Your TL;DR Guide to this San Diego Gem
TL;DR: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is a free, historically preserved pueblo in the heart of San Diego. With museums, tours, shops, and more, the park is perfect for history lovers, foodies, and families looking to explore. With free parking, free admission, and located across from a major transportation depot, Old Town is the perfect destination.
- What Makes Old Town San Diego State Park Special
- Transportation and Parking for Old Town
- What to Do in Old Town State Park
- Explore More of San Diego
San Diego, famous for its coastal landscape and outdoor wonders, also is home to what has been dubbed “the birthplace of California.” Walkable, beautiful, and filled with some amazing food (tortillas are a must when you’re in town), Old Town San Diego is truly a gem to explore.
For years, Old Town San Diego has been my favorite place in the city. In fact, originally I was only going to dedicate one blog post to Old Town – but I realized I had A LOT to say. So, to avoid throwing too many words at you at once, I plan to split my guide to Old Town into two parts: the first (today’s) is focused on historic things to do in the State Park; the second will focus on what to do in the Old Town district, including where to eat!
Now, onto part one!
What Makes Old Town San Diego State Park Special
As the first Spanish settlement in what would become California, Old Town San Diego is often called the Birthplace of California. However, before the Spanish settled, this area was known as (and still is) the ancestral land of the Kumeyaay.
In 1769, the Spanish colonized the area and turned it into a settlement. A little bit later on, it became a Mexican pueblo before becoming an American settlement.
Located inside of Old Town (the district) is Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Established in 1968, the park preserves and recreates the early settlement of San Diego, with an array of historic buildings, museums, and exhibits. With so many significant changes to this area, the park holds historic value to the various communities that have lived here.
The park’s efforts to preserve the structures and features of the area allow visitors to take a step back in time and immerse themselves in California’s history. Through its educational initiatives, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park continues to be a cherished destination, providing insight into the region’s vibrant history and cultural legacy.
Transportation and Parking for Old Town
At a Glance:
Address: 4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110
Hours: Visitor Center – 10AM-5PM (Daily)
Parking: Free
Cost: Varies depending on attraction – see more here. Entry cost is free.
Walkable: Yes
Bathrooms: Available (Free)
Public Transportation for Old Town State Park
Old Town San Diego is conveniently located across from a major metro station. Which means it is incredibly accessible from public transportation – including via Amtrak train, COASTER, trolley, bus, and taxi. Check out the MTS trip planner for a more detailed transportation itinerary based off of where you are staying here.
You can also pay for the hop-on/hop-off Old Town Trolley tour, which includes a stop in (as the name suggests) Old Town. I talk a little bit more about the trolley in the transportation section of my guide to Little Italy.
Parking for Old Town San Diego State Park
Old Town San Diego State Park has a few free parking lots – however, keep in mind that space is limited. Depending on when you visit the area, you may need to park in a neighborhood or side street and walk over to the Park. The area is busiest on Holidays, weekends, and evenings.
Up front, closest to the Park are a few spots reserved for accessibly parking and quick 30-minute trips.
The Old Town district, outside of the Park, does have some paid parking lot options in addition to a few free spots – so pay attention to the parking lot signs so you know if you are in a free or pay-to-park zone.
When is the Best Time to Visit Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is best known for its culinary scene, making it a popular dinner destination. However, don’t let the possibility of crowds deter you from visiting in the evening – I am pretty crowd-averse but I still enjoy visiting during meal times! I just suggest planning in extra time for parking and expecting a bit of a wait for your restaurant of choice (if they don’t take reservations).
The area is also busiest during certain holidays and cultural festivals. Like I mentioned in my guide to Belmont Park, it can enhance your experience to drop-in during the celebration. However, consider visiting during the week or outside of busy season to avoid the crowds.
What to Do in Old Town State Park
Out of all the places I mentioned in my guide to San Diego, Old Town San Diego is my number one – I’ve been here way more than any other place on the list! Located across from the depot, I’ve spent so many hours here while I waited for my train or bus. I also have done a lot of time wandering around, grabbing food, shopping, and photographing the city.
So, if it’s your first venture to this part of San Diego (congratulations on picking a fantastic destination), here are a few things to check out!
See Where it All Began: Lipay-Tipai Kumeyaay Mut Niihepok
What we today call the Old Town San Diego State Park is actually located on the ancestral land of the Kumeyaay. In 2021, an outdoor exhibit was finalized to pay homage to the First People of the land, called Lipay-Tipai Kumeyaay But Niiheopok.
A beautiful, outdoor exhibition, the area encourages us to remember and respect Old Town’s First People. I highly recommend taking a look at the website linked above before you head out, as it provides greater historical context to the region.
Go on a Museum Tour
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is a collection of preserved buildings, that have been renovated and decorated to maintain historic accuracy. Stepping into the park feels like stepping into the past.
Several buildings have been turned into small museums that allow you to learn about the area’s history in a hands-on way. If you aren’t sure where to start, I recommend visiting the Robinson-Rose Visitor Information Center to get your bearings. Then, head over to the Presidio and Serra Museum.
Visit the Local Stores
While some buildings were transformed into museums, others were revamped to mimic life once upon a time. Visitors can step-into the past even more by browsing through shops and cafes in the various buildings.
My favorite place to stop is the American Coffee House and Tea Shop – keep in mind that hours are limited! Before heading to Depot to catch a train, I’d grab some tea leaves and a drink for my journey. If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend checking out the Frozen Hot Chocolate!
Fiesta de Reyes, a plaza inside the Park, also has a ton of things to explore. I recommend stopping by Geppetos, an adorable toy shop, which has been in San Diego for over 40 years. You can also visit del Cobre for handcrafted copper goods, Tienda de Reyes for gifts, and La Flor de Mexico for all things garden!
Take a Guided Tour
I’m personally more of a “wander around with a loose plan” type of traveler, but if you want more structure or in-depth information, there are guided tours of Old Town available. For free walking tours of Old Town, I recommend looking at the upcoming Hidden History Talks on the event calendar here.
Join in a Festival or Workshop
While I briefly mentioned Fiesta de Reyes above for its shopping scene, it has so much more to offer. With beautiful decor and music pumping through the plaza, the vibe at Fiesta de Reyes during events is electric. Weekly, the plaza hosts Folklorico dancing, Mariachi, and concerts.
Outside of Fiesta de Reyes, the State Park will also have various concerts, workshops, and more for guests. Aside from a few ongoing events, however, most things happen depending on the season. To stay up-to-date, check out the calendar here or instagram here.
While out and about, you can also visit the working blacksmith shop to see the blacksmith in action.
From its rich heritage as the birthplace of California to the diverse array of historic buildings, museums, and vibrant local stores, the park offers a captivating journey into the past. Visitors can immerse themselves in the region’s vibrant history and cultural legacy through its preservation and educational initiatives. I hope you love Old Town as much as I do – let me know what your experience was like! And – I’ll see you in part 2!
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