If you are visiting San Diego and looking for fun things to do, make sure to add a visit to Old Town! The oldest neighborhood in San Diego is home to museums, shopping good eats and so much more!

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Old Town became the first European settlement in California with the arrival of the Spaniards in 1769 but the Kumeyaay people occupied the land long before their arrival.

It became Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in 1968. Currently, Old Town is one of San Diego’s top visitor attractions. It doesn’t cost anything to enter Old Town and most of the museums are free of charge.

Click here for a map of Old Town San Diego.

What to do in Old Town

Stop at the Robinson Rose Visitor Information Center

Grab a map and ask the volunteers any questions you may have. They can get your started in the right direction. They also have kids guides available to keep your little ones interested throughout your visit.

Take a Walk Through Presidio Park

This beautiful 40 acre park sits on a hilltop overlooking Old Town San Diego. Take a relaxing stroll, stop and have a picnic or just enjoy the views!

Visit Free Museums

• Casa de Aguirre – This home was one of the first built in Old Town and dates back to around 1853. Today visitors can walk around this adobe structure and view displays on life in the 19th century.
• Wells Fargo History Museum (the Colorado House) – Take a look at an original Concord stagecoach from the gold rush era and other neat artifacts.
• San Diego Union Museum – Check out where the first city newspaper got it’s start. See how the original print room looked back in 1868.
• San Diego County Sheriffs Museum – Peek inside an old courtroom and jail cell. Vintage uniforms, badges and other gear are on display as well as a patrol car and helicopter!
• Mason Street School – Sit at a desk and imagine what life was like back in 1865 for the children that attended this school, San Diego’s first public schoolhouse!
• First San Diego Courthouse – This replica was built in 1992 but represents the courthouse built by the Mormon Battalion back in 1850.
• Mormon Battalion Historic Site – This building commemorates the men and women that completed the longest march in military history – all the way from Iowa during the Mexican-American War.
• Casa de Estudillo – This house was built in 1825 by one of the earliest families to live in this area. It is said to be haunted by ghosts of it’s prior residents!
• Seeley Stable Museum – This reproduction stable hold many different transportation vehicles from 19th century and other cool artifacts. Don’t forget to check out the donkeys too!
• Blackhawk Livery Stables – Check out blacksmith and woodworking demonstrations at this old stable.
• Junipero Serra Museum – This beautiful Spanish revival structure houses a collection of San Diego history.

**It is worth noting that although all of these museums are free to enter, you will find donation boxes throughout as they do accept donations to keep them up and running!**

Go Shopping

Although there are many shops to choose from in this area, a few of my favorites include:

Cousin’s Candy Shop where you can find some popular candy from your childhood as well as fudge and modern day treats as well!

Bazaar Del Mundo is a collection of shops where you can find souvenirs such as hot sauces, apparel, ornaments and other traditional Mexican items.

Miner’s Gems and Minerals where you can take home fossils, crystals, precious stones and more. For $10 you can also pan for gold! You may also find quartz, agate, jasper and fools gold!

Temecula Olive Oil Company where you will find olive oils, olives, balsamic vinegars, soaps and more. They can even wrap your purchase to make traveling easier!

You can even head on in to Toby’s Candle & Soap Shop and dip your own candles! This would make for a great souvenir or gift for a loved one.

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Visit the Whaley House

This house has been recognized at America’s most haunted house and is one of only two designated haunted houses in California. Take a narrated ghost tour or tour the house yourself to see in the legends are true!

Enjoy Authentic Mexican Cuisine

There is no shortage of restaurants to choose from in this area. This is a great place to people watch while enjoying a margarita or michelada with some delicious Mexican food.

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Visit During an Event

A few of the events held each year include the Cinco de Mayo celebration with live music, lucha libre wrestling and a gathering of lowrider cars. The 4th of July celebration complete with a parade, brass band, crafting for the kids, a ceremonial flag raising and even a pie eating contest! The Dia de Los Muertos candlelight procession and even a Las Posadas festival with piñatas and campfires with s’mores for the kids.

LOCATION & HOURS

4002 Wallace Street

San Diego, CA 92110

(619) 220-5422

Each business is independently owned and hours vary. Most shops open between 10am and 11am and close at either 4pm or 5pm depending on the month.

There are many free parking lots surrounding Old Town but they will fill up quickly especially in the summer and on holiday breaks. Be sure to get there early to be able to find a spot!

Comment below and let me know your favorite thing to do when visiting Old Town San Diego!