Old Town San Diego is a popular destination with a rich history, cultural experiences, and unique shopping and dining options. Here are some things to do in Old Town San Diego:
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Visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: This park is an odd but fun mix of history, modern shopping, and entertainment. Restored and reconstructed buildings house museums, shops, and restaurants, while staff in period costumes recreate San Diego’s past from 1820 to 1870. Entrance to the park is free.
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Shop in Old Town San Diego: You’ll find unique items including artisan wares, souvenirs, art, clothing, colorful Mexican handicrafts, and Indian jewelry in stores throughout Old Town San Diego. You’ll find fresh homemade taffy, gemstones, minerals, and leather goods in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
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Explore Old Town Village: Following San Diego Avenue eastward takes you into Old Town Village, where palm tree-lined streets contain a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, many also in restored buildings. The entire area retains an “old town” ambiance that feels far removed from the nearby high rises of downtown San Diego.
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Visit Presidio Park: This park is located next to the State Park with 32 historic sites, shops, and the Presidio, the site of the first mission. It is a great place to wander through lush gardens and plazas.
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Dine in Old Town San Diego: Old Town San Diego has several great restaurants and bars that serve delicious margaritas and traditional Mexican cuisine. For a full Old Town experience, visit Fiesta de Reyes where they have live music most nights. If you’re looking for jumbo margaritas, Cafe Coyote is your go-to. Finally, for more upscale Mexican cuisine with the best queso, visit.
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Visit the Whaley House Museum: This museum is known to be haunted and is one of the most popular attractions in Old Town San Diego. It is located on San Diego Avenue.
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Take a historic Old Town Trolley Tour: This hop-on, hop-off experience runs through several parts of San Diego and includes eleven stops. You can hop off and shop, eat, or sightsee before hopping back on and continuing with your tour.
Old Town San Diego is easily reached by public transport. Several bus routes include stops at Old Town Transit Center. The light rail trolley system stops at Old Town Station. Hop-on hop-off Old Town Trolley Tours stops at Old Town Market on Twiggs Street. Those who drive will find free parking.
