Do You Believe in Ghosts? See These Photos from San Diego Ghost Tours
Prepare to be amazed (and maybe a little spooked!) by these eerie photos captured on our Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours. From unexplained shadows and mysterious orbs to apparitions that seem to defy logic.
Ready to see if you believe? Book your tour today and capture your own paranormal evidence!
Quick Points:
- Photographic Evidence: Prepare to be amazed by a collection of eerie photos captured on our ghost tours, showcasing mysterious shadows, unexplained orbs, and ghostly apparitions.
- Behind the Lens: Get a glimpse into the spooky adventures of our ghost tours and the exciting possibility of capturing paranormal evidence.
- Haunted Hotspots: Discover the chilling stories behind some of San Diego’s most haunted locations, including the Whaley House, El Campo Santo Cemetery, and the Cosmopolitan Hotel.
- Ghost Hunting Tips: Learn how to capture your own spooky photos with our expert tips on camera settings, lighting, and composition techniques.
- Join the Hunt: Get inspired to embark on your own ghost hunting adventure and uncover the secrets of San Diego’s haunted past.
Ever snapped a photo and spotted something… unexpected lurking in the background? We’re not talking about your Uncle Jerry photobombing your selfie at the beach. We’re talking about the kind of photobombs that make you question if you’ve captured a glimpse of the other side.
At Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours, we don’t just tell spooky stories; we give you the chance to become a ghost hunter for a night. Our tours take you to the city’s most haunted locations, where you’ll explore the history, hear chilling tales, and maybe even snap a photo that’ll make your hair stand on end.
In this blog post, we’re showcasing some of the most eerie and intriguing photos captured by our guests and tour guides. From mysterious shadows and unexplained orbs to apparitions that seem to defy logic, these images offer a glimpse into the spectral side of San Diego. So, prepare to be amazed, bewildered, and maybe even a little spooked, as we delve into the world of photographic evidence that just might make you a believer.

Sherman-Gilbert House
The Sherman-Gilbert House, a Victorian gem nestled in the heart of Heritage Park, has a history as colorful as its gingerbread trim. Built in 1887, it was once home to prominent San Diego families and even served as a boarding house for a time. But beneath its charming exterior lies a spooky secret: the Sherman-Gilbert House is rumored to be one of the most haunted locations in Old Town. (Want to delve deeper into the history and hauntings of this Victorian beauty? Check out our dedicated blog post!)
Ghostly Glimpses:

This spine-tingling photo, captured by one of our guests during a Heritage Park Historical Tour, appears to show a shadowy female figure in Victorian clothing leaning on the railing of the tower balcony. The figure's translucent form and the way it seems to blend with the shadows suggest a spectral presence, adding to the eerie atmosphere of this historic house.
Who Could It Be?
Could this be the apparition of a former resident, perhaps a member of the prominent families who once called this house their home? One intriguing possibility is Harriet Sherman, the wife of Judge Jacob Sherman, who owned the house in the late 1800s. Harriet was known for her elegant fashion sense and her love of hosting social gatherings. Could this be her, still gracing the balcony with her presence?
Or maybe it’s a guest from the house’s boarding house days, forever seeking solace within its walls. Some even whisper that it might be the spirit of a heartbroken woman who tragically lost her love during the Victorian era, her sorrow forever imprinted on the house.
The mystery surrounding this spectral figure adds another layer of intrigue to the Sherman-Gilbert House, leaving us to wonder who she is and why she remains tied to this historic landmark.

The Villa Montezuma
The Villa Montezuma, a stunning Victorian mansion perched on a hill in Sherman Heights, is a testament to San Diego’s rich history and a haven for those seeking a glimpse into the city’s spiritualist past. Built in 1887, it was once home to Jesse Shepard, a renowned musician, author, and spiritualist. Shepard’s eccentric life and fascination with the occult have left a lasting impression on the Villa, which is now rumored to be one of San Diego’s most haunted locations. (Want to learn more about the Villa Montezuma’s intriguing history and ghostly residents? Check out our dedicated blog post!)
Ghostly Glimpses:
This eerie photo, taken outside the Villa Montezuma during one of our Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours, shows several mysterious orbs of light floating in the air. The orbs vary in size and intensity, suggesting they’re not simply dust particles or insects caught in the camera’s flash.
Who Could It Be?
Could these orbs be manifestations of the spiritual energy that is said to permeate the Villa Montezuma? Some believe that orbs represent the presence of spirits, their energy concentrated into these luminous spheres. Or perhaps they are a visual echo of the séances and spiritual gatherings that once took place within the house, a reminder of the Villa’s connection to the occult. Whatever their origin, these orbs add an extra layer of mystery to this already intriguing location.

Horton Grand Hotel
The Horton Grand Hotel, a Victorian-era gem nestled in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, is more than just a luxurious place to stay; it’s a time capsule of San Diego’s Wild West past, complete with a cast of ghostly residents who refuse to check out. Built in the 1880s as two separate hotels, it was later disassembled and relocated brick-by-brick to its current location. But it seems some of the original guests decided to tag along for the ride! (Want to learn more about the Horton Grand’s spooky history and ghostly encounters? Check out our dedicated blog post!)
Ghostly Glimpses:

This eerie photo was snapped by a guest on our Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour just as our group was gathered outside the Horton Grand Hotel. While everyone else was focused on our ghost host's chilling tales, this guest noticed a shadowy figure lurking in a first-floor window. The figure appears to be wearing a hat, adding to the mystery of its identity.
Who Could It Be?
The Horton Grand is known for its Wild West connections, so could this be the shadowy apparition of a former gunslinger or a restless cowboy who frequented the hotel’s saloon back in the day? Or perhaps it’s the spirit of Roger Whittaker, the hotel’s most infamous ghost, still keeping a watchful eye on the guests from beyond the veil.
Captured during one of our evening ghost tours, this photo focuses on a window on the second floor of the Horton Grand Hotel. A closer look reveals a chilling detail: the faint apparition of a woman peering out at the street below. The figure bears a striking resemblance to Ida Bailey, a former resident of the hotel who met a tragic end within its walls.
Who Could It Be?
Could this be Ida Bailey herself, still keeping a watchful eye on her beloved hotel? Or is it another restless spirit, drawn to the Horton Grand’s vibrant history and the echoes of its past? Some guests have reported encountering a female apparition on the second floor, often described as a woman in a long white dress. Could this be the same spirit, captured on camera for the first time? The mystery remains, adding to the intrigue of this haunted landmark.

El Campo Santo Cemetery
El Campo Santo Cemetery, nestled in the heart of Old Town San Diego, is more than just a final resting place; it’s a portal to the city’s past, a place where history and the paranormal intertwine. Established in 1849, it’s San Diego’s oldest graveyard, and its weathered tombstones whisper tales of the pioneers, politicians, and everyday people who shaped the city’s early days. But El Campo Santo is also known for its resident spirits, those restless souls who refuse to rest in peace. (Want to learn more about El Campo Santo’s chilling history and ghostly encounters? Check out our dedicated blog post!)
Ghostly Glimpses:

This eerie photo, taken during one of our Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours, captures a multitude of orbs swirling through the air above the graves in El Campo Santo Cemetery. These mysterious balls of light, varying in size and intensity, seem to dance and dart among the tombstones, creating a truly spectral scene
Who Could It Be?
Theories abound about the nature of orbs. Some believe they are manifestations of spiritual energy, while others suggest they could be dust particles, insects, or even reflections of light. But in a place as steeped in history and paranormal activity as El Campo Santo, it’s hard not to wonder if these orbs represent something more… otherworldly. Could they be the spirits of the departed, making their presence known in this ethereal form? Perhaps they are drawn to the energy of visitors, eager to share their stories and connect with the living. Or maybe these orbs represent the collective energy of the countless souls laid to rest in this hallowed ground, their essence swirling and dancing in the twilight. One particularly intriguing theory is that the orbs might be connected to a prominent figure like Juan Bandini, a prominent politician and businessman who is buried within the cemetery’s walls. Could these shimmering lights be a manifestation of his enduring influence on San Diego, or perhaps a sign that he’s still keeping a watchful eye on the city he helped to shape?
Hold on to your ghost hunting hats, folks, because we’re about to enter the grand finale of our spectral showcase! And where else would we end this ghostly journey but at our beloved Davis-Horton House? (Don’t worry, we’re not biased… or maybe we are, just a little. This place is a paranormal playground!)
Get ready to feast your eyes on some of the most chilling photos captured within the walls of this historic landmark. From shadowy figures and mysterious orbs to unexplained apparitions that seem to defy logic, the Davis-Horton House has a knack for capturing the unexplained on camera.

The Davis-Horton House
The Davis-Horton House, nestled in the heart of Old Town San Diego, is a historic landmark with a spooky twist. Built in 1850 as one of the first pre-fabricated homes in California, it has served many purposes throughout its history, including a courthouse, a hospital, and even a military barracks during the Civil War. But beyond its rich history, the Davis-Horton House is known for its resident ghosts and unexplained phenomena. (Want to learn more about the Davis-Horton House’s fascinating past? Check out our dedicated blog post!)
Ghostly Glimpses:

This intriguing photo, taken inside the Davis-Horton House near a mirror, captures a circular, translucent orb. While it could be a lens flare or another photographic anomaly, the possibility of it being something more adds to the mystery. The photo was taken during the day, so any natural light explanations are unlikely. The Davis-Horton House is a historic landmark in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, known for its Victorian architecture and reported paranormal activity.
Who Could It Be?
Orbs are often associated with spirit energy. Could this be a visual manifestation of one of the house’s many spectral residents? Perhaps it’s Lillian Davis, the young daughter of the original owner, or maybe even a playful spirit drawn to the mirror’s reflective surface.

This eerie selfie was taken by a guest exploring the Davis-Horton House. While the person taking the photo appears normal in the reflection, a faint, distorted figure can be seen lurking in the background. Is it a trick of the light, a reflection of something unseen, or a ghostly photobomber?
Who Could It Be?
Is this a ghostly photobomber, a spirit caught in the act of observing the visitor? Or could it be a trick of the light, a strange reflection, or even a case of pareidolia (seeing patterns where none exist)? The mystery remains, adding to the intrigue of this historic house.
Hold onto Your Hats, Ghost Hunters! This One’s a Doozy…
We’ve seen some spooky shadows and mysterious orbs, but now it’s time for the main event, the photo that’ll make you question if you should ever take a selfie in a haunted house again. And where else would we find such a chilling image but in our beloved Davis-Horton House? (We might be a little biased, but can you blame us? This place is a paranormal playground!)

This chilling selfie, taken by photographer Mark Newman (@marknewmanphoto) during a visit to the Davis-Horton House, has sent shivers down our spines. While posing for a photo in front of a mirror, Mark inadvertently captured something unexpected in the reflection: a dark, unidentified figure lurking behind him. The figure appears to be human-shaped but lacks detail, making it difficult to determine its nature.
Is it a playful trick of the light, a ghostly photobomber, or something even more sinister?
Who Could It Be?
The Davis-Horton House, with its rich history and reputation for paranormal activity, has a long list of potential spectral suspects. Could this be the shadowy figure of a former resident, a restless spirit drawn to the mirror’s reflective surface? Or perhaps it’s a manifestation of the house’s darker past, a reminder of the tragedies and mysteries that have unfolded within its walls.
So, Do You Believe in Ghosts Now?
Well, ghost hunters, there you have it! A glimpse into the spectral side of San Diego, captured through the lens of those who dared to explore the city’s haunted hotspots. From the mysterious orbs of El Campo Santo Cemetery to the shadowy figures lurking in the Horton Grand Hotel and the eerie apparitions at the Villa Montezuma, these photos offer a tantalizing peek into the world of the unexplained.
But the question remains: do you believe? Are these images simply tricks of the light and shadows, or do they offer evidence of something more… otherworldly? The answer, my friend, lies in your own interpretation.
One thing is certain: San Diego’s haunted history is rich and captivating, and the possibility of encountering the paranormal is always lurking just around the corner. So, why not grab your camera and embark on your own spooky adventure? You might just capture a photo that will make you question everything you thought you knew about the unseen world.
Ready to become a ghost hunter and document the unexplained? Book your Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour today and see what spooky surprises await! 👻
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