Right smack in the heart of San Diego, Old Town stands proudly as the spot where California first said, “Hey, I think I’ll start existing here.” This 230-acre neighborhood is snugly bordered by Interstate 8, which is really just a fancy ribbon on the north. On the south and east, you have Mission Hills, silently judging with its posh demeanor, and to the west, Interstate 5 is doing its best impression of a boundary.
There’s a great sense of community in Old Town and a warmth of hospitality that will embrace you the moment you arrive. To help you plan your itinerary in Old Town, we’ve collated some of the must-see local attractions, including the best places to eat. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be amazed by what’s on offer in San Diego’s Old Town neighborhood.
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The Origin Of Old Town, San Diego
Old Town was founded in the late 16th Century by Father Junipero Serra who built the first mission next to the Presidio, which was an important Spanish hill fort that guarded a strategic position on the San Diego River. As the Spanish army gained firmer control over the territory new homes were built below the Presidio from the 1820s onwards. These first settlements were a crucial cornerstone for the Spanish colonization of California and are the oldest parts of modern-day San Diego.
What To Do And Where To Eat In Old Town, San Diego
Take an Old Town Trolley Tour – Hop On and Off Throughout the Neighborhood
For first-time visitors to Old Town a Trolley Tour is the perfect way to see some of the top attractions without having to worry about finding your own way around.
The 1-day Trolley Tour stops at 12 different places and allows you to Hop On and Hop Off as many times as you want throughout the day. This means you can have a look around and then jump back on the next trolley to head off to the next location! Along the way you can enjoy the lively commentary from the trolley conductor during which you’ll learn all about the history of the neighborhood. You also get a free map and day planner and all the details for self-guided tours are available with your ticket.
To find out more about booking your Trolley Tour, you can visit the official website here.
Presidio Park and the Junipero Serra Museum – Delve into the Earliest History of San Diego
Presidio Park is the original location of the first European settlement in California. It’s free to visit the park and there are several walking trails that wind through the beautiful nature reserve. It’s a great place to have a picnic or simply enjoy a little bit of quality time in the great outdoors. You can also follow the Old Historical Trail, a self-guided tour that contains carefully curated signposts that tell you the history and interesting facts about what you’re seeing on the route.
Aside from the spectacular scenery, one of the other major attractions of Presidio Park is the iconic Junipero Serra Museum. Built in the early 20th Century in authentic mission-style architecture, the museum exhibits a unique selection of historical artifacts, archeological finds, and a wide range of reference materials that relate to the founding of San Diego. The museum also hosts private events and provides an interesting range of educational programs about the Mexican, Spanish and Indigenous heritage of San Diego.
Entrance to the museum is free although if you’d like to support its work then you are welcome to leave a donation.
Fiesta De Reyes – Mexican Festivities, 365 Days a Year!
If you’re looking for a fun, boisterous and authentic Mexican dining and shopping experience in Old Town, then look no further than the Fiesta de Reyes at 2754 Calhoun Street. Hidden away behind a fountain, you enter through side posts and timber-beamed roofing that leads into a gorgeous landscaped courtyard that contains 2 Mexican restaurants and 19 independent specialty shops. Decorated by mosaic tiles, stone pathways and lovely gardens, there’s a genuine Mexican atmosphere that all the family can enjoy at any time of the year.
Amongst the boutique stores, you can browse a lovely range of hand-made jewelry, artisan foods, authentic Mexican products, toys and much more. The Mexican atmosphere is completed by regular festive entertainment and live Latin music performances making it an ideal spot for a family meal or a group celebration on a special occasion, such as your birthday or graduation.
To find out more, or book a table at one of the Fiesta de Reyes’s restaurants, you can check out the official website, here.
Visit The Whaley House Museum – The Most Haunted Building In San Diego
Considered to be one of the eeriest buildings in the whole of America, the Whaley House Museum was built in 1857 as the family home for the wealthy businessman, Thomas Whaley. Ever since it was built there have been rumors of ghosts in and around the property which purportedly includes the ghosts of a thief who was hanged without trial, a young woman, a girl, a drifter and even Thomas Whaley and his own wife, Anna.
Located at 2476 San Diego Avenue, the Whaley House was first opened to the public as a museum in 1960 and displays the personal effects of Thomas Whaley and his family and gives visitors a rare glimpse into the life of one of San Diego’s early business pioneers. There are also several other historic buildings to visit on the grounds, including the 1870s Verna House and the museum’s gift store.
Visiting the Whaley House is a fun day trip for a group of friends, families or a couple, but just remember to keep your eyes peeled because you might just see one of the numerous ghosts that patrol the museum!
You can book tickets for the Whaley House Museum or find out more about the current exhibitions on the official website, here.
The Mormon Battalion Historic Site – A Little-Known Slice of US Military History
The Mormon Battalion Historic Site at 2510 Juan Street, offers visitors and history buffs an insight into the life and times of a troop of 500 Latter-day Saints who joined the United States Army in 1846. Currently run by the Jesuit Church, there are exhibitions of historical artifacts, an interactive video tour and live on-site demonstrations of brickmaking and gold panning.
Entrance to the site is free, but if you’d like to join the full 45-minute daily tour, you need to call ahead to confirm your visit. If you’re traveling with a group then you need to make a reservation in advance to ensure that your group can be accommodated.
You can make your reservations or find out more about the Mormon Battalion Historic Site on the official website, here.
The Cygnet Theater – Performing Arts in the Heart of Old Town
In 2008, the Cygnet Theater Group moved its operations into the esteemed Old Town Theater and began a hugely successful new chapter in the theater’s history. Located on 4040 Twiggs Street, the Cygnet Theater presents a multi-award-winning lineup of annual performances that range from Broadway-esque musicals to global premiers and classical theater favorites.
Since taking over the operations of the theater, the Cygnet Theater Group has fully renovated the lobby and remodeled the auditorium’s interiors, updated the restrooms and installed new state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. The ideal place for a special date with a loved one, or a cultural evening with the family, you can find out what’s on, book your tickets and learn more about the theater on their website, here.
Eat at Casa Guadalajara – Old Town’s Best Mexican Restaurant
Located at 4105 Taylor Street, the Casa Guadalajara is a non-touristy, up-market Mexican restaurant that serves a delicious range of culinary delights. Voted the best Mexican restaurant in Old Town, no easy feat, the Casa Guadalajara has a stylish indoor dining area, a beautiful outdoor patio and hosts regular mariachi music events in the evening.
The mouth-watering menu includes all the flavorful Mexican classics as well as some real show-stoppers such as the seafood tacos, the chicken mole enchiladas and the much-loved nachos supreme. With a warm, friendly atmosphere, a daily Happy Hour at the fully stocked bar and cuisine that’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans, the Casa Guadalajara is undoubtedly one of Old Town’s unmissable gastronomic destinations.
It’s worth noting that Casa Guadalajara can often get pretty busy so it’s always a good idea to make a reservation before you arrive by visiting the restaurant’s website, here.
Go Shopping in Old Town – Window Shop or Buy Some Special Gifts and Souvenirs
No visit to Old Town in historic San Diego would be complete without allowing yourself a little time to do some window shopping! Fortunately, you’re spoiled for choice in the neighborhood where you’ll find hundreds of independent stores and boutiques selling an awe-inspiring array of artisan wares, clothing, art, souvenirs, jewelry, Mexican handicrafts, gourmet food and ingredients, and much more besides.
So whether you’re looking for a present for a loved one, or simply feel like treating yourself, then it’s worth putting aside a few hours to follow your feet and see what lovely delights you find in the independent boutique stores of Old Town.
Old Town Urban Market – A Culinary Treasure Trove
This modern food hall at 2548 Congress Street is home to a diverse selection of restaurants and vendors that serve a delicious choice of food to suit all palettes and dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Some of the highlights of the Old Town Urban Market include Barrio Donas, Hola Paris, Flor’s Farm to Table and the delectable Wine Shop.
Flor’s Farm to Table, a real crowd favorite, serves a lovely brunch that uses freshly sourced local ingredients to create popular dishes such as the Chilaquiles that are served with tortilla chips, a hand-made red sauce, and are topped with avocado and eggs. Another must-try dish on Flor’s menu is the red snapper served with bacon, pico de gallo, crispy onions, spicy honey sauce, blue cheese and a refreshing side of arugula.
After you’ve had your lunch, you can drop by the Wine Shop for a quick refreshment! The Wine Shop has a delightful array of wines from all over the world as well as lots of regional favorites from California. What’s more, if you’re not sure what you’d like, the Wine Shop also offers free wine tastings to help you get your bearings. So whether you’re an experienced connoisseur or would simply like to buy some quality wine for later, then make sure you stop by the Wine Shop while you’re at the Old Town Urban Market.
Explore the Living History of San Diego’s Old Town
Old Town is a living testament to the amazing historical tapestry that makes up contemporary San Diego. A vibrant, festive atmosphere pervades the streets throughout the year and there’s an enchanting choice of restaurants, shops, bars and museums to immerse yourself in. The ideal place for a family vacation, a group holiday or a fun weekend break, Old Town has so much to offer that you’ll soon be looking forward to your next trip to this iconic San Diegan neighborhood.
