Save Our Heritage Organisation
Adult, Senior & Group Tours
Looking for unique local tour opportunities for your group? Reserve an exclusive visit to one or more of our museums.
SOHO offers a choice of self-guided and docent-led tours designed for adult, senior citizen, and other groups. The tour package may include a visit to one or more of our historic site museums, and programs can be designed to meet your group's needs. Our docents can also travel to your facility or meeting place to offer programs for your organization or club.
School Group Tours
We have exceptional field trip possibilities for students that are both fun and educational. Details
We operate three great historic site museums in San Diego
Whaley House Museum
2476 San Diego Avenue
The c. 1856 Thomas Whaley House Museum and complex in Old Town is a classic example of mid-nineteenth century Greek Revival architecture. Formally dedicated as a historic house museum on May 25, 1960 and open to the public ever since, it is one of southern California's most popular visitor destinations. Popular, too, is the house in the paranormal community. Significant events, such as the siezure of the court documents and records in 1871, and the suicide of Violet Whaley in 1885 profoundly affected Thomas and Anna Whaley. These events, as well as the hangings which occurred on the property before the house was constructed, have suffused the Whaley House with an air of mystery and added to its reputation as the Most Haunted House in America.
Old Adobe Chapel
3963 Conde Street
The c. 1850 Old Adobe Chapel, also in Old Town, was originally built in 1850 as a home; it was converted to a church by Don José Aguirre in 1858. After having been bulldozed for street realignment in the '30s, the WPA rebuilt the adobe chapel in 1937. Much of the interior artifacts from the original chapel have been retained, including the tabernacle, the altar with its beautiful marbleized finish, some woodwork including pews and doors, and José Aguirre's tombstone is laid in the floor.
Old Town Directions & Parking A small number of 2-hour unmetered parking spaces are available on the streets of Old Town. Free all-day parking is available in large public parking lots on Harney Street and Twiggs Street.
Area MAP
Marston House and Gardens
3525 Seventh Avenue
The c. 1905 George and Anna Marston House and Gardens in Balboa Park. This 8,500 square-foot home with five acres of gardens and trails is one of the most interesting house museums in all of California. George Marston is known as the father of Balboa Park, San Diego's first citizen and is acclaimed as one of San Diego's earliest environmentalists, conservationists and historic preservationists.
Marston House Directions & Parking The Marston House is located at 3525 Seventh Avenue in an early twentieth century historic district. There is no parking on this residential street. There is limited parking for a small bus at Museum Shop entrance.
The area is accessed from Upas Street via 6th Avenue. From Interstate 8, take 163 South to the University Street Exit, which will put you on 6th Avenue. There is ample parking nearby (MAP)
Number of Guests
How long you should allow
Group tours must include a minimum of twelve (12) people with arrangements made at least one week in advance. The group leader is always complimentary. For bus tours, the driver is also complimentary. We can accommodate up to 60 visitors within the allotted time, and even more with a staggered schedule.
Cost
Tours range from $2.50 per person to $12 depending on arrangements and include a gift pass good for a free return visit to the museum of your choice. We are happy to help you create an exclusive itinerary to fit your needs.
- Marston House - 60 to 90 minutes. Birders and garden enthusiasts should allow more time.
- Whaley House -30 to 45 minutes
- Adobe Chapel - 15 minutes. Most visitors see the Whaley House and Adobe Chapel at the same time as they are close in proximity. Allow one hour to view both sites.
Copyright ©2009, Save Our Heritage Organisation. Copyright Warning
