20 Finest Issues to Do in Outdated City San Diego: Eating, Museums, Extra
In search of enjoyable issues to do in Outdated City San Diego? The in depth record under gives loads of concepts, from immersing your self within the space’s wealthy heritage by means of museums and excursions to indulging your inventive facet with workshops and craft-making.
This vibrant historic district is taken into account the birthplace of California, and time spent right here might be each enjoyable and academic, with a hands-on angle. And, there’s nice buying and meals, too.
Practically each kind of vacationer visits Outdated City San Diego points of interest, from households and enterprise vacationers to historical past buffs and ghost hunters. Since many actions are free, it fits numerous budgets, too. Under, we focus on which of the numerous issues to are value house in your itinerary.
It can save you on tickets, excursions, and lodges by means of my affiliations. In the event you make purchases by means of the hyperlinks on this put up, I could also be compensated.
1. Begin on the Robinson-Rose Customer Heart
- 4098 Mason St, San Diego, CA 92110
- (619) 220-5422
- parks.ca.gov
As Outdated City’s customer heart and park headquarters, the Robinson Rose Home is a good place to start out. Right here you may find out about many attention-grabbing issues to do in Outdated City San Diego, view museum displays, and be a part of strolling excursions. Choose up among the brochures that discuss native points of interest.
Among the many highlights at this museum are the miniature mannequin shows of what Outdated City regarded like throughout San Diego’s early days. Tour guides wearing interval clothes share tales of fascinating individuals who lived right here again then.
You’ll additionally study the historical past of the constructing itself, a reconstructed reproduction of a grand home constructed by James W. Robinson, a profitable lawyer within the 1850s. You may even expertise a little bit of the paranormal since this constructing is reportedly haunted, like another Outdated City buildings.
2. Develop into a Junior Ranger (And Different Youngsters’ Actions)
The California Division of Parks and Recreation has a Junior Ranger program for youths, making exploring state parks much more enjoyable.
You may decide up a free booklet on the Robinson-Rose Customer Heart to fill out as you discover the park. Don’t neglect to show it in for an award on the finish of your go to.
Additionally, don’t neglect to print the free scavenger hunt sheet and convey it with you. I additionally like this coloring booklet, which is a number of pages lengthy. If you recognize you’ll go to Outdated City San Diego, have the youngsters colour it prematurely to allow them to spot acquainted indicators and buildings whereas there.
3. Take a Self-Guided Strolling Tour
In the event you’re uncertain the place to start, take a free, self-guided strolling tour by means of the historic locations in Outdated City. California Parks and Recreation has outlined excursions beginning at Robinson-Rose Home, which vary from an hour to 2 and a half hours. You may take a look online at recommended stops or seize a tour map on the customer heart for a small payment.
This stroll by means of historical past passes by many historic buildings. There’s the Johnson Home, in-built 1870 by George Alonzo Johnson, a steamboat captain on the Colorado River. The Mason Road Faculty, in-built 1865, was the primary publicly constructed schoolhouse in San Diego County. Many buildings are open with free admission and even have their very own temporary, free excursions.
4. Go to the Free Museums in Outdated City San Diego State Historic Park
So many issues to do in Outdated City San Diego are freed from cost — together with most of the distinctive museums discovered right here.
Verify with the Outdated City Chamber of Commerce and Robinson-Rose Guests Heart to study which museums are free and what their hours are. The record is in depth; we’ve included a number of right here.
The McCoy Home was in-built 1869 by Irish-born immigrant James McCoy—who turned fluent in Spanish—as a marriage reward for his spouse, Winnifred. James served as county assessor, metropolis sheriff, and state senator. The museum gives an in depth glimpse into life within the space within the late 1800s.
La Casa de Machado y Silvas is one other wedding ceremony current—this one from a father to his daughter—constructed within the early 1840s. La Casa de Machado y Stewart is an adobe home that was lived in till 1966 however has since been restored to its 1830s character.
And, there are a number of others which might be free and talked about under. Be sure you go to Outdated City’s free museums to find out about San Diego’s multicultural historical past.
You’ll discover over 100 outlets in Outdated City, San Diego, some in market facilities that home a number of stalls and others in historic buildings across the park.
At Old Town Market alone, you may browse 40 distinctive indoor and outside outlets promoting items from Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, Vietnam, and different areas.
Purchasing at Bazaar del Mundo is a particular deal with, due to the distinctive treasures you’ll discover and the colorful setting that immerses you in Outdated Mexico’s attraction. Buy honest commerce merchandise from all over the world, together with people artwork, jewellery, trend, and residential décor.
All through Outdated City, you’ll encounter a big selection of specialty outlets that draw you in. Cousin’s Sweet Store sells old style sweets, together with saltwater taffy and home made fudge.
Discover lovingly restored antiques at The Johnson Home, Marine Antiques, and West Sea Co Nautical Antiques. At Tinsmith, you’ll discover beautiful star lamps and different tin-punched ornamental gadgets to carry residence.
The Finest Locations to Browse
The place to go Purchasing in Outdated City
We put collectively an inventory of the place to search out enjoyable presents and souvenirs whilst you discover this historic neighborhood.
6. Stroll By a Well-known Haunted Home — Whaley Home Museum
One of the crucial standard issues to do in Outdated City San Diego is to go to the Whaley Home Museum. It was the previous residence of a pioneering household, however it’s broadly regarded right now as one of the crucial haunted homes in North America, because of the a number of deaths that occurred on the premises.
The Greek Revival-style 1850s home is the oldest brick construction in Southern California. It served as a common retailer, courthouse, and personal residence. Upstairs, you’ll discover San Diego’s first industrial theater.
A California Historic Landmark, the Whaley Home has been featured on quite a few ghost-hunting exhibits, together with America’s Most Haunted and Ghost Adventures. Guests can take a daytime self-guided, self-paced tour, or a night guided tour.
7. Dine on Mexican Meals and Extra
As a eating vacation spot, Outdated City gives among the finest Mexican eating places in San Diego County and different noteworthy consuming institutions, together with nice sushi locations.
No matter you crave, you’ll discover nice eateries in Outdated City, together with an unlimited choice of specialty margaritas and each alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks—like the favored horchata.
For many individuals, eating al fresco in vibrant outside areas is without doubt one of the favourite issues to do in Outdated City San Diego. Many eating places right here supply patio eating, with stunning flowers, effervescent fountains, and firepits so as to add to the ambiance.
An instance of the varied choice to be present in Outdated City contains:
- Casa de Reyes: A vibrant restaurant serving favourite Mexican dishes, together with rolled tacos, tostada salads, burritos, tamales, and far more.
- Tahona Bar: Collect with mates for an upscale eating expertise in an institution that celebrates mezcal. Tasting room out there by reservation.
- Harney Sushi: This elegant sushi place gives a big selection of conventional and modern sushi creations and cooked Japanese specialties.
- Congress Café: Open for breakfast and lunch, this cozy café with a stunning outside seating space serves Venezuelan favorites, together with arepas and cachapas.
8. Outdated City City Market
A comparatively new addition to the Outdated City scene, this market place is situated simply exterior of Outdated City San Diego State Historic Park.
Whereas there’s retail house out there, proper now, you’d go there to eat. And it’s worthwhile. From the drip-your-own bone marrow on tacos at Tuetano Taquería and ceviche at Mar Rustico to the delectable elote from Elote and shortly donuts from Barrio Donas, it’s a spot for foodies.
You’ll eat on a coated patio that isn’t huge, so get there early. The whole lot is counter-order, so you can seize it to go for a picnic in Outdated City State Historic Park.
9. Store and Eat at Fiesta de Reyes
Fiesta is an effective way to explain this vibrant part of Outdated City, the place you may store, dine, and luxuriate in free, dwell musical performances in a singular setting. Fiesta de Reyes is Spanish for “celebration of kings,” and you may rejoice like royalty with out breaking the financial institution.
Right here you may get pleasure from a number of Outdated City San Diego points of interest with out having to stroll far since every part is shut collectively but far sufficient aside to present you that satisfying sense of exploring a vibrant district. Mariachi musicians and folklorico dancers entertain guests most weekends.
Dine in consolation on the plush backyard patio of Casa de Reyes or throughout the engaging, hacienda-style environment of Barra Barra Saloon. Each locations serve genuine Mexican delicacies, from normal favorites to new creations and a big choice of margaritas.
Store at one of many distinctive shops, resembling Treasures of Mexico, Outdated City Jerky & Root Beer, and The Tile Store.
10. El Campo Santo Cemetery
El Campo Santo Cemetery dates again to 1849 and is/was the ultimate resting place of many early San Diego residents, together with members of distinguished households such because the Estudillos and Fitchs.
Over time, the realm’s growth modified the boundaries of the cemetery. Some our bodies had been relocated and paved over whereas others stay buried as supposed. This has stated to have disturbed some trapped souls and set off some paranormal exercise.
A part of the cemetery was restored based mostly on outdated information and guests right now can stroll by means of remaining gravesites.
11. Stroll As much as Presidio Park
An idyllic spot to have a picnic and let the youngsters play awhile, Presidio Park overlooks the Mission Valley space and past. It’s a couple of 7-minute stroll from the Robinson-Rose Customer Heart.
A number of viewpoints current attractive views — you may see Mission Bay and the coast — whereas nature surrounds you, with a big assortment of lovely, mature timber unfold all through the park.
This hill is steeped in historical past. As you stroll the grounds, you’ll discover statues, memorials, and markers commemorating previous influencers and occasions from San Diego’s previous. It was the location of a fort and church that date again to 1769, and this spot served because the capital of Baja California when Mexico owned the land.
You’ll discover a number of strolling trails all through Presidio Park, some more difficult than others. It’s normally not crowded right here, providing you with house for quiet contemplation.
12. Go to the Mormon Battalion Historic Web site
This historic web site commemorates LDS church members who served within the Mexican-American Conflict of 1846-1848 as a part of the U.S. Military’s Mormon Battalion. Whereas stationed within the space, these volunteer troopers and their households constructed water wells and a courthouse in Outdated City.
The middle gives free excursions every day, exhibiting glimpses of what life was like within the area in the course of the mid-1800s. The tour lasts 45 minutes and contains an interactive video concerning the battalion, plus a have a look at numerous artifacts. You’ll wish to allocate an hour to an hour and a half to take part in every part the middle gives.
All areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible. For guests’ comfort, the location has a small parking zone within the again—just like the museum, parking is free. Be sure you take a look at the stunning views from the window as you stroll by.
13. Watch a Efficiency at Outdated City Theatre
- 4040 Twiggs St, San Diego, CA 92110
- (619) 337-1525
- Name or examine on-line for exhibits and hours
- cygnettheatre.com
The Cygnet Theatre firm runs one of the crucial distinctive Outdated City San Diego points of interest the place you may get pleasure from every part from Shakespeare performs to extra modern musicals. Housed in a constructing nonetheless referred to as the Outdated City Theatre — on a web site that was a barn — the Cygnet Theatre presents dwell performances inside a one-of-a-kind theatrical setting.
An attention-grabbing historic tidbit: between 1986 and 1991, the theater served as a stage for scholar productions. Among the many alumni from this era are actor and singer Jamie Foxx and actor John Barrowman (of Physician Who fame).
Right now you may catch theatrical productions like El Huracán, a multi-generational lyrical story concerning the energy of forgiveness, or cabaret-style leisure.
Verify the web site to see what’s enjoying and find out about particular performances, resembling these providing ASL interpretation or evenings devoted to the LGBTQIA group. Assisted listening units can be found freed from cost.
14. Admire the La Casa de Estudillo, a Historic Adobe Home
- 4000 Mason St, San Diego, CA 92110
- (619) 220-5422
- Open Day by day: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
- parks.ca.gov
As one of many rigorously restored historic adobe homes in Outdated City San Diego, La Casa de Estudillo dates again to 1827 and is a stunning instance of Spanish Colonial structure. As soon as a middle of social gatherings and spiritual observations, this museum was the house of a distinguished 19th-century household.
Constructed by comandante José María Estudillo and his son, lieutenant José Antonio Estudillo, this 12-room home has a stupendous interior courtyard that invitations introspection. Now part of the California State Park system, La Casa de Estudillo is a museum value visiting for its depiction of multicultural life within the early 1800s.
A number of rooms with interval items, together with cover beds, carved tables, and upholstered chairs are open for public viewing. You’ll see a set desk subsequent to a hearth within the eating room whereas and one other room homes working instruments of the time, together with a big spinning wheel. Different highlights embrace an out of doors oven and a bell tower.
15. Make Candles at Toby’s Candle Store
- 2645 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
- (619) 297-5426
- Open Day by day: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- tobyscandles.com
Many issues to do in Outdated City San Diego are hands-on. Making your personal candles at a historic candle store is definitely one in all these actions. At Toby’s Candle & Cleaning soap Store, you should purchase stunning candles should you don’t have time to make one.
Slightly concerning the store. It was established in 1981 by burgeoning candle-making fans who started to show candle carving strategies all through Southern California malls and even at Knott’s Berry Farm. Toby’s Candles has been in Outdated City since 1992.
Your candle-making expertise is a chance to make your personal stunning reward for your self or a pal. The store welcomes walk-ins, however reservations are wanted for teams of ten or extra.
In the event you’re quick on time, the candle dipping course of is your best choice; it doesn’t take lengthy however may be very satisfying. When you’ve got extra time, make your personal sand wax candle. You will have at the very least twenty minutes for this enjoyable challenge.
16. Spend a Night time on the Cosmopolitan Resort
If you wish to immerse your self on this historic district to have extra time to get pleasure from all of the Outdated City San Diego points of interest which might be out there, spend an evening or two on the Cosmopolitan Resort. This historic resort gives a first-class expertise that takes you again in time.
In your room, you’ll be surrounded by classic vintage furnishings, each bit a real murals. With simply ten rooms to are likely to, the resort workers can ship attentive, personalised service to each visitor.
This mattress and breakfast institution serves home made pastries with sizzling espresso and tea within the constructing’s old style saloon. For a lot of visitors, among the best elements of staying right here is getting away from all of it — there are not any telephones or TVs within the rooms, though you should have entry to WiFi.
Calm down and luxuriate in your keep on the Cosmopolitan, as soon as the house of Peruvian-born Juan Bandini, a California politician born in 1800 who helped form San Diego and was identified to throw nice events.
The Finest Locations to Keep
High Outdated City San Diego Motels
Historic, finances, and pleasant lodges and motels to think about to your trip.
17. See Stagecoaches and Extra at Seely Secure Museum
- 2648 Calhoun St, San Diego, CA 92110
- Friday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Closed Monday – Thursday
- parks.ca.gov
A favourite amongst children, the Seely Secure Museum homes a set of outdated coaches, wagons, and buggies, every lovingly restored and cared for at this distinctive museum devoted to California’s stagecoach historical past.
Find out how mail, items, and passengers had been transported throughout the nation earlier than the railroad strains had been established. Stagecoach journey was a dangerous solution to journey between locations, however the California gold rush inspired vacationers to enterprise west regardless of the risks. On the museum, you’ll see maps exhibiting outdated stage routes—the popular journey mode earlier than the times of practice tracks and freeways.
By the best way, the museum is called after Albert Lewis Seeley, who, at 17, turned a stagecoach driver and established the USA Mail Stage line. He continued rising his enterprise by increasing stagecoach routes to move mail and passengers between San Diego and Los Angeles, San Diego, Yuma, and different itineraries.
18. Take the Outdated City Trolley Tour
In the event you’re uncertain what to do in Outdated City San Diego, a very good place to start out is likely to be getting there through the Outdated City Trolley. This hop-on, hop-off expertise runs by means of a number of elements of San Diego and contains eleven stops. You may hop off and store, eat, or sightsee earlier than hopping again on and persevering with along with your tour.
Purchase a ticket as soon as, after which spend the remainder of the day conveniently hopping on and off. Along with taking you thru Outdated City, the trolley-style tour bus takes you thru the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Barrio Logan, Coronado, Balboa Park, Little Italy, and extra. A good way to see all of it at your personal tempo.
EXCLUSIVE LA JOLLA MOM DISCOUNT
Use promo code WINTER to use an additional $8 off the 1-Day Tour, $15 off the 2-Day Tour, $4 off the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour, and $10 off the San Diego Metropolis Lights Tour.
19. Look Out for Residing Historical past Demonstrations
- 4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110
- (619) 220-5422
- Wednesday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (examine the schedule earlier than you go)
- parks.ca.gov
As a part of the California Division of Parks and Recreation, Outdated City makes residing historical past applications out there to all ages. Folks put on interval clothes, answering questions concerning the area’s historical past for memorable, interactive exchanges. Dwell demonstrations carry San Diego’s historical past alive for locals and guests alike.
On a Wednesday or Saturday, see residing historical past demonstrations of every part from furnishings constructing to quilting. Demos fluctuate from week to week. You may find out how folks used to spin wool into thread and see outdated blacksmithing strategies in motion.
On the Kosay Kumeyaay Market, the traditions of the area’s first peoples are preserved and demonstrated. You may see time-honored basket weaving strategies or maybe different artisans at work.
As you browse Outdated City, you could encounter numerous residing historical past demonstrations, re-enactments, performances, and mini-talks. In the event you see somebody in interval clothes, be at liberty to ask questions on what life was like right here previously.
20. Sip San Diego’s Finest at Rose’s Tasting Room
- 2754 Calhoun St San Diego, CA 92110 (inside Fiesta de Reyes)
- rosestastingroom.com
- Be aware: All visitors have to be ages 21+
I really feel like Rose’s is a little bit of a hidden gem. In spite of everything, you’re within the birthplace of California and maybe centered on the actions it’s well-known for — fishbowl margaritas, Mexican meals, free museums, a grassy park, Whaley Home, and many others.
However you could be shocked to know that there’s just a little tasting room with indoor and outside seating that may can help you style among the craft beer San Diego is known for (do you know that we’re a craft brewery vacation spot) along with some wine made in San Diego (sure, it’s good). And, they even supply a number of cocktails on the menu.
It makes for a stunning cease in between sights. Outdated City San Diego, we predict, is finest skilled on a sunny day while you’re not in a rush. And, you could end up having fun with sips and suds at Rose’s for longer than anticipated.
What do you assume are the very best issues to do in Outdated City San Diego?
