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The Haunted Trails of Old Town: A San Diego Ghost Tour Experience
In the heart of Old Town San Diego, where the echoes of the past intertwine with the whispers of the unseen, San Diego Ghost Tours invites the bravest of souls on a journey beyond the veil. Beneath the warm glow of gas lanterns and the creaking wooden walkways, history breathes—and spirits stir.
Guided by a seasoned ghost hunter, guests embark on a bone-chilling adventure through the most haunted locations in the city. The Cosmopolitan Hotel, once a stagecoach stop and now a paranormal hotspot, looms in the moonlight. Inside, the air thickens with unseen energy. Visitors have reported the faint scent of perfume, the eerie laughter of a child, and the unsettling feeling of being watched.
The tour winds through the Campo Santo Cemetery, where restless souls are said to roam among the forgotten graves. The flickering streetlights cast long shadows as guests hear the tragic tales of those buried beneath their feet. Some say they’ve seen shadowy

The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, with its distinctive two-story verandas and 19th-century charm, stands in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park – a site where history and mystery intertwine. Over nearly two centuries, this adobe-turned-inn has been a stagecoach stop, family home, and now a reputedly haunted hotel. Legends of resident ghosts have grown alongside its history, making the Cosmopolitan a focal point for ghost hunters and curious travelers alike. Below, we delve into the historical background of the building, share ghost stories and paranormal activity reported on the premises, review investigations and evidence of the supernatural, and explore the hotel’s current reputation and tours that embrace its haunted heritage. Michael Brown with San Diego Ghost Tours offers the only Ghost Tour and Ghost Hunting Tour of the Cosmopolitan Hotel.
Historical Background
The story of the Cosmopolitan Hotel begins in the early 19th century, when it was originally constructed as a one-story adobe home. Be
Michael Brown – San Diego’s Veteran Ghost Hunter
Michael Brown is one of San Diego’s most experienced ghost hunters, with over 25 years of paranormal investigation under his belt. As the founder and lead investigator of San Diego Ghost Tours, Michael has spent decades exploring the city’s most haunted locations, including Old Town San Diego, the Whaley House, El Campo Santo Cemetery, and the Cosmopolitan Hotel. His expertise in the paranormal has made him a trusted guide for those seeking an authentic supernatural experience.
Michael’s approach to ghost hunting is a blend of history, science, and firsthand investigation. Using EMF meters, spirit boxes, thermal cameras, and digital recorders, he has captured compelling evidence of hauntings throughout San Diego. Over the years, he has recorded chilling EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), unexplained temperature drops, and shadowy apparitions that have left even skeptics questioning the unknown.
Unlike many ghost tours that rely on theatrical effects, Michael
San Diego’s Real Ghost Tour — with Michael Brown
Step into the shadows of Old Town San Diego and experience the city’s most haunted building: the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Led by paranormal investigator Michael Brown, with over 25 years of ghost hunting experience, this is no gimmick, no costumes — just the truth and a whole lot of ghosts.
Join us nightly at 7PM, 9PM, and 11PM for a guided walk through real haunted history. Hear chilling stories, see authentic evidence, and use real ghost hunting tools inside one of California’s most paranormally active locations.
Book your encounter now — if you dare.