Looking for enjoyable issues to do in Old Town San Diego? The intensive record beneath gives loads of concepts, from immersing your self within the space’s wealthy heritage by way of museums and excursions to indulging your artistic 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 buying and meals, too.
Nearly each sort of vacationer visits Old Town San Diego sights, from households and enterprise vacationers to historical past buffs and ghost hunters. Since many actions are free, it fits numerous budgets, too. Below, we focus on which of the numerous issues to are value area in your itinerary.
![A map of Old Town San Diego.](https://lajollamom.com/wp-content/w3-webp/uploads/2023/03/old-town-san-diego-map.jpgw3.webp)
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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 middle and park headquarters, the Robinson Rose House is a superb place to begin. Here you’ll be able to study many attention-grabbing issues to do in Old Town San Diego, view museum reveals, and be a part of strolling excursions. Pick up a few of the brochures that speak about native sights.
Among the highlights at this museum are the miniature mannequin shows of what Old Town appeared 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 may 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 youths, making exploring state parks much more enjoyable.
You can decide 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 produce it with you. I additionally like this coloring booklet, which is a number of pages lengthy. If you’ll go to Old Town San Diego, have the youngsters coloration it upfront 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 by way of 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 beneficial stops or seize a tour map on the customer middle for a small charge.
This stroll by way of 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 transient, 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 most 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 record is intensive; we’ve included a number of right here.
The McCoy House was inbuilt 1869 by Irish-born immigrant James McCoy—who turned fluent in Spanish—as a marriage reward for his spouse, Winnifred. James served as county assessor, metropolis sheriff, and state senator. The museum gives 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 a number of others which might be free and talked about beneath. Be positive to go to Old Town’s free museums to study San Diego’s multicultural historical past.
![The Old Town Market sign and outdoor vendors.](https://lajollamom.com/wp-content/w3-webp/uploads/2023/02/old-town-market-san-diego.jpgw3.webp)
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 outside 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, style, 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 school sweets, together with saltwater taffy and selfmade 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 objects to convey dwelling.
The Best Places to Browse
Where to go Shopping in Old Town
We put collectively a listing of the place to search out enjoyable presents and souvenirs when you discover this historic neighborhood.
6. Walk Through a Famous Haunted House — Whaley House Museum
![Exterior view of the Whaley House Museum in San Diego on a sunny day.](https://lajollamom.com/wp-content/w3-webp/uploads/2023/03/whaley-house-san-diego-museum.jpgw3.webp)
One of the preferred issues to do in Old Town San Diego is to go to the Whaley House Museum. It was the previous dwelling of a pioneering household, but it surely’s broadly regarded in the present day as one of the 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 basic 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
![A woman cooks fresh tortillas at Old Town Mexican Cafe in San Diego.](https://lajollamom.com/wp-content/w3-webp/uploads/2023/03/old-town-mexican-cafe-san-diego-tortilla.jpgw3.webp)
As a eating vacation spot, Old Town gives a few of the greatest 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 choice of specialty margaritas and each alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks—like the favored horchata.
For many individuals, eating al fresco in vibrant outside areas is among the favourite issues to do in Old Town San Diego. Many eating places right here provide patio eating, with lovely flowers, effervescent fountains, and firepits so as to add to the ambiance.
An instance of the varied choice to be present in Old Town contains:
- 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 buddies for an upscale eating expertise in an institution that celebrates mezcal. Tasting room out there by reservation.
- Harney Sushi: This elegant sushi place gives 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 outside 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 area out there, 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 lined 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 luxuriate in free, stay musical performances in a singular setting. Fiesta de Reyes is Spanish for “celebration of kings,” and you may rejoice like royalty with out breaking the financial institution.
Here you’ll be able to get pleasure from a number of Old Town San Diego sights with out having to stroll far since all the things is shut collectively but far sufficient aside to present 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 inside the engaging, hacienda-style environment of Barra Barra Saloon. Both locations serve genuine Mexican delicacies, from customary favorites to new creations and a big choice of margaritas.
Shop at one of many distinctive shops, reminiscent of Treasures of Mexico, Old Town Jerky & Root Beer, and The Tile Shop.
10. El Campo Santo Cemetery
![](https://lajollamom.com/wp-content/w3-webp/uploads/2020/05/el-campo-santo-cemetery-san-diego.jpgw3.webp)
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 world’s growth modified the boundaries of the cemetery. Some our bodies had been relocated and paved over whereas others stay buried as meant. 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 in the present day can stroll by way of remaining gravesites.
11. Walk Up to Presidio Park
![](https://lajollamom.com/wp-content/w3-webp/uploads/2020/05/junipero-serra-museum-old-town-san-diego.jpgw3.webp)
An idyllic spot to have a picnic and let the youngsters 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 bushes 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 tougher than others. It’s normally not crowded right here, supplying you with area for quiet contemplation.
12. Visit the Mormon Battalion Historic Site
![A canon inside the Mormon Battalion museum in Old Town.](https://lajollamom.com/wp-content/w3-webp/uploads/2020/05/mormon-battalion-old-town-san-diego-scaled.jpegw3.webp)
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 middle gives 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 contains an interactive video in regards to the battalion, plus a have a look at numerous artifacts. You’ll wish to allocate an hour to an hour and a half to take part in all the things the middle gives.
All areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible. For guests’ comfort, the location has a small car 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 examine on-line for exhibits and hours
- cygnettheatre.com
![](https://lajollamom.com/wp-content/w3-webp/uploads/2020/05/cygnet-theatre-old-town-san-diego.jpgw3.webp)
The Cygnet Theatre firm runs one of the distinctive Old Town San Diego sights 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 stay 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 enjoying and study particular performances, reminiscent of these providing ASL interpretation or evenings devoted to the LGBTQIA neighborhood. 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
![Casa de Estudillo courtyard in Old Town San Diego](https://lajollamom.com/wp-content/w3-webp/uploads/2020/05/casa-de-estudillo-old-town-san-diego.jpgw3.webp)
As one of many fastidiously 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 non secular 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 a good looking 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 hearth within the eating room whereas and one other room homes working instruments of the time, together with a big spinning wheel. Other highlights embody 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 one in every of these actions. At Toby’s Candle & Soap Shop, you should purchase lovely candles if you happen to don’t have time to make one.
A bit in regards to the store. It was established in 1981 by burgeoning candle-making fans who started to show candle carving strategies 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 reward 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 the best choice; it doesn’t take lengthy however may be very satisfying. If you’ve 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
![Exterior view of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town San Diego](https://lajollamom.com/wp-content/w3-webp/uploads/2020/02/cosmopolitan-hotel-old-town-san-diego-scaled.jpgw3.webp)
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 sights which might be out there, spend an evening or two on the Cosmopolitan Hotel. This historic resort supplies a first-class expertise that takes you again in time.
In your room, you’ll be surrounded by classic vintage furnishings, every bit a real murals. With simply ten rooms to are inclined to, the resort employees can ship attentive, customized service to each visitor.
This mattress and breakfast institution serves selfmade pastries with sizzling espresso and tea within the constructing’s old school saloon. For many friends, top-of-the-line elements of staying right here is getting away from all of it — there aren’t any telephones or TVs within the rooms, though you should have entry to WiFi.
Relax and luxuriate 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, price range, and pleasant resorts and motels to contemplate to 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 children, 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 traces had been established. Stagecoach journey was a dangerous option 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 prepare tracks and freeways.
By the best way, the museum is known as after Albert Lewis Seeley, who, at 17, turned 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
![Old Town Trolley drives through Balboa Park.](https://lajollamom.com/wp-content/w3-webp/uploads/2018/12/go-san-diego-card-pass-old-town-trolley.pngw3.webp)
If you’re uncertain what to do in Old Town San Diego, a great place to begin could be getting there by way of the Old Town Trolley. This hop-on, hop-off expertise runs by way of a number of elements of San Diego and contains 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. (examine the schedule earlier than you go)
- parks.ca.gov
As a part of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Old Town makes dwelling historical past applications out there 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 dwelling historical past demonstrations of all the things from furnishings constructing to quilting. Demos range from week to week. You may find out how folks used to spin wool into thread and see outdated blacksmithing strategies in motion.
At the Kosay Kumeyaay Market, the traditions of the area’s first peoples are preserved and demonstrated. You may see time-honored basket weaving strategies or maybe different artisans at work.
As you browse Old Town, you might encounter numerous dwelling 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 prior 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 friends 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 centered on the actions it’s well-known for — fishbowl margaritas, Mexican meals, free museums, a grassy park, Whaley House, and so forth.
But you might be stunned to know that there’s a bit tasting room with indoor and outside seating that can let you style a few of the craft beer San Diego is known 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 provide a number of cocktails on the menu.
It makes for a beautiful cease in between sights. Old Town San Diego, we predict, is greatest skilled on a sunny day whenever you’re not in a rush. And, you might end up having fun with sips and suds at Rose’s for longer than anticipated.
What do you suppose are the very best issues to do in Old Town San Diego?