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California (CA)
San Diego
Things to do in San Diego
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: Hours, Address, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Reviews: 4.5/5

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Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

See all things to do
See all things to do
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
4.5
5 653
#49 of 469 things to do in San Diego
State Parks • Historic Walking Areas
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10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Historic site in downtown San Diego that recreates life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Old Town
How to get there
  • Old Town Transit Center • 3 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 033 within 5 kms
Harney Sushi
424
0.3 kmRR - RRR • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Pizza Bella
406
0.2 kmRR - RRR • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Perry's Cafe
354
0.4 kmR • American • Cafe • Diner
Casa Guadalajara
1 620
0.2 kmRR - RRR • Mexican • Southwestern • Latin
Fiesta de Reyes
366
80 mRR - RRR • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
Rockin Baja Lobster
858
0.3 kmRR - RRR • Mexican • Southwestern • Bar
Barra Barra Saloon
494
35 mRR - RRR • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
Casa de Reyes
998
99 mRR - RRR • Mexican • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Old Town Mexican Cafe
1 790
0.4 kmRR - RRR • Mexican • Southwestern • Latin
Cafe Coyote
3 126
0.4 kmRR - RRR • Mexican • Southwestern • Latin
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Attractions
327 within 10 kms
First San Diego Courthouse
14
17 mSpeciality Museums
Casa de Machado y Stewart
10
17 mHistoric Sites
McCoy Museum House
12
17 mHistoric Sites
Old Town San Diego
1 807
79 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Wells Fargo Museum
54
83 mSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Seeley Stables
30
0.2 kmSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Casa de Estudillo
27
0.1 kmHistoric Sites
Mormon Battalion Historic Site
1 018
0.4 kmHistoric Sites
Cygnet Theatre Company
37
0.2 kmTheatres
Immaculate Conception Church
36
0.3 kmChurches & Cathedrals
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Popular mentions
4.5
5 653 reviews
Excellent
2 717
Very good
2 024
Average
721
Poor
135
Terrible
56
GizmoPup
Puyallup, WA292 contributions
Fun to visit
May 2022 • Family
I didn't realize that this is where California began. It sure is an interesting place to visit. Lots of little shops for souvenirs and trinkets.
Written 26 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mark J
Truro, UK39 contributions
History if early San Diego
Apr 2022 • Couples
A bit of history. Can sec old original building with lots of local curious and gifts. Not that busy and a contrast to modern San Diego. Worth a visit
Written 6 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tom S
Ypsilanti, MI154 contributions
Not a must-see attraction
Mar 2022
Old Town State Historic Park is a thin veneer of history museum over a whole lot of gift shop. There are things to be learned here, interesting things, I'm sure, but you have to wade through a lot of tourist-trap-type doo dads and gewgaws to get to it.
Written 2 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alireza123
Tehran, Iran749 contributions
Very Good to See
Mar 2022 • Friends
Warm and pleasant atmosphere.
It was like a location for film taking.you can visit some first and historic houses in San diego.
I like shops and market and some of the restaurants.
Entrance is free.
It takes one or two hours if you dont go to restaurant.
Written 2 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brumba
Savage, MN140 contributions
Wonderful Walk for All Types
Feb 2022 • Couples
This area recreates the buildings from the founding era of SanDiego. There are retailers, craftsmen, restaurants, and historic buildings. It’s on most guided tours and even better visited on it’s own.
Written 22 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
845beatriz
Arcadia, CA104 contributions
Rustic Mexican Charm with a splash of Beach Vibes
Jun 2021
Fun spot to enjoy Mexican flavors and shopping. We drove to San Diego specifically to visit Old Town. I have been visiting old town since I was in my twenties, which has been decades now. Lots of good memories. It did not disappoint. I came with my daughter and this was her first time. We walked around for a bit taking in the Rustic charm of the old Spanish style buildings, going into some of the specialty shops and having lunch at the iconic Mexican Restaurant Casa de Reyes. We enjoyed our afternoon and had a great time.
Written 23 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TheExplorerFamily
Somerset, NJ6 289 contributions
A Huge Part of History
Jun 2021
This awesome place established in 1858 is a State protected historical Park in San Diego. It is called a Park, but actually it is the First European settlement in CA, and we found it quaint and very interesting when we visited.

Many of the historic buildings that we saw date back to the period between 1820 and 1870. All of them have been preserved and maintained very well, but have been converted to house unique Gift Stores and Restaurants.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time spent here. We would certainly have liked to see the Museums and take some tours, (especially of the Whaley House – supposedly, the most haunted house in the State), but alas! Nothing has opened up as yet after the pandemic. We did, however, get to go inside the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, It was simple and serene inside, and the stained glass windows were worth checking out.

Would LOVE to return on our next visit to San Diego…
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
James C
Williamsburg, VA1 104 contributions
Lots to Do and See
Jul 2021 • Couples
Had a great walk around the historic park after eating in old town. Lots of interesting things to do and see. Fun for all ages. Don’t pass up a chance chimichanga. We went back to the shop for a second before we left.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
shannolee
Ladera Ranch, CA55 contributions
Fun afternoon
Apr 2021 • Family
I lived in San Diego for 4 years and never visited. Took my family for a fun trip to get out of the house over Spring Break and we enjoyed our time. Lots of walking so bring a stroller with young ones. Lots of restaurant options, historic information and traditional art for sale. It’s a great family afternoon.
Written 6 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MinnesotaAkins
Lakeville, MN69 contributions
Quiet
Apr 2021 • Couples
We visited Old Town State Park on a Tuesday and most of the buildings were closed. It looked like they are only open Thursday-Monday. There were some shops open, and a lot of the items for sale near the park seemed to be of low quality. We were told the items for sale inside the park are required to be authentic, but we had no way to verify this.
Written 31 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is open:
  • Mon - Thu 10:00 - 16:00
  • Fri - Sun 10:00 - 17:00
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Old Town San Diego State Historic Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 24 Old Town San Diego State Historic Park tours on Tripadvisor
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