Planning a trip to San Diego?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

California State Parks

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

State or Provincial Park and Historic and Protected Site
Old Town, San Diego
Save
Share
9.2/10
1,623
ratings
Tips and Reviews icon118 Tips and reviews
Filter:
  • Mexican food
  • margaritas
  • los muertos
  • tours
  • whaley house
User icon
Log in to leave a tip here.

Sort:
  • Popular
  • Recent
  • Byron O.
    Byron O'NealSeptember 5, 2012
    Great spot to break out the camera phone. The people watching is excellent and you can catch folks in classic, frontier garb. The abundant cactus planters make for interesting close-up compositions.
    Upvote22Downvote
  • Annie W.heart icon on user image
    Annie WangJanuary 19, 2015
    Worth a quick stop for a historic walk if you happened to be in town. Don't forge to check out the first court house in San Diego right by the Wells Fargo bank built in 1847.
    Upvote18Downvote
  • Scott R.
    Scott R.February 17, 2012
    Been here 50+ times
    Easy to spend 3-4 hours here, especially if you incorporate adjacent Presidio Park into a walking tour. For a West Coast spot, a lotta history packed into a small area. Avoid the weekends if possible.
    Upvote19Downvote
    Upvoted Jan 5
  • Jeremy A.heart icon on user image
    Jeremy AnslowJune 8, 2017
    Love coming here for salt water taffy, bulk tea and some of the best Mexican food In the world! Lots of history and interesting shops.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Mary S.heart icon on user image
    Mary SAugust 28, 2015
    Extremely cute area. Lots of shops, food, and music to enjoy for hours. Pretty good prices on goodies to take home from your travels.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Angelica D.
    Angelica DongalloJanuary 1, 2016
    CHL830 marker @ Barra Barra - Settled by pensioned soldiers from the presidio and their families in the early 1800s. Stars & Stripes 1st raised over plaza in 1846 by Marines from the U.S.S. Cyane.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Sperasoft, Inc.
    Sperasoft, Inc.October 7, 2012
    San Diego Old Town is one of the greatest places to visit and hav some rest. Try enormous Mexican restaurants, bars and shops. Burritos, mexican beer, tequila is all there!
    Upvote5Downvote
  • Dana
    DanaSeptember 9, 2017
    So 😋 yummy! 7$ gets you two 4oz cups. You pick your root 🍻 beer! #vanilla #ice-cream #soda
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Amanda R.
    Amanda ReussAugust 21, 2019
    Check out Old Town Market for unique souvenirs. Explore the park for loads of history about San Diego. There are a number of museums and historic buildings ready to explore!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Rick V.heart icon on user image
    Rick VessellaApril 11, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    One of my favorite places in San Diego...the first "downtown" in San Diego. Great history. Check out the "happy hours" at the various bars and restaurants on San Diego Ave.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Bethany R.heart icon on user image
    Bethany RiveraSeptember 16, 2015
    We just love this side of San Diego. If you are looking for amazing Mexican food and want to do some shopping you have to stop by Old Town!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Erik R.heart icon on user image
    Erik RowleyDecember 22, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Journey into the past as the western frontier town of San Diego comes to life. Explore historical buildings, grab a cigar at the cigar shop, hunt ghosts at Whaley House, enjoy Mexican cuisine.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Troy D.heart icon on user image
    Troy DavisFebruary 11, 2017
    If you are wanting a little snack to hold you over for a great diner the Street Tacos! Is the place. Enjoy a street taco in Old Town.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • eric b.heart icon on user image
    eric bornemannDecember 28, 2022
    A surprising amount of old buildings to explore. Some of the area is really touristy, but great for kids (if you overlook the people smoking meth in the parking lot).
    UpvoteDownvote
  • David H.heart icon on user image
    David Hornbrook DDSOctober 4, 2022
    Old Town San Diego State Historic Park at 16 minutes drive to the west of La Mesa dentist Hornbrook Center for Dentistry
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Colleen A.
    Colleen AlexanderNovember 2, 2014
    We love to visit old town every time we visit! Come here during their Dua Dr los Muertos festival!! Not as overcrowded as I thought it would be!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Anna Dominique C.
    Anna Dominique ChuaAugust 8, 2012
    This place is full with culture. Great food, great places to look around and shop, souvenirs are cheaper here but you just can't take pictures of merchandise at certain places
    Upvote4Downvote
  • Abdullah A.
    Abdullah AlmajedAugust 15, 2013
    Very nice place , I like the traditional theme and restaurant serve american and mexican food was delicious with amazing atmosphere 👍
    Upvote4Downvote
  • Billy A.heart icon on user image
    Billy AmpSeptember 14, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Love Old Town! Great Mexican food. Great place to take family. Great piece of history all in one!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • K12 Inc
    K12 IncAugust 4, 2011
    Did you know? Old Town is the birthplace of San Diego. The original mission and presidio were nearby & the town developed below as retired soldiers & settlers built homes. Click to see Old Town c.1867 Read more
    Upvote10Downvote
  • Greciaheart icon on user image
    GreciaJuly 20, 2017
    A lot of restaurants, shops and great ambience for the whole family!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Thomas Z.heart icon on user image
    Thomas ZJanuary 18, 2016
    Every building is a small museum, very cool. The whole place is free of admission.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • BestTravellerheart icon on user image
    BestTravellerJuly 18, 2022
    The oldest town where san diego established. 1 hour visit enough. Free parking area
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Janine A.heart icon on user image
    Janine AddisonApril 14, 2017
    Beautiful historic area. Great for learning and family fun
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Candace M.heart icon on user image
    Candace MetzgerMarch 26, 2018
    If you like ghost stories- Visit the Whaley house for a fun spooky learning experience!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Jokie T.heart icon on user image
    Jokie TolentinoJanuary 8, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    Totally underrated. Best place to bring the family. Awesome food! Home of the Whaley House!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • D. G.heart icon on user image
    D. G.March 6, 2015
    The greatest park ever!!! I was sitting at an old bench in front of an old house and suddenly found myself singing 1800's songs :-)
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Leroy T.heart icon on user image
    Leroy TomSeptember 8, 2020
    Been here 50+ times
    A Must see and do !! Lots of history around Old Town !! Good food here also !!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Nico P.
    Nico PitneyMarch 28, 2022
    "The new Old Town Urban Market offers a tempting variety of local flavors in an inviting outdoor setting."
    UpvoteDownvote
  • @socalwithkids
    @socalwithkidsApril 1, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    The kids love posing for pictures in the stagecoach, & visiting Steeley Stables. It's fun to go to Cousin's Candy Shop & watch taffy be made. Cousins also sells some really cool large chocolate coins.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Henry C.heart icon on user image
    Henry CarrilloMarch 6, 2019
    Awesome place to eat and walk around and look at the gift shops
    Upvote1Downvote
  • 🦋 Raghad 🦋
    🦋 Raghad 🦋July 3, 2018
    Nice place to go to, it let you feel that you are in Mexico!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Luis U.heart icon on user image
    Luis UreñaNovember 8, 2017
    Good place to walk around and window shop. Look for Case de Reyes they have free flour tortillas for you to taste.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • HISTORY
    HISTORYApril 20, 2010
    The park preserves & recreates the old town from shortly after the Mexican War of Independence through the Bear Flag Revolt. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
    Upvote35Downvote
  • Shahad Alshubaili
    Shahad AlshubailiAugust 30, 2016
    A very beautiful place, worth the visit!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jiexi C.heart icon on user image
    Jiexi CaoJanuary 18, 2016
    Nice area. Most museums free. Most souvenirs are well priced. Parking is plenty.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Chris Q.
    Chris QuijanoJune 5, 2012
    Been here 100+ times
    Racine & Laramie is the best tobacco shop in town. This store has the widest selection for the best price. ActiveDuty get an extra 10% off
    Upvote3Downvote
  • Ric M.heart icon on user image
    Ric MartinezSeptember 4, 2014
    Casa de Reyes is a great place to eat. Great tortillas and excellent churros desert!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Dymphna
    DymphnaAugust 19, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    I love Old Town San Diego... The birthplace of California... So much history and ghost stories in one spot!
    Upvote9Downvote
  • Joelle R.heart icon on user image
    Joelle ReederOctober 26, 2016
    Old-timey San Diego. Margaritas as big as your head and lots of history and shops.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jazmin L.
    Jazmin LaraCamberosApril 2, 2013
    Old Town Mexican Cafe is a must. Old Town House of Jerky and Root Beer has 2 for 1 root beer floats.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • zainab a.
    zainab alhogailJuly 3, 2018
    you have to vist this place !
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Antoine R.heart icon on user image
    Antoine R.May 25, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    If you love San Diego , you will love this park ♡♡♡.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Pelin G.heart icon on user image
    Pelin Güvenç KefelApril 4, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    The birth of California 😊 Definitely a must see if you are visiting San Diego...
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Mereheart icon on user image
    MereDecember 29, 2014
    There is a wagon near the hotel that is a great setting for a fun, western photo shoot.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Camilla R.
    Camilla RomeroMarch 1, 2015
    Awesome place, but I was expected more museums and history about SD but aparently is just full of stores with souvenirs to tourists.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • D C.
    D COctober 29, 2014
    You can't go to San Diego without visiting Old Town. You've gotta eat the fresh Taffy!!!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Las Vegas M.
    Las Vegas MannequinsDecember 4, 2011
    The first European exploration of the West Coast was by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese navigator sailing for Spain, who landed in San Diego on September 28, 1542.
    Upvote4Downvote
  • Kelsey H.heart icon on user image
    Kelsey HeaterJuly 24, 2015
    Old Town San Diego is a beautiful mix of "old west" history and Mexican culture.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jordana U.heart icon on user image
    Jordana UmannFebruary 20, 2012
    here went the first neighborhood in San Diego. Have museum , bars and park for you to run or bring your dog.
    UpvoteDownvote
Photos2,090 Photos

Related Searches

  • old town san diego state historic park san diego •
  • old town san diego state historic park san diego photos •
  • old town san diego state historic park san diego location •
  • old town san diego state historic park san diego address •
  • old town san diego state historic park san diego •
  • old town historic park san diego •
  • old town san diego san diego •
  • old town san diego ca san diego •
  • old town san diego state historic park san diego •
  • old town state park san diego •
  • old town the birth place of.california san diego •
  • old town, san diego, ca san diego •
  • old towne san diego •
  • old towne' san diego •
  • old town san diego state historic park old town san diego

Foursquare © 2025  Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA