El Campo Santo Cemetery
San Diego's historic El Campo Santo Cemetery, established 1849, offers a glimpse into the past with unique grave markers and tales of the paranormal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best for history & respect
El Campo Santo Cemetery
Best Time
Best for history & respect
Highlights
Must-see attractions
San Diego's historic El Campo Santo Cemetery, established 1849, offers a glimpse into the past with unique grave markers and tales of the paranormal.
"A historical treasure with graves under the sidewalk - a must-see in Old Town!"
🚶♀️ Walk from Old Town
Easily accessible on foot from the Old Town train station and restaurants.
👻 Paranormal Claims
Many report ghostly sightings, but it's often considered more urban legend than reality.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Headstones
Throughout the cemetery
Discover weathered headstones with barely visible names, a poignant reminder of San Diego's early residents.
Sidewalk Grave Markers
San Diego Avenue
See brass markers in the sidewalk indicating unmarked graves, a unique testament to the street built over the cemetery.
Spanish-Style Crosses
Throughout the cemetery
Admire the traditional Spanish-style crosses and iron fencing, adding to the cemetery's old-world charm.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respectful Exploration
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk from Old Town
Easily accessible on foot from the Old Town train station and restaurants.
👻 Paranormal Claims
Many report ghostly sightings, but it's often considered more urban legend than reality.
📚 Read the Signs
Interpretive signs offer fascinating historical context about the cemetery's past.
🍸 Nearby Speakeasy
Oculto 477 speakeasy is nearby, named after the cemetery's residents. Reservations needed!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk from Old Town
Easily accessible on foot from the Old Town train station and restaurants.
👻 Paranormal Claims
Many report ghostly sightings, but it's often considered more urban legend than reality.
📚 Read the Signs
Interpretive signs offer fascinating historical context about the cemetery's past.
🍸 Nearby Speakeasy
Oculto 477 speakeasy is nearby, named after the cemetery's residents. Reservations needed!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Campo Santo Cemetery is a small, historic burial ground in Old Town San Diego, praised for its historical significance and unique grave markers visible on sidewalks. While some visitors report paranormal activity, others find it more of an urban legend. It's a peaceful, quick stop that offers a tangible connection to the city's past.
"It’s a tiny old town cemetery from 1800’s. This is a close walk from the Old Town train station. First, you’ll see the park and the old town. And at the end of that road you’ll run into the old cemetery after the restaurants. It’s a treasure for the city and the graves are old some graves are inclosed to get protected from visitors. Some claim paranormal activity and ghosts but I have not seen any to believe it. It’s more of an urban legend than reality. Sure if you show up at 2am-4am it will feel spooky but still no ghosts because first of all it’s tiny and second of all the ghosts have no room to run ;)"
been’there
"El Campo Santo Cemetery is one of San Diego’s oldest and most fascinating historic sites, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past and enduring legends. Established in 1849, this small yet significant cemetery in Old Town San Diego was the final resting place for many of the area’s early residents, including pioneers, politicians, and notorious figures of the time.
Walking through the cemetery, you can still see weathered headstones, some with names barely visible, reminding visitors just how long this ground has held history. Many original graves were disturbed in the 1880s when San Diego expanded, and a streetcar line was built right through the burial site. Today, parts of San Diego Avenue run directly over unmarked graves, and you can even spot brass markers in the sidewalk, showing where bodies still lie beneath the road.
Beyond its historical importance, El Campo Santo is known for its paranormal activity. Many visitors and locals claim to have seen ghostly apparitions, flickering lights, and even felt cold spots as they walk through. Some say the spirits of those whose graves were paved over still linger, making it one of San Diego’s most haunted locations.
Despite its eerie reputation, El Campo Santo is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, with its traditional Spanish-style crosses, iron fencing, and old-world charm. Whether you're a history buff, a fan of ghost stories, or just someone who appreciates preserved historic landmarks, this cemetery is a must-visit in Old Town. It’s a powerful reminder of San Diego’s early days, and a truly unique piece of the city’s past that continues to tell its stories, even after more than 170 years."
Kytka
"Pretty cool cemetery with some history. Also has gravesites under the sidewalk marked with a brass marker."
WingedLizard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Campo Santo Cemetery is located in Old Town San Diego. It's a short walk from the Old Town train station and easily accessible from the surrounding restaurants and shops.
While there might be limited street parking in Old Town, it's often easier to walk from nearby parking lots or public transport due to the area's popularity.
While some may find it spooky at night, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the historical markers. Access after dark may be restricted.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, El Campo Santo Cemetery is a historical landmark and is generally free to visit.
As an outdoor historical site, it's typically accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local listings for any specific park hours.
Yes, it's a small cemetery, making it perfect for a brief but impactful visit as part of your Old Town exploration.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see historic headstones, traditional Spanish-style crosses, iron fencing, and unique brass markers on the sidewalk indicating graves beneath the street.
Many visitors and locals report paranormal activity, including ghostly sightings and cold spots, though some consider it more legend than reality. +2
While official guided tours might not always be available, the interpretive signs provide historical context. You can also find ghost tours in Old Town that may include the cemetery.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but please be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Old Town San Diego is filled with restaurants and eateries offering various cuisines.
No, the cemetery itself is a historical site. However, the nearby Oculto 477 speakeasy is named in homage to the cemetery's residents.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the weathered headstones, the Spanish-style crosses, and the unique sidewalk grave markers for compelling shots. +1
Yes, but always be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography and be mindful of the solemn atmosphere. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit brief and engaging, focusing on the stories behind the graves and the history of Old Town. Ensure children understand the importance of respecting the cemetery as a place of rest. It's a good stop to break up the day while exploring Old Town San Diego.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
While many visitors claim to have experienced paranormal activity, others suggest it's more legend than reality.
🏛️ History Buffs
The cemetery's history is particularly compelling due to the impact of urban development, with streets and sidewalks built directly over graves. The visible markers are a unique historical artifact.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into San Diego's Past
One of the most striking aspects of its history is how development impacted the burial ground. A streetcar line and San Diego Avenue were built directly through the cemetery, leading to the disturbance of many graves. Today, you can see brass markers embedded in the sidewalks and even the street itself, indicating where bodies still lie beneath the pavement. This unique feature makes El Campo Santo a powerful visual representation of history literally built over.
Beyond its historical significance, El Campo Santo is renowned for its alleged paranormal activity. Visitors and locals have reported seeing apparitions, experiencing unexplained phenomena, and feeling cold spots. These stories contribute to its reputation as one of San Diego's most haunted locations, drawing those interested in the supernatural.
Navigating the Cemetery and its Surroundings
Pay close attention to the interpretive signs placed throughout the cemetery. These signs provide valuable context about the individuals buried there and the cemetery's historical significance, including the impact of urban development.
For those interested in the area's more modern, albeit historically themed, offerings, the nearby Oculto 477 speakeasy is a popular spot. Named in honor of the cemetery's residents, it offers unique cocktails and requires reservations.
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