Ghosts and Goblets at San Diego’s Most Haunted Bar Tour
If you’re looking for an evening that combines spine-tingling stories with a bit of local flavor, the Ghosts & Goblets tour in San Diego’s lively Gaslamp Quarter might just be your cup of ghostly tea. This isn’t your typical bar crawl—it’s an immersive experience that promises to blend history, local legends, and a touch of the supernatural. We haven’t taken this tour ourselves, but from the description and reviews, it sounds like a fun, unique way to spend an evening.
What we like most about this experience is the exclusive access to haunted bars and the themed drinks inspired by ghost stories. Plus, the fact that it’s led by world-class storytellers and trained thespians suggests a theatrical, engaging presentation. The only potential downside? The tour emphasizes alcohol, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with spirits and not looking for a tame night out. It will appeal most to those who enjoy a mix of history, ghostly tales, and social drinking, especially if you’re curious about San Diego’s darker side.
Key Points
- Exclusive Route: Visits to three haunted bars with unique stories.
- Themed Drinks: Includes three specially crafted, ghost-inspired cocktails.
- Authentic Stories: Locally-told, historically accurate ghost stories with theatrical flair.
- Limited Group Size: Max 25 travelers for a more intimate experience.
- Age Restriction: 21 and over, best for adults who enjoy a spirited evening.
- Flexible Cancellation: Fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance.
A Deep Dive into the Haunted San Diego Experience

San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, renowned for its lively nightlife and Victorian-era architecture, also has a darker side—ghost stories, legends, and tales of spirits lurking in the shadows. The Ghosts & Goblets tour aims to reveal some of this history while offering a taste (literally and figuratively) of the paranormal.
What the Tour Offers: A Balance of History and Entertainment

The tour lasts about three hours, which is a generous amount of time to soak in the stories, sample drinks, and enjoy the atmosphere. The experience begins at a meeting point at 550 J St, right in the heart of downtown San Diego. From there, your guide—a seasoned storyteller—takes you through a carefully curated route of haunted bars and other historic locations.
Unlike some ghost tours that focus mainly on stories, Ghosts & Goblets combines true ghost tales with a playful, theatrical presentation. Expect to hear chilling stories delivered by lively storytellers who bring the tales to life. The storytelling is described as “historically accurate,” which suggests a good blend of fact and folklore—something that adds credibility to the stories rather than dismissing them as mere legend.
You can also read our reviews of more drinking tours in San Diego
The Haunted Bars: What You Can Expect
While specific locations are kept under wraps to maintain an element of surprise, we know that you’ll visit three haunted bars in the Gaslamp Quarter. Each bar has its own haunted history, with some dating back over a century. The experience is designed to be adaptable, with the possibility that the exact bars may change to keep the tour fresh for repeat visitors.
You’ll love the way the tour combines history with a hint of the supernatural, making each stop feel like stepping into a scene from a ghost story. And, because these are local, independently owned bars, you’ll get a taste of San Diego’s vibrant local scene—beyond the usual tourist spots.
The Eerie Concoctions: Themed Drinks

One of the highlights is the three ghost-themed drinks included in your ticket. You’ll sip creations like “The Tanglefoot” or “The Werewolf,” which are not only fun but also serve as conversation starters. It’s worth noting that the drinks are crafted to match the stories, making the experience immersive and memorable.
The drinks do come with some considerations—this isn’t a tour for those who prefer to avoid alcohol or are sensitive to drinking. The tour is geared toward adults aged 21 and over, and the emphasis on spirits means it’s best suited for those who enjoy a social drink or two while listening to spooky tales.
The Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

With a maximum of 25 participants, the group size feels just right for a lively yet intimate experience. The mix of world-class storytellers and actors ensures the storytelling remains engaging and theatrical, not dry or overly scripted. The tour’s tone is playful but respectful of the local legends and history.
The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking through downtown San Diego, exploring multiple locations, but no strenuous activity. It’s also a very accessible way to experience the city’s historic and haunted side without needing to venture far or pay for multiple entries.
How Does It Value Up?

At $90 per person, the tour offers a lot: entry to three haunted bars, three themed drinks, and a theatrical storytelling experience. When compared to other guided city tours or pub crawls, this price reflects the curated route, the quality of storytelling, and the inclusion of themed beverages.
While it isn’t the cheapest pub crawl you’ll find, the exclusivity of the locations and the blend of ghost stories with local culture give it a good bang for your buck—especially for those interested in local lore and supernatural tales.
What Travelers Are Saying (Based on Reviews)

Although no reviews are available yet, the description highlights that the experience is “dreadful”—in a good way. Reviewers can expect a mix of authentic stories and theatrical flair that make the night memorable. The emphasis on “no jump scares” and “no monsters chasing you” reassures those who might be wary of overly cheesy or scare-based tours. Instead, this is about storytelling and atmosphere.
The way stories are told—by trained thespians and storytellers—likely adds a layer of professionalism and entertainment that elevates the experience beyond a simple bar crawl.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

Ghosts & Goblets is a fun, thematic way to explore San Diego’s haunted past, especially if you enjoy history, ghost stories, and good drinks. It’s best suited for adults who are comfortable with alcohol, appreciate theatrical storytelling, and enjoy a touch of the spooky—without any jump scares or gimmicks.
Travelers seeking an authentic, locally-owned experience will appreciate the tour’s focus on San Diego’s haunted legends, and the fact that it’s a small-group experience adds to its charm. For those who love a mix of history, mystery, and socializing, this tour offers an entertaining evening with a spirited twist.
Just remember: book in advance, arrive ready for some eerie tales, and keep your camera handy—you never know when a ghostly apparition might make an appearance!
FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
No, it’s only for travelers aged 21 and over, due to the alcohol served during the tour.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, providing enough time to enjoy the stories, drinks, and atmosphere.
Are the locations fixed?
Not quite—while they visit three haunted bars, the exact locations may change to keep the experience fresh and exclusive.
What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers entry to the tour, three themed drinks inspired by ghost stories, and the storytelling experience.
Are there any physical requirements?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended, as the tour involves walking through downtown San Diego and exploring multiple locations.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Will there be a lot of walking?
Yes, the tour involves walking through the historic Gaslamp Quarter, but it’s manageable for most travelers with average fitness levels.
Is the tour family-friendly?
No, the tour is only for adults, given the focus on alcohol and mature ghost stories.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advisable since the tour takes place outdoors and involves walking.
In essence, Ghosts & Goblets offers an intriguing blend of San Diego’s haunted lore, lively storytelling, and themed drinks—all wrapped up in a small-group experience that’s perfect for anyone curious about the city’s darker history.
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