Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This old and historic town is not just the oldest neighborhood in San Diego but also the location of the first European settlement in California. Here, you can see over 200-year-old historic buildings, pan for gold at a museum, check out an art show, shop for handicrafts at the market, get spooked at the haunted Whaley House and take a hike through Presidio Park. You can explore all this and more on a living history tour, or even a food tour to learn about the town's Spanish roots through food. You can ride the San Diego Trolley to the Old Town from downtown and neighborhoods like Little Italy. – Tripadvisor
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Top ways to experience Old Town San Diego
The area
Neighbourhood: Old Town
How to get there
- Old Town Transit Center • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 059 within 5 kms
Attractions
539 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- gatorukWatford, United Kingdom107 contributionsDefinitely worth a visitDefinitely a must see if you’re visiting the city. The old town is set up as almost an open air museum showing the colonial past of the city. It is surrounded by some really terrific places to eat and some unique market Style shopping opportunities.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 October 2023
- VegEcoFriendly77 contributionsGood for a 2 hour visit with teens. Good for history buffsOld town with preserved houses showcasing life in old time San Diego. Good for a 2 hour visit with teens. Good for history buffs .Lots of restaurants, shopping and artists boutiques. Not much to do beyond 2 hours.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 November 2023
- WildernessJoeOrlando, Florida112 contributionsEnjoyable day at Old TownOur friends took us to Old Town, which is under the National Parks jurisdiction. If you like unique shops, authentic food, live music you've come to a beautiful place to spend a day. There is a lot of history and historic buildings on the grounds. Its safe good fun for the entire family. Parking is tricky to find but if you come early you might find some free street parkingVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 December 2023
- AstrobeemerVancouver, Canada1,199 contributionsSo much to see and do!We spent a few hours in Old Town San Diego and we really enjoyed ourselves. There is something to see and do for everyone. The history is amazing, and it very interesting to see all the little museum like displays and rooms they had set up. The shops are great - from candy, to olive oil and jerky to candle making and pottery and everything in between. There were a lot of people but it didn’t feel crowded and the atmosphere was nice.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 December 2023
- traveltheworld012Rochester, Minnesota16,986 contributionsWonderful and exciting Old TownWe were visiting San Diego in November, 2023. One of us had a car, so 4 of us piled in from our hotel on the harbor and drove over on Saturday, November 18, 2023. It was very busy at the numerous restaurants and shops on the main drag. We ate at Cafe Coyote which was disappointing. We walked over to the actual Old Town area with the old historic buildings, and it was not very busy at all. If one takes the time to look and read, this is a very significant place to visit. Here is where San Diego had its beginnings. Originally, the indigenous people lived here, then in 1769 it became a Spanish settlement. From this, San Diego grew into a metropolis. It is a fascinating place to visit with living history stores and museums. In the back corner area you may find live music on a stage, many handmade authentic crafts and street food. Other historical buildings here, the Whaley House and Cosmopolitan Hotel among others. This is an exciting place to visit if you take the time to immerse yourself in the culture.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 16 January 2024
- VanillaAceSaint Simons Island, Georgia1,061 contributionsGreat place to explore San Diego history.History, shops, and dining make for a great way to spend the day. Take your time to enjoy all the history and museums on site. Check days and times for museums and exhibitions before attending. Most were closed on Monday.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 June 2024
- Frankie FBridport, United Kingdom131 contributionsAwesomeGreat place to visit, lots snd lots of shopping and food. Go to Soap and Oils. Purchased a Teakwood room/linen/car spray Epic! Go here and buy this, I am in the UK and wish I had purchased more! Very friendly staff! Also visit the old town cemetery, El Campo, a ten minute walk out of town, a great historical area.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 June 2024
- Jeremy BWashington DC, District of Columbia201 contributionsOld Town San Diego: A Blend of History, Coffee, Music, and Sweet DelightsOld Town San Diego is a charming mix of history and indulgence. For coffee lovers, the area offers quaint cafés serving delicious brews that perfectly match the relaxed, historic vibe. Live music, especially traditional Mexican folk, adds a festive touch, creating an atmosphere that feels like a constant celebration. Don’t miss the local chocolate shops, where handcrafted sweets offer a delightful treat. Whether you're sipping coffee, enjoying the music, or savoring chocolates, Old Town blends the best of the past and present in a cozy, vibrant setting.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 August 2024
- Phillip H11 contributionsOld is NewAnother must do when in San Diego. We caught the Hop On Hop off bus in Old Town, and spent time browsing when the tour was finished. Lots of history about early San Diego.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 August 2024
- affy_federerLondon, United Kingdom1,471 contributionsFunThis is a must see. There is lots of tourist shops and restaurants that are around the old town. A great place to buy souvenirs and take photos. You can also eat at lots of restaurants and then visit shops . I got the bus to this location and i really enjoyed it. I was here for about an hour.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1 877 reviews
Excellent
941
Very good
687
Average
208
Poor
31
Terrible
10
diane B
Quebec, Canada528 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a lovely place to walk and enjoy the little boutiques They have snack stores, clothing stores, and gift shops. There is a coffee shop with a variety of flavored coffee beans where you can select the flavor you like and they will grind it on the spot for you to purchase. You can also buy a cup of coffee to drink. There is a cigar store. There were a few walk in historical museums that were interesting to see. One section had several outdoor restaurants where a live band was playing latino music. We didn’t plan to eat here as we were headed to another place but I am planning to eat here the next time I visit. I would definitely recommend Old Town. The parking was free but you have to be patient to wait for a free spot. I did not come across any restrooms, so that was inconvenient.
Written 4 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise Masin Sattler
Los Angeles, CA1 577 contributions
Jun 2021
When you go to San Diego there are certain sites I would recommend you visit. The Old Town of the city is one of them. But, try to go on weekdays when less crowded and "touristy". Meander among the streets and (soon) the closed shops and museums should reopen for visitors.
Sit awhile and have some street tacos as you enjoy the music that plays. Need gifts? This is a great place to shop!
And, in case you are wondering - my other top choices for visitors to explore in the San Diego area are 1) Their infamous SD zoo! 2) Coronado, especially the Hotel Del Coronado and 3) The Gaslight district
Sit awhile and have some street tacos as you enjoy the music that plays. Need gifts? This is a great place to shop!
And, in case you are wondering - my other top choices for visitors to explore in the San Diego area are 1) Their infamous SD zoo! 2) Coronado, especially the Hotel Del Coronado and 3) The Gaslight district
Written 15 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim S
El Paso, TX16 contributions
Dec 2019
If you have not been to a Mexican style plaza or Latino shopping place, you may love Old Town. If you are experienced with Mexican markets, don't bother. They do have a very good restaurant variety, most of which are also Mexican. There is a train stop right at Old Town which is convenient - green line. If you do the hop on hop off bus, this may be worth a 30 minute perusal. I'd rather spend the "hop on" time at Coronado Island, Little Italy or downtown.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jadranka P
London, UK748 contributions
Nov 2021
Good place to spend an hour …. Came in the morning to get trolley tour … very empty and easy to park … worth seeing without crowd .. came back around 16:00 .. it was crowded …with lots of places to eat and with cute little shops … overpriced but nothing spectacular
Written 1 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carmen81
Chapin, SC52 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This place is well worth a visit for couples as well as families. It is free to walk around to all the restaurants, shops and historical areas. It doesn’t appear to be much from the outside & parking area but, once inside it is quaint & family friendly. The historical buildings are very interesting and house many authentic artifacts and documents. There are plenty of places for a snack, treat, or meal. Lots of items to buy if you are looking for souvenirs. Places to sit and people watch & just take in the atmosphere. Large grassy area for kids to run around. You can see tortillas being made & even sample. All & all very nice. Beautiful in the evening too!
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bidule05
France1 918 contributions
Sept 2020
We visited the old town in San Diego. The park recreates life in San Diego as it was in the early 1800s. More than 20 buildings dating from 1821 have been beautifully preserved, especially the Estudillo house.
In the old town, there are also many colourful shops! There is also a stage, where you can listen to mariachis every weekend or see folk dancers!
In the old town, there are also many colourful shops! There is also a stage, where you can listen to mariachis every weekend or see folk dancers!
Written 27 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MNmover
Rosemount, MN233 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
We visited during Dia de Los Muertes month and so glad we did! The calaveras were so unique and pretty. It’s not a long strip but a lot of stores and museums to see. We enjoyed looking at all the stores and had lunch. We spent about 3.5-hrs here without going to museums. Parking was a little hard to find a spot on a Sat afternoon but patience will pay off.
Written 10 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IlyaNJ
Marlboro, NJ991 contributions
Sept 2021
This is a nice enough attraction, giving you the feel of what the colonial town may have looked like a couple of centuries ago. Free, too. Unfortunately, only one of its dozen small museum exhibits was open on the day of our visit. Plenty of attractive artisanal shops and occasional entertainment compensated for that a bit. There was also a weekend street market on a nearby street (nothing too big or fancy).
Written 13 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thelonious22
Seongnam4 381 contributions
Dec 2021
With easy access from the Amtrak train station, it’s an easy visit even by public transport. The area contains some buildings from the 19th century including the first San Diego courthouse. The park definitely has a theme park vibe as most buildings are now just a shell for gift shops although some are for museums. With a good selection of Mexican restaurants nearby, it’s a good place to spend a half day and a meal.
Written 7 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yadira C
Los Angeles, CA105 contributions
Jul 2020
We really enjoyed our time here. There are some really cool shops and histoty here. The museums were closed and there were no tours obviously but it was cool nonetheless. Some of the restaurants were crowded and they had barriers between tables but definetly not 6 ft. apart. Would love to go back when everything is open again.
Written 28 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it safe to walk around in old Town with a 2 year old at night time? Do the stores and restaurants on open till late?
Written 26 August 2018
I wonder if it's the same on a weekday? But things open early in the day? Any good breakfast place there?
Written 29 August 2018
barbararamirez8
San Diego, California
Is there a charge for parking or where is the best place to park
Written 15 July 2018
If you want to park for free, I’d recommend parking at the Old Own Transit Center. From there, Old Town is a 5 minute walk.
Written 16 July 2018
The day of the dead celebrations are due to take place on 2nd November. How long before this date will the displays and decorations be displayed. I will be in San Diago from 24 to 26 October and would love to see this celebration.
Written 11 June 2018
Google Old Town San Diego Guide and you will find contact information
Website info:
Dia de los Muertos
Saturday November 3,
11am - 8:00pm
Sunday November 4,
11am - 8:00pm
Friday, November 2nd - activities all day Procession begins at 6:00pm
Written 11 June 2018
I see Old Town is open on Sundays, but are the little shops and kiosks open as well? I'm wondering if I should squeeze it into my Saturday to make sure my family gets the full experience. I've been here but I believe it was a week night.
Written 18 June 2017
My friend swears she found a Terra Cotta soldier figurine in Old Town. So,my question is,any idea which shop may carry this item? Im suppose to find her another one.Thanks!
Written 28 December 2016
On the southwest side of the square there is a store with Asian things that might have it. They have incense and stones & gems out front usually.
Written 3 January 2017
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