Old Town San Diego

The basics

The main attraction is Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which offers insight into life in early San Diego. Stop by an old schoolhouse and Casa de Estudillo, a restored adobe home filled with period furniture. Other diversions include Mexican restaurants and live mariachi performances. Don't miss the Bazaar del Mundo, an open-air market full of shops selling jewelry, pottery, and other goods. 

Old Town San Diego tours are great if you want an insider's take on this historic part of town, and some combine food and drink tastings with visits to historic buildings and spots such as El Campo Santo Cemetery. Many city tours of San Diego stop in Old Town, including hop-on hop-off trolleys, food tours, and ghost tours.

Things to know before you go

• Old Town is a must for history buffs and first-time visitors to San Diego.

• There's a visitor center in the main plaza where you can ask questions and pick up brochures.

• Public parking lots and street parking are available.

How to get there

Old Town is northwest of downtown San Diego, about a 10-minute drive from Balboa Park. A good place to start your visit is at the Old Town State Historic Park, at the intersection of San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street. The Old Town transit center on Taylor Street serves San Diego trolleys and buses.

When to get there

Go during the day to see the historical sites of the park, or arrive around dinnertime to enjoy the area's lively evening atmosphere. Cinco de Mayo festivities take place every year; and for live entertainment such as folk dancing, head to the Fiesta de Reyes Stage.

Whaley House Museum

Many people consider Old Town's Whaley House Museum one of the most haunted houses in the city, making it a popular visitor attraction, especially on ghost tours (most of which also stop at the allegedly haunted Hotel del Coronado). More recently it's been featured on TV and in books for paranormal activity.

Is it worth visiting Old Town San Diego?

Yes, it is worth visiting Old Town San Diego. There are loads of things to do, see, and eat. Brush up on your California history at one of the many free museums, or wander through the Whaley House Museum to look for ghosts. End with some authentic Mexican cuisine.

How long should you spend in Old Town San Diego?

Depending on the museums, attractions, shopping, and food you want to experience, you could spend one to a few days in Old Town San Diego. You could also stay in one of the neighborhood's hotels and use it as a base to explore more of the city.

How long is the trolley tour of Old Town San Diego?

Old Town Trolley Tours offer a 23-mile (37-kilometer) hop-on hop-off loop, with the option to disembark at 12 stops. You can choose a 1- or 2-day pass with unlimited reboarding. Or, you can choose the 2-hour Old Town Trolley Tour option, which starts in Old Town.

Can you walk around Old Town San Diego at night?

Yes, you can walk around Old Town San Diego at night. The museums will be closed, but you can still explore the parks and see the lit-up missions and historic buildings. Look for mariachis playing or other special events going on at Bazaar del Mundo outdoor shopping mall.

How do you spend a day in Old Town San Diego?

Start with breakfast—perhaps have some huevos rancheros at one of the many Mexican restaurants. Then hit the museums, such as the Whaley House Museum and Casa de Carrillo. Do some shopping for locally made handicrafts. Be prepared for serenading mariachis at lunch or dinner.

What tours can you do of Old Town San Diego?

To explore Old Town San Diego, take a Heritage Park and Old Town walking ghost tour. Or go straight to the source for ghosts, and book a tour at the reportedly haunted Whaley House. Other tours combine Old Town with attractions such as Balboa Park and the USS Midway.