Historic, Delicious Things to Do in Old Town, San Diego

Old Town is San Diego’s vibrant, historic center.

As the oldest settled area in the city, it’s important to note that it’s not only the “birthplace of California,” as the site of Father Junipero Serra’s first California mission, but a testament to the resilience of those who came before him, namely the Kumeyaay people.

The quotes are intentional, as who decides when an area is “born,” anyway?

Old Town today is a blend of pueblo architecture, Mexican cuisine (and margaritas as big as your head), and cultural activity in a city that struggles with its own identity at times.

It’s important, it’s delicious, and deserving of at least a day on any San Diego itinerary. Here is a guide to all the things to do in Old Town, San Diego.

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A Guide to Old Town, San Diego

Check out this guide to all the things to do in Old Town, San Diego, including a few quirky details you’ll be happy you learned before your visit to make sure your visit is more than a cursory one!

10 Fun Facts About Old Town

Old Town oozes historical significance, which makes it prime time for some fun facts. Check out 10 fun facts about Old Town for that next round of trivia.

1. Old Town isn’t only important to local history. As I mentioned already with some snark, it’s recognized as the birthplace of California.

Back in 1769, Father Junipero Serra established the first of a series of what would eventually be 21 missions across the state, creating the first permanent Spanish settlement in California.

2. The native people in Old Town at that time were the Kumeyaay. Archaeological excavations in the area show human remains dating back 10,000 years.

That means 600 generations of Kumeyaay have inhabited what we now know as Old Town and San Diego County.

3. All of that makes Old Town the oldest settled area in San Diego, California, earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

4. While I would not recommend tours of your own — there will be attempts to indoctrinate you during a very long tour and informational session — Old Town is home to the Mormon Battalion Historic Site, the only religious-based unit in U.S. military history.

5. Old Town was the center of all things San Diego until the 1860s, when New Town, or what is now downtown San Diego, came onto the scene.

6. Old Town became less desirable as the city’s center because of population decline. The lack of access to water and, as a result, San Diego water sports I imaging, was a problem.

New Town’s proximity to San Diego’s shipping operations didn’t help matters.

7. The neighborhood was even more adorable in the 1910s when streetcars were zooming around, connecting residents to various other San Diego neighborhoods. Those were retired in 1939.

8. Old Town is home to San Diego’s first synagogue, Temple Beth Israel. The synagogue was incorporated on that site back in 1887.

9. The synagogue sits in Old Town’s Heritage County Park, which also includes nearly eight acres of restored Victorian homes.

10. If you’re looking for something spooky, visit the Whaley House, one of the most haunted sites in not only San Diego, but the United States.

How to Get to Old Town

You need to get to San Diego, first. I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should use Skyscanner.

It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare your San Diego travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

Once you’ve arrived at San Diego International Airport, you have a few options to get to Old Town.

As with most neighborhoods in San Diego, Old Town is easily accessed by car. If you’re renting a car, you can check prices before you go with an aggregator like Hotwire or Priceline. I’m not loyal to any one rental car company, because I like the deals.

Once you’re in Old Town, the neighborhood is quite walkable.

Note: Expect some challenges with parking around festival times and dinnertime on weekends. If you exercise enough patience, you should be able to find free street parking, or you could make use of one of the paid lots if things get dire.

Old Town is also serviced by the Green Line Trolley. See schedule information from the MTS website.

The trolley will drop you off at the Old Town Station. From there, you’ll be within walking distance to most Old Town highlights.

How to Get Around Old Town

Once you’re in Old Town, you’ll be able to get to most of the sites on foot.

As far as public transportation, Old Town is served by a number of MTS buses: 8, 9, 10, 28, 35, 44, 83, 88 and 105. View additional route and scheduling information on the MTS website.

Do you feel like being more active?

Old Town is fairly bike-friendly, but it may be a difficult task if you’re planning on some margaritas as part of your Old Town itinerary.

Interested in a Google map of all of the fun things to do in Old Town? I’ve got you!

GIMME THAT OLD TOWN MAP!

Things to Do in Old Town, San Diego

You won’t find the hikes of Torrey Pines State Reserve here, but there’s plenty to do to fill up a day in Old Town. Check out my picks for things to do in Old Town, San Diego, in no particular order.

Tour Old Town’s museums and historical sites.

There are too many historical sites to see in-depth in one day, but a wealth of things to do is a good problem to have. Here are a few highlights.

Presidio Park was once home to Junipero Serra’s first mission. The mission has since been relocated, but the park is still home to the Junipero Serra Museum, where you can learn more about San Diego’s colonial history.

Hours vary somewhat by season, so check the museum’s website before you head out.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is a collection of San Diego state historic sites built here over time throughout the 18th century, following Mexico’s independence from Spain.

Note: Many of the buildings have now been repurposed for use as shops, because capitalism.

You’ll still find several important sites here, including the free La Casa de Estudillo, an adobe townhome that once belonged to a wealthy local family, and the Wells Fargo Museum, or Colorado House, which was once a hotel back in the 1850s.

The nearby Seely Stable once housed horses and stagecoaches. Today, the stables include a collection of 18th-century transportation vehicles, including a mud wagon.

Fun fact: I had to Google that one, so to save you the trouble, a mud wagon is another word for a stagecoach, which is not just a country music festival, but a light, horse-drawn carriage.

One last word of caution in case you missed my fun facts above: by all means check out the Mormon Battalion Historic Site from outside.

Do not take a tour, though, unless you’re looking to convert.

I don’t care what religion you are, unless it’s some kind of cult, in which case I’m going to need to hear all about it. I do care when I feel like I’ve been duped into some kind of lengthy indoctrination process to join your church.

Don’t do it.

Pop in for a spot of tea in Heritage County Park.

Heritage County Park is a little pocket of charm straight out of a fairytale, nearly eight acres of restored Victorian houses. 

All of the homes you’ll see here have been moved from elsewhere, saved from likely destruction or private purchase.

My favorite is the Bushyhead House, likely thanks to its name, but also because the former owner was a newspaper owner who had marched the Trail of Tears as a 6-year-old.

He was also a police chief, but I can forgive that because THE TRAIL OF TEARS!

For some added fun and continued charm, pop into the Coral Tree Tee House in the historic McConaughey House.

They serve a traditional tea time, complete with little sandwiches, scones, and a variety of unique teas and tea blends. Reservations are highly recommended and available by calling 619-291-5464.

Hunt for ghosts on a Whaley House tour.

The Whaley House museum is a popular stop on any San Diego itinerary, in part due to its historical significance.

It’s the site of the first commercial theater in San Diego, in addition to its additional iterations as a shop, a granary, and a courthouse over the years.

It’s most known for its status as one of the most haunted properties in the United States.

Fun fact: The house as been featured on the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures and and episode of the The Haunting Of… on the Biography network.

Despite being a huge chicken about ghosts and all of the haunted things, curiosity prevailed when I made my own visit there. There were no weird occurrences on my tour, but it certainly does give off some spooky vibes.

If you’re interested in a visit, check out their website, as their hours do change by season.

Pick up some souvenirs at the Old Town shops.

Old Town is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs that aren’t the America’s Finest City T-shirt you’ve been eyeing at those tchotchke shops by the San Diego Bay.

It’s also where I go if I need to add a little color to our house, most recently picking up a set of framed Mexican tiles for our old kitchen.

What shops are in Old Town, San Diego? Fiesta de Reyes, made up of 19 local shops, three restaurants, and a hotel, prides itself on one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else in San Diego and beyond.

You’ll find art, jewelry, hot sauce, even jerky at the local vendors here, making this one of the top shops in Old Town, San Diego.

Across from Fiesta de Reyes, you’ll find the Old Town Market, home to another 40 vendors selling crafts, Mexican ceramics, and unique souvenirs for you to impress your family with.

The open-air Bazaar del Mundo is my favorite, as its reminiscent of similarly-styled markets throughout Latin America.

The shops there include wares not only from local merchants, but from well outside of California, too.

Pop into the Guatemala shop, for example, for crafts and textiles from not only Guatemala, but countries throughout Central and South America.

Find your new favorite Mexican restaurant.

There are those who scoff at Old Town, San Diego, Mexican food, saying it’s become too tourist-driven, yada yada.

Tell that to the plate of enchiladas I just scarfed down. You can’t, because I ate them. The ambiance in Old Town really can’t be beat, either. Think roaming mariachis in traditional garb, and dancers on the center stage in town.

Sure, it can get a little cheesy. So are those enchiladas, and they’re delicious.

I’ll get to all of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Old Town in a bit, in addition to delicious eats outside of the Mexican food realm if you’re with someone who’s weird and doesn’t want Mexican food.

Bars in Old Town, San Diego

Once you’ve had your fill of historical significance, there are plenty of places for you to enjoy the more drinkable side of Old Town.

Check out my picks for the best Old Town, San Diego, bars.

Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant

This registered national historic landmark is all ambiance.

You can certainly have a meal at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, a decent one at that, even an afternoon tea if you’re feeling fancy.

The real goods are on the cocktail menu. Get yourself a Stagecoach Smash and your honey a Chuckaboo Cosmo and have yourselves a grand ol’ time.

Oculto 477

If you’re already having yourself a spooktacular time following a tour of the Whaley House, you may as well keep those vibes going with a speakeasy next to the El Campo Santo Cemetery.

To get to Oculto 477, you’ll need to find the hidden entryway in the Tahona Bar, a worthwhile stop on your food tour of Old Town regardless. Reservations are available online.

Tahona Bar

Come for the taco and appetizer menu at this modern Mexican mezcal bar and stay for the cocktails.

The Tahona Bar also boasts a wine list that rivals the best of San Diego wine bars with picks from the Valle de Guadalupe. Trust me. If you can’t make a visit to this Mexican wine region, you need to at least try the wines.

To make a night of it, try to find the speakeasy hidden inside, also on this list. Reservations are recommended and available via OpenTable.

Home & Away

Home & Away, from the same folks who brought you Thorn St. Brewery in North Park, bills itself as a sports bar with craft beer brewery vibes.

It certainly is all that, with a menu of delicious cocktails and bites, too, if you’re looking for a more substantial experience.

Churchill Cigar Lounge

I’m not into cigars, even ironically, but if there was ever a place that deserved to be called a lounge, it’s this one.

You’ll find a great wine list and knowledgeable staff while you’re here, a decent beer list, and whatever the heck cigar lockers are if you’re into that.

Anyway, it’s a cool place to pop in on before your Mormon tour. I’m kidding. DON’T DO IT. The Mormon tour, I mean.

Old Town, San Diego, Restaurants

Old Town has an excellent food scene, with all kinds of Mexican food options if that’s your bag, but other delicious eats on top of that.

Check out my favorite stops to feed your hunger when you’re done seeing the sites. Here are the best places to eat in Old Town, San Diego.

Dos Brasas

The casual taco shop Dos Brasas is what you’d call Mexican comfort food. When you’ve had your fill of margaritas, head on over for their simple and delicious tacos.

If you’re needing some grease in the morning, they also have a full breakfast menu and menudo, which I hear is a good hangover cure.

El Agave Restaurant and Tequileria

If you’re looking for Mexican food that’s a little more high-end, head on over to El Agave, known for its tequila and award-winning margaritas.

This place even has a tequila museum on site, which I’d recommend you check out before indulging.

You can get fantastic tacos at so many spots in San Diego; do something special here, perhaps with a little mole action. Reservations are recommended and available online.

Cafe Coyote

Cafe Coyote is an Old Town classic on San Diego Avenue. No matter what food critics may tell you, it’s a people’s favorite here in San Diego.

It’s loud, it’s colorful, and perfect for a celebration of any kind. If you’re looking for a fiesta of any sort, you’ll find it at Cafe Coyote, alongside all of your favorite Mexican platters.

Reservations are recommended for nights and weekends, and available online.

California Bean

No, you can’t get any tacos here. You can get beans, though…coffee beans, that is!

Sometimes you need a little pick-me-up, and the California Bean is your best bet while in Old Town.

Try one of their white coffee options if you’re feeling adventurous and really need a rush. Their tea selection is a delight as well.

Casa de Freds Tacos y Tequila

Fred is some kind of a legend in Old Town, I’m sure. Honestly, I’m not sure.

I am sure that they deliver on the promise that eating there will result in a fiesta in your mouth.

Fun fact: If you’re veg, they have an avocado tempura taco after which you’ll exclaim, “I don’t even miss the carnitas!” Maybe. It’s good, regardless.

Reservations aren’t necessary, but available online.

Harney Sushi

If you’re dismissive of sushi in Old Town because the neighborhood’s known for its Mexican cuisine, you’re going to miss out on some of the best sushi in San Diego.

The menu at Harney Sushi boasts a number of specialty rolls, but if you’re feeling bold, trust the chef. Their chef’s special sashimi is truly special.

There is another location in Oceanside if that’s more convenient. Reservations for both are recommended and available online.

Miguel’s Cocina

You can’t mention Mexican food in Old Town without mentioning Miguel’s Cocina.

This Old Town Mexican cafe is no muss, no fuss, and at good prices for how large your belly will expand post-meal. There are several other locations throughout the San Diego area, including in Carlsbad, Point Loma, and Coronado, among a few others.

Check out their website for additional information about hours by location.

New Orleans Creole Cafe

Tucked away behind the Whaley House is a little cafe that is anything but haunted, unless you consider what it does to your taste buds.

That means it’s hauntingly delicious, you guys.

The New Orleans Creole Cafe operates out of an 1890s-era home with fresh takes on gumbo and jambalaya. Take your tour and eat your feelings, New Orleans style.

Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

The Old Town Tequila Factory serves up the usual Mexican fare you’d find in Old Town or otherwise.

It’s the rooftop views that make this one a top pick on this list. They also serve up a champagne brunch that’ll cure whatever ails you. Reservations are recommended and available online.

Sushi Tadokoro

Don’t let the modest exterior of Sushi Tadokoro fool you. The sushi in this place is legit and traditional.

Try any of their fresh sashimi, a bowl of miso, and some sake to go along with your meal. Reservations are recommended and accepted via phone by calling 619-297-0298.

Old Town Events

You may want to plan your visit to Old Town around some of their regular events. You may also want to avoid them if you don’t like crowds or want to make parking easier.

Check out some regular Old Town events below as you plan your itinerary for Old Town, San Diego, today.

Dia de Los Muertos

Each November, Old Town hosts the largest Dia de los Muertos celebration in San Diego, complete with a candlelight procession, parade, live entertainment, and art demonstrations.

Organizers bill the event as a way to respect loved ones no longer with us in a lively way. It sounds pretty fantastic to me!

Old Town Fiesta Cinco De Mayo

The Old Town Fiesta Cinco De Mayo, held in May each year, is technically a celebration of the Mexican Army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla.

Expect less of a history lesson, though, and more entertainment: parades, live music, lucha libre wrestling competitions, and all of the Mexican food you can eat…alongside margaritas as big as your head.

Old Town Fiestas Patrias

Every September, Old Town celebrates Mexican Independence with a parade — complete with equestrians — and a variety of live entertainment throughout the neighborhood during the Old Town Fiestas Patrias.

Yes, children, there are typically piñatas at this one.

Old Town Harney Street Market

Old Town hosts the largest artisan market in San Diego, offering visitors and locals access to handicrafts and handmade gifts.

You’ll find jewelry, photographs, pottery, and more at the popular market. The market is held 10am-4pm, every Saturday and Sunday.

Stagecoach Days

Old Town’s Stagecoach Days, held over a series of Saturdays in July and August, are a celebration of the Old West.

Events include family-friendly games, contests, and various live reenactments for when the West was fun, or whatever the saying is. I’ve even seen a potato sack race happen if that’s up your alley.

Where to Stay in Old Town

We’ve lived here, so we won’t be needing hotels in Old Town, San Diego, any time soon. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to help you out here.

Check out these well-reviewed properties from Booking.com, our preferred booking method, and book one of the best hotels in Old Town, San Diego, below:

• Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
• Comfort Inn San Diego Old Town
• Courtyard San Diego Old Town
• Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Old Town
• Old Town Western Inn

I’ll usually cross-check any San Diego hotels with Hotels.com to make sure I’m getting the best price, but it’s rare that Booking.com does me dirty.

Vrbo has become our go-to Airbnb alternative these days, as I’ve really been over Airbnb these days. Check out these highly-rated Vrbo stays for that Airbnb vibe:

• Adorable, Pet-Friendly Cottage
• Old Town District Studio + Pool!
• Private Oasis with Heated Pool
• Steps to the Old Town State Park
• Two-Bedroom in the Heart of Old Town

Did I miss anything? Do you fancy yourself an Old Town expert? Share what you think with me in the comments!

Planning a California trip? Check out this guide!

Photo credits:  g01xm (5), cascoly (7)

Ready for San Diego?

Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should use Skyscanner.

Your Accommodations: I recommend Booking.com and Hotels.com as your main options for accommodations in San Diego. Vrbo has become our go-to Airbnb alternative. Hostelworld is a great option for travelers on a budget.

If you’re looking for more specific accommodation picks for Old Town, scroll on up!

Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page.

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