Growing up in San Diego, every student has been on a field trip to Old Town in San Diego, California. It’s a right of passage but honestly, we keep going back either for a great meal or if we just want to walk around the area. Usually, if the kids are out of school and I get that “I’m bored” look, a free visit here is the perfect solution. Getting them out of the house, even for just a few hours takes us away from chores or news, allowing all of us to focus outside ourselves. It’s one of San Diego’s California destinations worth a spot on everyone’s what to do in Cali vacation list.
About Old Town, San Diego
There are a large number of restored buildings from the 1800s with more than thirty tiny museums and historic sites. Each is filled with artifacts, replicas, and educational information. Don’t let the education fool you, however. With loads of shopping and restaurants, there is bound to be something for everyone in the family. To be perfectly fair, in college it was a happening place with great bars and food and still is!
If you take a peek at the walking map, you may have the impression that the area is big but each block is small and you can walk the whole park several times over without getting tired. There are historic areas, sections where there are lots of restaurants and shops and lots of open space to run sit for a while.
How To Get To Old Town San Diego
Wondering where exactly to find this fabulous destination?
Old Town San Diego is located just outside of Downtown San Diego, only a short freeway ride away. Depending on where you stay, an Uber or taxi may be an option. Most visitors rent cars when they visit San Diego. In all honesty, definitely do that if you can as San Diego has destinations worth visiting well beyond a reasonable rideshare trip.
Parking usually isn’t too much of a problem in Old Town as there are both paid and unpaid lots available. Big holiday weekends are a different story though. Grab a taxi for those times for sure! Another option is the trolley also drops off right at the entrance as well.
Trolley Tours San Diego
Lastly, if you’re visiting San Diego and didn’t rent a car, there is a cool alternative. Trolley Tours San Diego is a bus, dressed up to look like a trolley. The windows roll down and they have hop on and off convenience.
Many day passes include free entrance to attractions at their stops. Below are just a few. If you want more adventure, they have seal tours which are busses that go into the water, very touristy but kids love doing anything new or different.
- Old Town State Historic Park
- Star of India, Maritime Museum, Embarcadero Marina, Seaport Village
- Gaslamp Quarter & Petco Park
- Coronado, Little Italy
- Balboa Park
Awesome Old Town Eateries Everywhere
What To Eat in Old Town Is an Embarrassment of Riches
Most restaurants are Mexican eateries with a flair for that giant margarita or handmade tortillas being made outside. The kids will love the atmosphere and the live music will keep them entertained. I will say, being a native Californian from San Diego, the food is good but is very much geared toward the tourist crowd. I don’t care though, I just love getting some sun with a fun drink and trying out a new spot just for the heck of it.
Casa de Reyes
If you are able to get into this restaurant, they offer more than just food and drink. With Folklórico and Mariachi entertainers, this spot is more like a vacation destination experience. You can expect all your usual favorite dishes but also a stage with performances.
The ambiance of an outdoor courtyard filled with plants, pottery, terracotta tiled floors, and music is enough to delight any family. Beyond any of that is just the overall amount of color here. It is a super festive outdoor space filled with traditionally painted furniture in orange, blue, green, yellow, and more.
Old Town Mexican Cafe
During our latest visit, we ate at an improvised patio at the Old Town Mexican Cafe. I am still getting used to the new way of things in the summer of 2020 in California. All in all, the food was still great even if it was rather warm out there.
This restaurant is one of those spots that I know I’ll get a great drink (usually one margarita or michelada is enough for me) and a tasty meal. It’s not overpriced like other touristy restaurants in San Diego so we can afford to hit it up a few times a year.
Situated right on the outskirts of the complex, it’s easier to just pop in as opposed to some of the other options in Old Town.
Cafe Coyote y Cantina
Now, Cafe Coyote has been one of those places we repeatedly take friends or family that are visiting. In the evenings it can be a little noisy or rowdy. Fortunately, that is just what vacationing is right? Loosening up and having fun.
During the day, it is a fun spot for the kids to check out the ladies making the fresh tortillas, enjoy mariachi-style music, and of course, have a great meal. The portions are always great and the drinks are strong enough to encourage a good time.
You’ll have to excuse the photo of the restaurant as it is usually far more inviting. Because outdoor dining is the only option allowed by pandemic regulations they have erected street-side dining tables. cafecoyoteoldtown.com
Casa Guadalajara
One of my favorite things to do is order something called a “birdbath margarita” at Casa Guadalajara for anyone who loves a good time or has a sense of humor.
Truly, these margaritas are entirely too big to drink alone and are quite simply impressive when they arrive at your table. It makes for a great conversation starter.
On top of that, there is a gorgeous patio with entertainment and every inch is covered with colorful decor. I don’t know how you can’t have a good time here! casaguadalajara.com
The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant
While the Cosmopolitan Hotel is rumored to be haunted, the restaurant below has that fun saloon feel you’d expect from an old west town. If you do happen to see a ghostie, let us know! Seriously though, this is a fabulous spot for an experience. We would frequent their brunch since the entire area is so lively!
Please note that the ever-changing regulations due to COVID19, this restaurant is currently closed (September 2020) but check their website directly for updates concerning closures for both the hotel (open) and restaurant (closed). oldtowncosmopolitan.com
Miguel’s Cocina
This chain of restaurants started with its first location in Coronado, California. It has been expanding the original menu and decor to locations throughout San Diego in recent years.
When you dine here, you’re always given chips, salsa, and their famous white sauce. It is a cheesy, melty sauce for your chips with a tiny bit of kick. It’s actually addicting so try not to load up before your meal arrives.
The rest of the menu has a lot of options to suit virtually anyone. While I prefer the shrimp enchiladas with that white sauce, others love the cheese crisps, especially the kids.
For the adults in the crowd, don’t skip the hand-shaken margaritas, actually the one thing I order, time and again. They are the perfect accompaniment with fish tacos, enchiladas and taste amazing! miguels-cocina.com
Bazaar del Mundo
If you love unique shopping in a beautiful atmosphere, Bazaar del Mundo will certainly tick that box. With an assortment of shops, you can cruise through the well-shaded bazaar and fine art, gifts, decor, jewelry, and fashion inspired by Mexico. It’s an incredibly vibrant destination within Old Town State Historic Park.
Old West Shopping in Old Town
For a taste of the old west, just wander through the shops in and around Plaza Viejo. There are even lots of outdoor kiosks with cute trinkets to take back home! I highlighted two that we frequent on nearly all our visits.
Cousins Candy Shop
Look up their details via their Facebook page here.
To be clear, one of the primary reasons we return to Old Town, again and again, is this candy store. The fudge assortment is outstanding, a favorite treat in our household. You’ll find the old-school favorites that you don’t always find at your typical grocery chains. For me, there is always something new or different or unexpected on their shelves like Bourbon Chocolate.
Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop
When you walk into the candle shop you get a big whiff of an array of different scents such as lemon or mint. The wood style of the shop adds to the experience. With so many different colors and scents, the store will pull you in a lot of directions all at once.
Browse many products, not just candles but bath bombs and scrubs too. Also, a part of the shop is a make-your-own candle area where you can create any shape or color.
Historic Old Town
Seeley Stable Museum, Old Town SD
One of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon with a date or on a family adventure is to explore the buildings at Old Town. You can walk in and out of old west style buildings with history and information at every stop.
Really, when the kids were little, they loved seeing a real Sheriff’s office, a genuine carriage or stagecoach, a school from the 1800s and so much more. They still find new ways to enjoy different buildings for different reasons.
From the Wells Fargo building with an original stagecoach to the Seeley Stable Museum, there is a lot to take in. Even just hanging out on Plaza Viejo with an old-fashioned root beer float is enough to satisfy our little crew, especially with so much closed during summer 2020.
The Thomas Whaley House
Now, you’d expect a haunted saloon or jail at an old western gunslinger type of town. Here, though, we have the Whaley House. It has genuine, documented paranormal activity.
Thomas Whaley built the home in 1857. He came out to San Francisco from the east coast during the Gold Rush but relocated to San Diego. In its 150 years, the home has had many purposes and owners. Today, it’s a registered landmark and part of San Diego’s history.
“Yankee Jim” or Santiago Robinson who was hanged for grand larceny and Thomas Whaley himself are the most likely ghosties hanging out here. Several friends who have visited the house and taken photos have had eerie orbs in the images and even a few “face looking” mists at the top of the stairs. Of course, they did not notice the anomalies during their visit but only in their photographs later.
Old Adobe Chapel on Conde Street
Immaculate Conception Church was established in 1868 by Father Antonio Ubach but is now commonly known as the Old Adobe Chapel. It is beautiful and done in a classical California architecture style of the 1800s.
The church still serves San Diego families and welcomes visitors. They hold daily mass but be sure to check their website for schedules or updated service information.
Old Town San Diego Guide
We have a full blog post of the things we love about Old Town, but this digital resource is one I always recommend to friends or family that are visiting. This guide has everything we’ve mentioned and so much more!
Other San Diego Must-See Locations
If you loved Old Town, Balboa Park may be another option you would find fun, especially if you love to take photos of architecture or parks. It is also filled with museums. Just be sure to check the links for closures. You can also find package deals or free options for many of the attractions.
Another great option in San Diego is all the wonderful beaches. They offer different activities depending on your interests from surfing to tide pools, snorkeling and paddleboarding, and good ole sandy, beach fun. We did a beach review to help you choose which is the best fit for your vibe and activities.
Walk Your Way Through a Great Location
I hope you enjoyed our take on Old Town State Historic Park. We will continue to showcase the best things to do and see in and around San Diego and California as well.
Feel free to check out our boards on Pinterest to see different areas of California or browse our Places To Go or Things To Do categories on our blog. It is packed with posts with more coming every couple weeks.
