Looking for enjoyable issues to do in Old Town San Diego? The in depth checklist beneath presents loads of concepts, from immersing your self within the space’s wealthy heritage via museums and excursions to indulging your inventive aspect with workshops and craft-making.
This vibrant historic district is taken into account the birthplace of California, and time spent right here could be each enjoyable and academic, with a hands-on angle. And, there’s nice procuring and meals, too.
Nearly each kind of vacationer visits Old Town San Diego points of interest, from households and enterprise vacationers to historical past buffs and ghost hunters. Since many actions are free, it fits varied budgets, too. Below, we focus on which of the various issues to are value house in your itinerary.
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1. Start on the Robinson-Rose Visitor Center
- 4098 Mason St, San Diego, CA 92110
- (619) 220-5422
- parks.ca.gov
As Old Town’s customer heart and park headquarters, the Robinson Rose House is a superb place to begin. Here you’ll be able to find out about many attention-grabbing issues to do in Old Town San Diego, view museum displays, and be a part of strolling excursions. Pick up among the brochures that speak about native points of interest.
Among the highlights at this museum are the miniature mannequin shows of what Old Town regarded like throughout San Diego’s early days. Tour guides wearing interval clothes share tales of fascinating individuals who lived right here again then.
You’ll additionally study the historical past of the constructing itself, a reconstructed reproduction of a grand home constructed by James W. Robinson, a profitable lawyer within the 1850s. You would possibly even expertise a little bit of the paranormal since this constructing is reportedly haunted, like another Old Town buildings.
2. Become a Junior Ranger (And Other Kids’ Activities)
The California Department of Parks and Recreation has a Junior Ranger program for teenagers, making exploring state parks much more enjoyable.
You can choose up a free booklet on the Robinson-Rose Visitor Center to fill out as you discover the park. Don’t neglect to show it in for an award on the finish of your go to.
Also, don’t neglect to print the free scavenger hunt sheet and convey it with you. I additionally like this coloring booklet, which is just a few pages lengthy. If you understand you’ll go to Old Town San Diego, have the children coloration it prematurely to allow them to spot acquainted indicators and buildings whereas there.
3. Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour
If you’re uncertain the place to start, take a free, self-guided strolling tour via the historic locations in Old Town. California Parks and Recreation has outlined excursions beginning at Robinson-Rose House, which vary from an hour to 2 and a half hours. You can have a look on-line at advisable stops or seize a tour map on the customer heart for a small charge.
This stroll via historical past passes by many historic buildings. There’s the Johnson House, inbuilt 1870 by George Alonzo Johnson, a steamboat captain on the Colorado River. The Mason Street School, inbuilt 1865, was the primary publicly constructed schoolhouse in San Diego County. Many buildings are open with free admission and even have their very own temporary, free excursions.
4. Visit the Free Museums in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
So many issues to do in Old Town San Diego are freed from cost — together with lots of the distinctive museums discovered right here.
Check with the Old Town Chamber of Commerce and Robinson-Rose Visitors Center to study which museums are free and what their hours are. The checklist is in depth; we’ve included just a few right here.
The McCoy House was inbuilt 1869 by Irish-born immigrant James McCoy—who grew to become fluent in Spanish—as a marriage present for his spouse, Winnifred. James served as county assessor, metropolis sheriff, and state senator. The museum presents an in depth glimpse into life within the space within the late 1800s.
La Casa de Machado y Silvas is one other marriage ceremony current—this one from a father to his daughter—constructed within the early 1840s. La Casa de Machado y Stewart is an adobe home that was lived in till 1966 however has since been restored to its 1830s character.
And, there are just a few others which are free and talked about beneath. Be positive to go to Old Town’s free museums to find out about San Diego’s multicultural historical past.
You’ll discover over 100 retailers in Old Town, San Diego, some in market facilities that home a number of stalls and others in historic buildings across the park.
At Old Town Market alone, you’ll be able to browse 40 distinctive indoor and out of doors retailers promoting items from Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, Vietnam, and different areas.
Shopping at Bazaar del Mundo is a particular deal with, due to the distinctive treasures you’ll discover and the colourful setting that immerses you in Old Mexico’s allure. Purchase honest commerce merchandise from around the globe, together with folks artwork, jewellery, vogue, and residential décor.
Throughout Old Town, you’ll encounter a big selection of specialty retailers that draw you in. Cousin’s Candy Shop sells old style sweets, together with saltwater taffy and home made fudge.
Find lovingly restored antiques at The Johnson House, Marine Antiques, and West Sea Co Nautical Antiques. At Tinsmith, you’ll discover beautiful star lamps and different tin-punched ornamental gadgets to convey residence.
The Best Places to Browse
Where to go Shopping in Old Town
We put collectively a listing of the place to seek out enjoyable presents and souvenirs whilst you discover this historic neighborhood.
6. Walk Through a Famous Haunted House — Whaley House Museum
One of the most well-liked issues to do in Old Town San Diego is to go to the Whaley House Museum. It was the previous residence of a pioneering household, nevertheless it’s extensively regarded at this time as one of the vital haunted homes in North America, due to the a number of deaths that occurred on the premises.
The Greek Revival-style 1850s home is the oldest brick construction in Southern California. It served as a common retailer, courthouse, and personal residence. Upstairs, you’ll discover San Diego’s first industrial theater.
A California Historical Landmark, the Whaley House has been featured on quite a few ghost-hunting exhibits, together with America’s Most Haunted and Ghost Adventures. Visitors can take a daytime self-guided, self-paced tour, or a night guided tour.
7. Dine on Mexican Food and More
As a eating vacation spot, Old Town presents among the finest Mexican eating places in San Diego County and different noteworthy consuming institutions, together with nice sushi locations.
Whatever you crave, you’ll discover nice eateries in Old Town, together with an unlimited number of specialty margaritas and each alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks—like the favored horchata.
For many individuals, eating al fresco in vibrant out of doors areas is likely one of the favourite issues to do in Old Town San Diego. Many eating places right here supply patio eating, with lovely flowers, effervescent fountains, and firepits so as to add to the ambiance.
An instance of the various choice to be present in Old Town consists of:
- Casa de Reyes: A vibrant restaurant serving favourite Mexican dishes, together with rolled tacos, tostada salads, burritos, tamales, and way more.
- Tahona Bar: Gather with associates for an upscale eating expertise in an institution that celebrates mezcal. Tasting room accessible by reservation.
- Harney Sushi: This elegant sushi place presents a big selection of conventional and modern sushi creations and cooked Japanese specialties.
- Congress Café: Open for breakfast and lunch, this cozy café with a beautiful out of doors seating space serves Venezuelan favorites, together with arepas and cachapas.
8. Old Town Urban Market
A comparatively new addition to the Old Town scene, this market place is positioned simply outdoors of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
While there may be retail house accessible, proper now, you’d go there to eat. And it’s worthwhile. From the drip-your-own bone marrow on tacos at Tuetano Taquería and ceviche at Mar Rustico to the delectable elote from Elote and shortly donuts from Barrio Donas, it’s a spot for foodies.
You’ll eat on a coated patio that isn’t huge, so get there early. Everything is counter-order, so you can seize it to go for a picnic in Old Town State Historic Park.
9. Shop and Eat at Fiesta de Reyes
Fiesta is an effective way to explain this vibrant part of Old Town, the place you’ll be able to store, dine, and revel in free, dwell musical performances in a novel setting. Fiesta de Reyes is Spanish for “celebration of kings,” and you’ll have fun like royalty with out breaking the financial institution.
Here you’ll be able to get pleasure from a number of Old Town San Diego points of interest with out having to stroll far since all the things is shut collectively but far sufficient aside to provide you that satisfying sense of exploring a vibrant district. Mariachi musicians and folklorico dancers entertain guests most weekends.
Dine in consolation on the luxurious backyard patio of Casa de Reyes or throughout the enticing, hacienda-style environment of Barra Barra Saloon. Both locations serve genuine Mexican delicacies, from commonplace favorites to new creations and a big number of margaritas.
Shop at one of many distinctive retailers, similar to Treasures of Mexico, Old Town Jerky & Root Beer, and The Tile Shop.
10. El Campo Santo Cemetery
El Campo Santo Cemetery dates again to 1849 and is/was the ultimate resting place of many early San Diego residents, together with members of distinguished households such because the Estudillos and Fitchs.
Over the years, the realm’s improvement modified the boundaries of the cemetery. Some our bodies had been relocated and paved over whereas others stay buried as supposed. This has mentioned to have disturbed some trapped souls and set off some paranormal exercise.
Part of the cemetery was restored primarily based on outdated data and guests at this time can stroll via remaining gravesites.
11. Walk Up to Presidio Park
An idyllic spot to have a picnic and let the children play awhile, Presidio Park overlooks the Mission Valley space and past. It’s a few 7-minute stroll from the Robinson-Rose Visitor Center.
Several viewpoints current beautiful views — you’ll be able to see Mission Bay and the coast — whereas nature surrounds you, with a big assortment of lovely, mature timber unfold all through the park.
This hill is steeped in historical past. As you stroll the grounds, you’ll discover statues, memorials, and markers commemorating previous influencers and occasions from San Diego’s previous. It was the location of a fort and church that date again to 1769, and this spot served because the capital of Baja California when Mexico owned the land.
You’ll discover a number of strolling trails all through Presidio Park, some more difficult than others. It’s normally not crowded right here, supplying you with house for quiet contemplation.
12. Visit the Mormon Battalion Historic Site
This historic website commemorates LDS church members who served within the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848 as a part of the U.S. Army’s Mormon Battalion. While stationed within the space, these volunteer troopers and their households constructed water wells and a courthouse in Old Town.
The heart presents free excursions each day, exhibiting glimpses of what life was like within the area in the course of the mid-1800s. The tour lasts 45 minutes and consists of an interactive video in regards to the battalion, plus a have a look at varied artifacts. You’ll wish to allocate an hour to an hour and a half to take part in all the things the middle presents.
All areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible. For guests’ comfort, the location has a small parking zone within the again—just like the museum, parking is free. Be positive to take a look at the stunning views from the window as you stroll by.
13. Watch a Performance at Old Town Theatre
- 4040 Twiggs St, San Diego, CA 92110
- (619) 337-1525
- Call or verify on-line for exhibits and hours
- cygnettheatre.com
The Cygnet Theatre firm runs one of the vital distinctive Old Town San Diego points of interest the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from all the things from Shakespeare performs to extra modern musicals. Housed in a constructing nonetheless known as the Old Town Theatre — on a website that was a barn — the Cygnet Theatre presents dwell performances inside a one-of-a-kind theatrical setting.
An attention-grabbing historic tidbit: between 1986 and 1991, the theater served as a stage for pupil productions. Among the alumni from this era are actor and singer Jamie Foxx and actor John Barrowman (of Doctor Who fame).
Today you’ll be able to catch theatrical productions like El Huracán, a multi-generational lyrical story in regards to the energy of forgiveness, or cabaret-style leisure.
Check the web site to see what’s taking part in and find out about particular performances, similar to these providing ASL interpretation or evenings devoted to the LGBTQIA group. Assisted listening gadgets can be found freed from cost.
14. Admire the La Casa de Estudillo, a Historic Adobe House
- 4000 Mason St, San Diego, CA 92110
- (619) 220-5422
- Open Daily: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
- parks.ca.gov
As one of many rigorously restored historic adobe homes in Old Town San Diego, La Casa de Estudillo dates again to 1827 and is a beautiful instance of Spanish Colonial structure. Once a middle of social gatherings and spiritual observations, this museum was the house of a distinguished 19th-century household.
Built by comandante José María Estudillo and his son, lieutenant José Antonio Estudillo, this 12-room home has an exquisite interior courtyard that invitations introspection. Now part of the California State Park system, La Casa de Estudillo is a museum value visiting for its depiction of multicultural life within the early 1800s.
Several rooms with interval items, together with cover beds, carved tables, and upholstered chairs are open for public viewing. You’ll see a set desk subsequent to a fire within the eating room whereas and one other room homes working instruments of the time, together with a big spinning wheel. Other highlights embrace an outside oven and a bell tower.
15. Make Candles at Toby’s Candle Shop
- 2645 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
- (619) 297-5426
- Open Daily: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- tobyscandles.com
Many issues to do in Old Town San Diego are hands-on. Making your personal candles at a historic candle store is definitely considered one of these actions. At Toby’s Candle & Soap Shop, you should buy lovely candles for those who don’t have time to make one.
A little bit in regards to the store. It was established in 1981 by burgeoning candle-making fans who started to show candle carving methods all through Southern California malls and even at Knott’s Berry Farm. Toby’s Candles has been in Old Town since 1992.
Your candle-making expertise is a chance to make your personal lovely present for your self or a pal. The store welcomes walk-ins, however reservations are wanted for teams of ten or extra.
If you’re brief on time, the candle dipping course of is your best choice; it doesn’t take lengthy however could be very satisfying. If you might have extra time, make your personal sand wax candle. You will want not less than twenty minutes for this enjoyable challenge.
16. Spend a Night on the Cosmopolitan Hotel
If you wish to immerse your self on this historic district to have extra time to get pleasure from all of the Old Town San Diego points of interest which are accessible, spend an evening or two on the Cosmopolitan Hotel. This historic resort offers a first-class expertise that takes you again in time.
In your room, you’ll be surrounded by classic vintage furnishings, each bit a real murals. With simply ten rooms to are likely to, the resort workers can ship attentive, personalised service to each visitor.
This mattress and breakfast institution serves home made pastries with sizzling espresso and tea within the constructing’s old style saloon. For many visitors, among the finest components of staying right here is getting away from all of it — there aren’t any telephones or TVs within the rooms, though you’ll have entry to WiFi.
Relax and revel in your keep on the Cosmopolitan, as soon as the house of Peruvian-born Juan Bandini, a California politician born in 1800 who helped form San Diego and was identified to throw nice events.
The Best Places to Stay
Top Old Town San Diego Hotels
Historic, funds, and pleasant lodges and motels to think about on your trip.
17. See Stagecoaches and More at Seely Stable Museum
- 2648 Calhoun St, San Diego, CA 92110
- Friday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Closed Monday – Thursday
- parks.ca.gov
A favourite amongst youngsters, the Seely Stable Museum homes a group of outdated coaches, wagons, and buggies, every lovingly restored and cared for at this distinctive museum devoted to California’s stagecoach historical past.
Learn how mail, items, and passengers had been transported throughout the nation earlier than the railroad strains had been established. Stagecoach journey was a deadly technique to journey between locations, however the California gold rush inspired vacationers to enterprise west regardless of the risks. At the museum, you’ll see maps exhibiting outdated stage routes—the popular journey mode earlier than the times of practice tracks and freeways.
By the best way, the museum is called after Albert Lewis Seeley, who, at 17, grew to become a stagecoach driver and established the United States Mail Stage line. He continued rising his enterprise by increasing stagecoach routes to move mail and passengers between San Diego and Los Angeles, San Diego, Yuma, and different itineraries.
18. Take the Old Town Trolley Tour
If you’re uncertain what to do in Old Town San Diego, a superb place to begin may be getting there by way of the Old Town Trolley. This hop-on, hop-off expertise runs via a number of components of San Diego and consists of eleven stops. You can hop off and store, eat, or sightsee earlier than hopping again on and persevering with together with your tour.
Buy a ticket as soon as, after which spend the remainder of the day conveniently hopping on and off. In addition to taking you thru Old Town, the trolley-style tour bus takes you thru the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Barrio Logan, Coronado, Balboa Park, Little Italy, and extra. A good way to see all of it at your personal tempo.
EXCLUSIVE LA JOLLA MOM DISCOUNT
Use promo code WINTER to use an additional $8 off the 1-Day Tour, $15 off the 2-Day Tour, $4 off the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour, and $10 off the San Diego City Lights Tour.
19. Look Out for Living History Demonstrations
- 4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110
- (619) 220-5422
- Wednesday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (verify the schedule earlier than you go)
- parks.ca.gov
As a part of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Old Town makes residing historical past packages accessible to all ages. People put on interval clothes, answering questions in regards to the area’s historical past for memorable, interactive exchanges. Live demonstrations convey San Diego’s historical past alive for locals and guests alike.
On a Wednesday or Saturday, see residing historical past demonstrations of all the things from furnishings constructing to quilting. Demos fluctuate from week to week. You would possibly learn the way individuals used to spin wool into thread and see outdated blacksmithing methods in motion.
At the Kosay Kumeyaay Market, the traditions of the area’s first peoples are preserved and demonstrated. You would possibly see time-honored basket weaving methods or maybe different artisans at work.
As you browse Old Town, you could encounter varied residing historical past demonstrations, re-enactments, performances, and mini-talks. If you see somebody in interval clothes, be happy to ask questions on what life was like right here up to now.
20. Sip San Diego’s Best at Rose’s Tasting Room
- 2754 Calhoun St San Diego, CA 92110 (inside Fiesta de Reyes)
- rosestastingroom.com
- Note: All visitors should be ages 21+
I really feel like Rose’s is a little bit of a hidden gem. After all, you’re within the birthplace of California and maybe targeted on the actions it’s well-known for — fishbowl margaritas, Mexican meals, free museums, a grassy park, Whaley House, and so on.
But you could be stunned to know that there’s a bit tasting room with indoor and out of doors seating that can assist you to style among the craft beer San Diego is legendary for (do you know that we’re a craft brewery vacation spot) along with some wine made in San Diego (sure, it’s good). And, they even supply just a few cocktails on the menu.
It makes for a beautiful cease in between sights. Old Town San Diego, we expect, is finest skilled on a sunny day if you’re not in a rush. And, you could end up having fun with sips and suds at Rose’s for longer than anticipated.
What do you assume are the very best issues to do in Old Town San Diego?