14 Things to Do in Old Town San Diego
Updated July 06, 2024
#1 LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF PRESIDIO PARK
For most of our Old Town Tours, you’ll start with the home of the first European settlement in California, Presidio Park is perched on a hillside overlooking historic Old Town San Diego. This 40-acre park is the cornerstone on which San Diego has been built, as well as the birthplace of the Mission Trail. Discover the fort and the mission while you explore historic sites like Presidio Hill, and learn all about San Diego’s rich history.
#2 EXPLORE THE CASA DE ESTUDILLO MUSEUM
La Casa de Estudillo is a must-visit historic adobe home that beautifully captures the spirit of early California life. Built in 1829, this original adobe is California’s first mansion, showcasing the opulence of the wealthiest people in San Diego during the Mexican era. As you wander through its charming rooms and lush courtyards, you’ll be transported back to the 19th century, imagining the vibrant life of the Estudillo family who once lived here. The house is filled with fascinating artifacts and period furnishings, offering a vivid glimpse into the past. Don’t miss the chance to stroll through the serene garden, where you can relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this historical gem.
#3 Take a Ghost Tour
For a spine-chilling adventure, take a ghost tour through Old Town San Diego. These tours offer a unique way to explore the historic area while hearing eerie tales of the paranormal. Companies like Ghosts and Gravestones San Diego, and Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours provide captivating experiences with visits to haunted sites such as the Whaley House and El Campo Santo Cemetery. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these tours are sure to entertain and educate you about Old Town’s ghostly legends. Book a tour and discover the haunted history that makes Old Town so intriguing.
#4 TAKE A RIDE ON THE OLD TOWN TROLLEY
Courtesy of Trip Advisor
Hop on and hop off this orange and green, cable car styled trolley, as you tour the sites in early San Diego. Not only is the Old Town Trolley tour a great way to see the area, with not a bad seat, but it covers more than just San Diego Old Town. With 11 stops along a 25-mile tour, you’ll easily spend a couple hours taking in our beautiful city and enjoying historic sites along the way. Check out what to do in Old Town San Diego via their interactive map or the information booth at the entrance to the Old Town State Historic Park for more information.
#5 TAKE A STROLL THROUGH HERITAGE PARK AND THE CORAL TREE TEA HOUSE
Charming Heritage Park is located adjacent to Old Town on roughly 8-acres and is home to several restored Victorian homes, as well as San Diego’s first synagogue, The Temple Beth Israel. Although most of these homes are only restored at the exterior, after being moved to the park for preservation, it’s a beautiful example of Victorian architecture from the 1880s-1890s. At the Coral Tree Tea House perched high at the top of Heritage Park, you can enjoy a traditional, English-style tea service within the historically designated 19th century “haunted” McConaughy House. Make your reservations early to enjoy tea time and perhaps enjoy the company of past residents.
#6 CANDLE MAKING AT TOBY’S CANDLE SHOP
Bring the family and try your hand at candle making at Toby’s Candle Shop within Old Town State Park. Kids of all ages can enjoy the hands-on experience of creating these delightful keepsakes. Just pick your favorite colors to design and dip your own candles. Gather inspiration from the pre-made stock or dive right in! It’s truly an experience.
#7 VISIT THE OLD TOWN URBAN MARKET
The Old Town Urban Market is home to local San Diego restaurants where you can taste a variety of San Diego’s most iconic foods such as the Birria Tacos at Michelin mentioned Tuetano Taqueria or the street-style corn at Elote or even just grabbing a delicious cup of coffee at Pura Vida. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh salsas at Ruth’s No. 5, while you’re on the hunt for the best places to eat in Old Town San Diego too!
#8 DO A FOOD AND DRINK TASTING TOUR WITH SO DIEGO
On the roughly two-and-a-half-hour Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones guided walking tour, we’ll introduce you to the best that Old Town San Diego restaurants have to offer. Enjoy tequila cocktails, authentic Mexican cuisine, and hear ghostly tales as you pass through El Campo Santo Cemetery and the haunted Whaley House Museum. Your knowledgeable tour guide will give you the skinny on the history of the area and other fun facts. On this food tour, you will get to experience some of the best bites and drinks from our restaurant partners:
- Cafe Coyote
- Casa De Freds
- Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina
- Old Town Ice Cream
- Elote
#9 VISIT THE WHALEY HOUSE
Known as one of San Diego’s most iconic attractions and historic buildings, named after Thomas Whaley, The Whaley House’s chilling history and current paranormal activity lands it at the top of the list of America’s Most Haunted Houses. Take a guided tour through the house and grounds or view at your own pace, and maybe partake in the after- hours Paranormal Investigations if you’re brave enough. Either way, you’ll not want to miss this historic landmark.
#10 DRINKS AT OCULTO 477
Courtesy of Eater San Diego
This prohibition-style speakeasy is said to be the only one in the world to be Santo cemetery adjacent. Within the cozy little 25-seat bar, built on the burial grounds, you’ll find there are 477 lights to mark each grave site, hence the Oculto 477 moniker. Stop in to sip your way through history with period-centric cocktails. You’ll need to enter through Tahona, where the bar’s secret entrance is located.
#11 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT FIESTA DE REYES
Between the live music and Folklorico dancers, the entertainment at Fiesta de Reyes on the weekends against the backdrop of colorful Fiesta de Reyes is something you’ll not want to miss. If you’re wondering what to do in Old Town San Diego this weekend, this is it! Grab yourself a margarita and ease into the melodic serenades of the mariachi bands while the dancers twirl their vibrant skirts for a truly unforgettable San Diegan experience.
#12 ATTEND A PRODUCTION AT THE CYGNET THEATER
There’s not a bad seat in the house in the small-scale Cygnet Theater. Some of the area’s best thespians come together to put on shows like Forever Plaid and A Christmas Carol with fluency and refinement. Showcasing plays from Shakespeare to Noel Coward, you’ll want to start heading to the theater more regularly.
#13 ANNUAL EVENTS IN OLD TOWN
Mark your calendars for annual events like the Mormon Battalion Parade in January, Cinco de Mayo in May, Fiestas Patrias in September, Dia de los Muertos at the end of October-early November, and Feliz Navidad throughout December. These are only a handful of the events happening yearly through the Old Town State Historic Park, where you can be a part of a rich San Diegan tradition and living history while meeting people in San Diego. So, be sure to check in with The Old Town San Diego Guide to get updates on various other events occurring.
#14 SHOP BAZAAR DEL MUNDO
No trip is complete without that pit stop for souvenirs. Dip into the iconic Bazaar del Mundo for beautiful imports from Mexico. Celebrate the rich cultural influences of the area and take some of it home with the dazzling trinkets and artisan pottery available within this Old Town market. You can spend hours perusing the shelves so give yourself enough time to look at everything they have to offer.
With so much to do and see in beautiful, historic Old Town San Diego, start with these top 13 things! The guided Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones tour would be a great starting point so that your tour guide can send you off on the right foot.
From there, explore San Diego and take in the culture and heritage that Southern California has to offer. Enjoy!
Written by: Melissa
Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do … In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Related Posts
Hi, I’m Bianca, San Diego native, tour guide, and founder of So Diego. From food tours to customized private events, we provide travel tips, places to eat, and more to help you explore the city like a pro. Let us show you the best of San Diego!
Categories
Daily Tours
The historic Gaslamp Quarter is famous for its entertainment, shopping, and nightlife, but most people don’t realize the historic district was once home to one of the most anticipated red light districts in the West. On this guided Gaslamp tour full of cuisine, culture, and curiosities, we’ll take you through the scandalous post-Gold Rush history of the heart of downtown San Diego.
On our Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones guided tour, we take you back in time to Old Town San Diego—also known as the Birthplace of California. Together with one of our expert tour guides, you’ll discover the events and learn about the individuals that led to Old Town’s current popularity as a cultural hotspot.
But don’t worry, we don’t believe in following the usual tourist paths when it comes to exploring a town so rich in history and culture. On our Old Town food tour, you’ll get authentic food tastings, elevated cocktail sampling, and a haunted location or two for an unforgettable historic Old Town experience.
No San Diego Little Italy walking tour would be complete without exploring this culinary hotspot’s best places to eat. Known for its variety of restaurants, America’s biggest Little Italy has become a food lover’s bucket list destination, and we’re here to show it off!
Join our Little Italy walking tour full of food, fun, and Italian culture.
Planning a romantic date or your next friend’s night out? Our Little Italy wine tasting tour is the perfect way to elevate your outing and get to know one of San Diego’s most unique downtown neighborhoods.
As we stroll through this historic fishing town, you’ll learn all about the area’s rich history and, of course, sample the food and wine that makes Little Italy one of the best dining locations in all of San Diego and, dare we say, Southern California.
