El Campo Santo Cemetery
The Basics
Visit El Campo Santo Cemetery independently or as part of a San Diego sightseeing tour to learn about its haunted history. Some of California’s early pioneers and infamous figures, such as Yankee Jim Robinson, were laid to rest at this historic burial ground. Explore what remains of the cemetery and take a look at the sidewalk and street outside for grave markers. The most widely seen apparitions are those of people in period costume.
Things to Know Before You Go
See the old cemetery as part of a San Diego tour.
Visit with a guide to hear tales of spooky ghost sightings and odd paranormal occurrences.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach the cemetery, located in Old Town San Diego. Most visitors arrive as part of a guided tour or by public transportation—several bus routes and the Green Line trolley stop at the Old Town Transit Center, just a short walk away.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
El Campo Santo Cemetery is open daily to visitors, and there isn’t really a bad time to visit. It’s worth noting that as the city grew, the cemetery was reduced in size and some of the graves now lie beneath San Diego Avenue and Linwood Street.
Haunted San Diego
While in the neighborhood, visit the historic Whaley House, located a couple of blocks away. Visited by ghost hunters from around the world, the Whaley House is San Diego’s most haunted attraction. It was built in 1857 on the site of the public execution of Yankee Jim Robinson, and some say his ghost has haunted the property and surrounding area ever since.
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