this week.

Its Financial Policy Committee (FPC) added there were likely to be "very large increases" of more than 50% for the mortgages of around 400,000 households.

At the moment, around 35% of households with mortgages, or more than three million, are paying below 3% for a range of reasons - like existing deals which pre-dated the recent crisis - and are expected to see an increase between now and the end of 2026.

A typical household rolling off a fixed-rate mortgage before the end of 2026 is due to face a jump of around £180 a month, the committee said.

There has been some good news for borrowers this week though, with a handful of major lenders cutting rates in response to falling swap rates (these dictate how much it costs lenders to lend).

"Fixed rate mortgage reductions from prominent lenders such as Barclays and HSBC dominated coverage this week, as last week’s inflation announcement continued to prompt speculation of an imminent cut to base rate," says Caitlyn Eastell from Moneyfacts.

Turning to the best deals currently on the market, Ms Eastell says the lowest two-year fix for first time buyers with a 5% deposit comes from Halifax. 

Priced at 5.63%, this deal has a £999 arrangement fee and offers a £250 Green Home cashback incentive to those purchasing eligible properties. 

Moneyfacts also rounds up the best overall deals - looking beyond just the headline rate.

Ms Eastell adds: "As a first time buyer, every penny counts and you may have already exhausted your savings building up a 5% deposit, as well as covering legal fees and removal costs. 

"It's important to consider the true cost of any deal you commit to, so if you are looking to save on the upfront cost of your mortgage, then a Best Buy mortgage may be a more cost-effective choice.

"This week, Hanley Economic BS takes one of the top spots of our Best Buy tables for a two-year mortgage. Priced at 5.69%, it offers a free valuation and £250 cashback incentive."

There could be good news on the horizon for borrowers, as an economist says the Bank of England is likely to cut interest rates in August.

Michael Saunders, a former member of the Monetary Police Committee (MPC), said the Bank has "clearly signalled" it wants to cut rates soon "if data are okay".

He told the Reuters Global Markets Forum that inflation and wage figures would need to align with the MPC's forecasts back in May.

"If so, I would expect the rest of the internal [members of the MPC] to move as a bloc to vote for a cut," he said, saying that markets had been given enough warning.

The BoE  held interest rates  at 5.25% for the seventh time in a row last week despite inflation falling to its target of 2%.

Mr Saunders predicted that the Bank would slash rates seven times in increments of 25 points by the end of next year, bringing the headline rate "close" to what he calls a neutral rate of 3.5%.

"I expect two to three cuts this year, the rest next year - again, depends a bit on the monthly data," he said.

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After Hours Paranormal Investigation

Recognized as America’s Most Haunted House ® and shrouded in mystery, ghost-hunters flock to the iconic Whaley House, grounds of the original Old Town gallows site. Join us on our after-hours, chilling paranormal investigation. You’ll have exclusive access to the very rooms where the Whaleys lived and died, not accessible to the general public tours.

A Chilling Adventure

This chilling new adventure gives guests exclusive access to the latest ghost-hunting equipment as they attempt to connect with lost souls. With the help of our experienced guides, each guest will be provided with and trained to use an array of traditional and state-of-the-art ghost hunting equipment or feel free to bring your own. With a wide variety of tools of the trade, you’ll attempt to find evidence of ghosts and other supernatural beings.

Join us for a spine-tingling evening unlike any other as you connect with the “other-side”.

Included with your After Hours Paranormal Investigation:

• Expert tour guides • Ghost hunting equipment • Intimate, small group experience • Learn of the darker side and spirits that refused to move on

Plan Your Investigation

• Investigation begins at 10:30pm. • Check reservation calendar for nightly tours. • Intimate, small group experience. • Age requirements: 13 and up.

Additional Information

Investigation meets first at the Derby-Pendleton House located behind the Whaley House at 4015 Harney Street.

TIP: Don’t forget to bring your cell phone. It is an all-in-one ghost-hunting tool.

Parking: There is free parking available at Old Town State Park. Please plan accordingly as parking may be difficult.

Please note: This experience requires going up and down stairs and traversing over uneven grounds. ADA access is available on the first floor. 24-hour notice is requested by calling 619-298-8687. After 5pm, please call 619-330-6577.

In order to maintain proper storytelling ambiance a significant amount of this tour takes place in low-lit areas. We also ask that you wear comfortable and appropriate footwear as you will be traversing through a historic site with some uneven surfaces and stairs.

Shuttle: Old Town Trolley Tours is pleased to provide shuttle service on select days from various hotels to Old Town to begin your Whaley House Night Tour. Click here to learn more.

Video or audio recording is permitted for personal use only; LIVE STREAMING IS PROHIBITED. If you would like to inquire about filming for content or commercial purposes, you may contact us at [email protected] .

Ghost Hunting Equipment You'll Use

K2 EMF Meter

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A new tour in Boston, an upstate New York escape, and a portable jump starter for summer travels

Travel news you can use.

New tour looks at slavery in colonial times

A new walking tour helps visitors better understand what slavery looked like in Colonial Massachusetts (it’s a lot different from southern plantation-style experiences) and how enslaved people in the Boston area resisted their situation and enslavers. Boston’s Old South Meeting House has launched the guided one-hour tour, called Slavery and Resistance in Colonial Massachusetts, which runs daily at 2 p.m. The tour, recommended for guests 12 and older, takes visitors through the Old South Meeting House and Old State House while examining how slavery was first established in Massachusetts, and how enslaved people used religious practices (such as marriage and baptism) and government institutions (such as the courts) to protect their sense of autonomy and community. Learn about Scipio Gunney, Phillis Wheatley, and Zipporah Potter Atkins and their stories of resistance. Tour free with museum admission: $8 ages 6-12, $13 students and seniors, $15 ages 18 and older. revolutionaryspaces.org/visit/museum-admission

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Luxuriate and play in the Catskills

Escape to a cozy hamlet in upstate New York where luxury lodging meets the great outdoors. Antrim Streamside, a boutique property in the hamlet of Livingston Manor (population 1,053), has 250 acres of hiking trails and a trout stream for fly fishing right out the back door. The property — about 4.5 hours from Boston — sits on the banks of the Willowemoc Creek, a perfect spot for fishing, birdwatching, and wading on hot summer days. The resort has four upscale cabins, each with a fully equipped kitchenette, a screened-in sleeping porch, and an outdoor shower. It also has one pet-friendly ADA-compliant cottage, The Stone House, that has two bedrooms, a queen sleeper sofa, two decks, and an enclosed outdoor space for your dog to run. Enjoy onsite yoga classes, massage, private chef-led cooking classes, and wine tastings. The current Go Streamside deal, which starts at $700 per night (based on availability), includes a guided hike to Beaver Lake Farm, an in-room cocktail or mocktail bar (complete with recipes and ingredients), a summer-themed gift basket, and two nights in a cabin. antrimstreamside.com

A portable jump starter for summer travels

Road trip season is upon us — at last — and you don’t want to get stuck somewhere due to a dead battery. Scosche’s PowerUp 600-Amp Emergency Jump Starter is small enough to fit in your glove compartment or even the map pocket on your car door (my Samsung Galaxy S23 dwarfs the jump starter), yet it packs enough power to jump-start a gas engine up to 4.0 liters and diesel engine up to 2.0 liters. Hit the Boost button to jump start a car when its battery is completely dead and the On button to turn on the built-in LED flashlight, which offers On, Strobe, and SOS modes. Three lights by the On button indicate the jump starter’s battery life and a 10-watt USB-A port on the side lets you plug in your phone or other small device for recharging (it has 5400mAh of capacity). Refuel the charger by USB-C cord (included) every six months if you haven’t used it. The starter comes with battery cables and clamps, and a handy carrying bag to keep all the critical items together. $109.99. www.scosche.com

KARI BODNARCHUK

Kari Bodnarchuk can be reached at [email protected] .