Enjoy Historic Old Town San Diego

San Diego’s Old Town San Diego State Historic Park conveys an authentic re-creation of the city’s glorious history between 1821 and 1872. Restored adobe homes, museums, landmarks, commercial shops, restaurants, infor mative park rangers and volunteers all bring the flavor of the past into the present. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Old Town and to walk where San Diego’s founding fathers walked. A visit to Old Town, the historically significant birthplace of San Diego and California, is a must. Here you will see California as it was in the early 1830s. It is truly one of the most worthwhile attractions in all of California.

For a brief overview of a few of the many historic sites in Old Town, take thefree one-hour walking tour, which departs from the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Visitor Center (1) (619- 220-5422) located at the Robinson-Rose Building. (The bold-faced numbers in the text refer to locations on the chapter map.) The park staff and volunteers, dressed in old-fashioned attire, conduct tours daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. These informative tours also provide anecdotes of San Diego’s Old Town history. The Visitor Center and most of the other historic buildings in the park are open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. during the summer and 10 a.m - 4 p.m. during the winter months of December - March.


Fiesta de Reyes
What to See and Do in Old Town
For a brief overview of a few of the many historic sites in Old Town, take the free one-hour walking tour, which departs from the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Information Center (4) (619-220-5422) located at the Robinson-Rose Building. Visit the Old Town Chamber of Commerce for year round Calendar of Events.

Hacienda de las Rosas Winery Tasting Room
Enjoy Fine Wine in Old Town
Located in the heart of Historic Old Town San Diego’s Fiesta de Reyes (5) , is the Hacienda de las Rosas Winery Tasting Room (3) . It's quickly becoming one of Old Town's most favored stops for locals and visitors alike. Be sure to also take a walk around their unique gallery and enjoy various works of art by local artists.

Old Town Mexican Cafe
Great Restaurants, All Personally Reviewed
A landmark restaurant is the Old Town Mexican Cafe (20) (619-297-4330) at 2489 San Diego Ave. This is more than just a place to eat. It's the place for award-winning carnitas, frosty margaritas and lively atmosphere. The famous "Tortilla Ladies of Old Town" are here too, making fresh tortillas daily in their sidewalk window. See more Old Town Restaurants.

Junipero Serra Museum
Historic San Diego Museums
A tour of Old Town would not be complete without a visit to the Junipero Serra Museum (619-297-3258) on Presidio Hill. As a major symbol of the city, it stands atop the hill recognized as the site where California began. Unless you are in great shape, drive up to the museum at the top of the hill. Click here for more attractions in Old Town.

Barra Barra Saloon
Daily Events in Old Town
One HourTours 11 a.m and 2 p.m. Learn the history of Old Town, guided by unique characters from the pages of Old Town history.

Vignettes & Storytellers 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Discover Old Town citizens recreating scenes from early California life - dining, gambling, an engaging experience among the early scenes of San Diego’s first settlement.

Hands-on History 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Experience for yourself some of the traditional activities of the early residents of San Diego – leatherwork, crafts, calligraphy, and much more.



Reviewed & Recommended Dining in Old Town
     

Casa Guadalajara

La Pinata

Harney Sushi

Great Attractions & Entertainment in Old Town
     

Cygnet Old Town Theatre

Hacienda de las Rosas Winery

Fiesta de Reyes

Impressive Shopping Destinations in Old Town
     

Bazaar Del Mundo Shops

City Lights

Del Sol