Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego
4.5
10:00 - 17:00
Monday
10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday
10:00 - 17:00
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 • 3 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
939 within 5 kms
Attractions
337 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- 399benjaminm19 contributionsComfort and ValueGreat value. Clean comfortable rooms with very caring and professional staff. Location is truly industrial area but access to public transportation, airport, Old Town, beaches - both north and south is excellent. Perfect stay for us. We are familiar with San Diego and County and that helps. The Old Town Inn takes good Care of guests. Nice breakfast, free parking and pool. Older property, very well cared for and a blessing for those who are looking for good value in place to stay and headquarters to play all over San Diego County.Visited December 2022Written 18 December 2022
- Kelly VCharlton, New York310 contributionsVery Cute... Brings you Back in TimeI'm very glad we, family of 4, visited this Old Town. Great for visitors, as you get to see what it was like way back when. Great shopping, and inside a quaint area there were great restaurants and shops, which is where we ate Mexican and drank some margaritas. We were able to sit and watch people , and enjoy each others company.Visited August 2022Written 17 January 2023
- Darlene HAustin, Texas1,894 contributionsOUR EVENING IN OLD TOWNThis is just a laid back place to spend a few hours and enjoy some Mexican food! My husband and I went back to Old town on our last night in San Diego on this trip. We had always gone there in the day before, but this was our first time to experience it after dark. We enjoyed walking around browsing in the shops and having an appetizer. There are a lot of choices for dining and a lot of venues for shopping for typical Mexico souvenirs. Since we live in Texas we have been to Old Mexico more times than we can count, but I still love the vibe! Parking is free and it is accessible on the Trolly tour and public transportation.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 January 2023
- Mestisa71San Francisco, California5 contributionsAWESOME LITTLE FIND for day or and night life.Old town is great for walking around, looking at shops, seeing old town history and all of the botanicals of that’s your thing. They have inexpensive run of the mill souvenirs and products all the way to hand blown Mexican glass, pottery and beaut modern flatware. The higher end shops are located at the very end of old town. There’s a plaza with a huge Mexican Restaurant in the center. The good shops are there. Also, the best Mexican food of our lives is that restaurant. Trust me, we’ve been to Mexico, live in the Bay Area, have Mexican family and basically grew up in Mexican food. This was better than anything we have ever had. Even the corn tortillas were AMAZING.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 February 2023
- JPVM13Alexandria, Virginia216 contributionsGood half day visitGood place to walk around and see what it might have been like in the 1800s. Blacksmith shop is very interesting with good docents! The casa of a prominent family that is part of the site is also interesting. Lots of shops new and old to visit.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 February 2023
- Paula MSugarloaf, California152 contributionsOld Town Coming BackOld Town is coming back to life now that the pandemic is behind us, but many shops and attractions are still closed. The Main Street is open to car traffic but the side streets are changed to pedestrian only. Best to visit on the weekend when most businesses and historic buildings are open. We were there on a Monday and there wasn’t much open. Good restaurants and plenty of public parking. Bring good walking shoes.Visited February 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 16 February 2023
- L_K1509London, United Kingdom1,312 contributionsOld Town & parkA nice area to visit for a couple of hours. There is a historic park with several old buildings to visit / look at including a few old shops and a hotel. Then there is a area adjacent to the park with a few more old buildings/ restaurants, bars and shops. The shops sell mainly the same touristy stuff. Mainly Mexican food but plenty of choice. Hop on hop off trolley goes from old town into downtown San Diego and Coronado.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 February 2023
- busconiWenatchee, Washington5,355 contributionsOld TownI guess I expected more, thought I would find more buildings renovated to their historical origins. But instead we found a lot of touristy junk for sale in all the old houses. Very few just renovated to be like old. Some excellent Mexican restaurants in the area. I do have to say, it was fun just to walk about....felt like an oasis in the middle of the city.Visited April 2023Written 7 April 2023
- 484MeganGLake Geneva, Wisconsin103 contributionsA fun afternoon with Mexican historyOld Town was a great area. Lots of restaurants and stores. There are ghost tours and old shops with Mexican pottery. You will find women making tortillas and chips. There was a farmers market the day we went. It was a great area to spend the afternoon!Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 May 2023
- northernkPhoenix, Arizona12,659 contributionsWhat a wonderful area with so much to doHad been here before some years ago, and so much enjoyed returning on this sunday morning. There is so much cool history here, how fun for families to have this place to come visit. Lots of things to do and see, lots of interesting stores and places to eat. Great area for a family or couples outing to wander around for a while with a lunch or dinner before or after. Very enjoyable.Visited May 2023Written 18 May 2023
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4.5
1,856 reviews
Excellent
930
Very good
681
Average
206
Poor
29
Terrible
10
WildernessJoe
Orlando, FL89 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Our 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 parking
Written 2 December 2023
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.
VegEcoFriendly
40 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Old 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.
Written 23 November 2023
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.
twysted2015
Kelowna, Canada2,358 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Picturesque location with lots to see. Some really excellent spots to eat as well and this is where we started our hop on hop off trolly experience.
Written 18 October 2023
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.
gatoruk
Watford, UK114 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Definitely 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.
Written 6 October 2023
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.
Jezzmond
130 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Took the tram from the gas lamp quarter which was really easy, only a few stops, was a well worth visit as it shows you how San Diego was back in the day, plenty of restaurants and bars with friendly people. Highly recommend.
Written 27 September 2023
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.
Diane s
8 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Very busy and commercialized. Everything is so expensive. Food was substandard. Gift shop across from Cafe Coyote (where we ate) was musty and expensive. I have to say the menudo was Great tho. Overrated.
Written 15 September 2023
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.
Alex P
Phoenix, AZ8 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Trolley Tours provide a wonderful tour of the popular and historical areas of S.D. We rode the tour bus for entire 2 hours tour narrated by our drive and tour guide Scooter. He was entertaining and full of insightful details about each of the areas visited. As we toured we made mental notes of places we wanted to explore and after a brief break reboarded and went to the areas of interest. This way we would see the entire tour and have time to explore areas of our interest. Tour buses come by every 20 minutes and you can get off and RE board the entire day. We began our tour at Old Town where parking was free but you need to be parked by 8:30 a.m or lot gets full fast. Tours start prompt at 9:00 and every 20 minutes after that. Last pick up to return to your original start is between 3;30 to 5:00 p.m. depending on the published bus schedule given to you beginning of our tour. Nice way to spend the day or two. Enjoy
Written 10 September 2023
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.
Waddler
York, UK10,072 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I came for the reserve, but wasn't expecting the main street of the Old Town to be so nice - low rise attractive buildings, palm trees, nice church and shops and restaurants. Quite characterful even before being in the reserve itself.
Written 6 September 2023
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.
lb33wonka
Redondo Beach, CA1,388 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
This is a bigger version and more authentic Olvera street that’s in LA. Lots of shops and food options. Street is long so be sure to go all the way down to see the older buildings
Written 2 September 2023
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.
Amy P
77 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
A fun photography, shopping and ice cream stop during my hop-on-off trolley tour of the city. A variety of restaurants would also make this a great lunch spot for your sightseeing day in San Diego.
Written 31 August 2023
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.
Sandy C
Vancouver, Canada9 contributions
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?
Sandy C
Vancouver, Canada9 contributions
I wonder if it's the same on a weekday? But things open early in the day? Any good breakfast place there?
barbararamirez8
San Diego, CA
Is there a charge for parking or where is the best place to park
Caroline L
Los Angeles, CA2,322 contributions
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.
Grangoestravelling
Reading, UK
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.
Bottomshelfhockey
Richmond, Canada8,970 contributions
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
nickb_36
Miami, FL58 contributions
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.
SantiagoChago
Puerto Rico246 contributions
Yes. All is open on Sundays.
DIY
OHio237 contributions
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!
Pen2paint
San Diego, CA104 contributions
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.
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Claim your listingOLD TOWN SAN DIEGO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Town San Diego
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Old Town San Diego:
- San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley (From €44.68)
- All Day San Diego Scenic Tour (From €113.97)
- Super Saver: Self-Guided Speed Boat Adventure & iRide GPS Guided ScooterTour (From €147.21)
- Go City: San Diego Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 Attractions (From €85.71)
- Old Town Scavenger Hunt + Trivia (From €34.65)
- Hotels near Old Town San Diego:
- (0.11 km) Cosmopolitan Hotel
- (0.15 km) Best Central Location!Old Town!Walk to restaurants, parks, trails&Train Station!
- (0.15 km) Old Town State Park just steps from Trolley/Trains Central Location EZ to find!
- (0.16 km) Casita in Old Town close to Trolley!
- (0.34 km) Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town / SeaWorld Area
- Restaurants near Old Town San Diego:
- (0.00 km) Fiesta de Reyes
- (0.02 km) Casa de Reyes
- (0.05 km) Bara Bara
- (0.05 km) Rose's Tasting Room
- (0.06 km) Barra Barra Saloon
- Attractions near Old Town San Diego:
- (0.04 km) Rose's Tasting Room
- (0.05 km) Old Town's Most Haunted
- (0.05 km) Plaza del Pasado
- (0.05 km) San Diego Ghost Tours
- (0.08 km) Old Town San Diego State Historic Park