Whaley House

In 1856, this striking two-story house (the first in these parts to be constructed with brick) was built for Thomas Whaley and his family. It's something of an urban legend that this house is "officially" designated as haunted, but 100,000 people visit each year to see for themselves. Up to four spirits are said to haunt the grounds, including the ghost of Yankee Jim Robinson, who was hanged in 1852 on the site where the house now stands.

Exhibits include a life mask of Abraham Lincoln, one of only six made, and the spinet piano used in the movie "Gone with the Wind." The Whaley complex includes several other historic structures, including the Verna House and two false-front buildings, both dating from the 1870s. The Verna House is now an excellent little gift shop run by the Save Our Heritage Organization, selling beautiful Arts and Crafts pottery, architecture-themed books, and crafts, as well as your admission tickets; you can tour the house in about 30 minutes. With two weeks' notice, you can also arrange a private, after-hours visit ($75 per person for 1 hour, minimum 2 people).

Details

• Address: Between Conde and Harney streets, 2476 San Diego Ave.
• Neighborhood: Old Town
• Phone: [phone]
• Website: https://www.whaleyhouse.org
• Hours: June–Aug daily 10am–9:30pm; Sept–May Sun–Tues 10am–5pm, Thurs–Sat 10am–9:30pm
• Prices: Before 5pm $6 adults, $5 seniors 65 and older, $4 children 3-12; after 5pm $10 adults, $5 children 3-12. Free for children 2 and younger
• Transportation: Bus: 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, or 150; Trolley: Old Town