Old Town

Go back in time

as you tour one of the country’s best-preserved adobe haciendas. The Casa de Estudillo was built in1825 provides an excellent illustration of San Diego’s roots, as well as an amazing photo op. Head to the Wells Fargo Museum to view a rare originalStagecoach before stopping by the homes of San Diego’s first newspaper and public schoolhouse. Embark on a late night ghost tour through the Whaley House, touted as one of America’s most haunted houses. Lore has it that James “Yankee Jim” Robinson’s heavy footsteps could be heard by the home’s owners. Robinson was hanged on the property. Be sure to ask us about Old Town San Diego tours if you want to see everything this part of town has to offer.

The local cuisine is a must for every visitor here. The area’s culinary roots are on display with over 25 restaurants within a one-mile radius. The margaritas won’t drink themselves! When you visit Old Town San Diego, you can also take food to go. Freshly cooked tortillas chips can be purchased in front of some of the neighborhood’s most popular Mexican restaurants.

After you eat, drop into the unique shops and boutiques that celebrate San Diego’s heritage. Many of the shops carry skeletons and variations of Catrina, typically used in Day of the Dead altars to honor those who have passed. Sweets, artisan olive oils, and other keep sakes are also available.

Old Town San Diego also celebrates its past with the Mormon Battalion Historic Site. The site commemorates the 2,000-mile trek from Iowa to San Diego in 1847. To this day, the Mormon Battalion remains the only religiously based unit in the US Army’s history. The battalion was instrumental in the U.S.’s westward expansion. At the site, visitors can pan for gold, make bricks, enjoy an interactive theater, and learn about those who served in the battalion.

You can also celebrate some of Mexico’s most popular events and holidays in Old Town. Old Town San Diego’s Cinco de Mayo festivities includes live bands, a soccer competition, and a beer garden. Día de Los Muertos celebrations run November 1–2 each year.

Any and all of these Old Town San Diego attractions are worth seeing and with so many things to do clustered so close together, you can easily spend the entire day here.