Updated April 27, 2023

When in San Diego, Old Town is a great place to start your visit as it is considered the birthplace of California. Wondering what to do or what to see in Old Town San Diego? We’ve got the list of must-see sites, must-do activities, and San Diego tours so you don’t miss a thing.

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 the historic Presidio Hill, and learn all about San Diego’s rich history.

Explore the Historic State Park of Old Town

Start at the existing replica of the Robinson-Rose House which houses the information visitor center for Old Town State Historic Park. Reconstructed in 1989 after being demolished around 1900, the Pobinson-Rose House contains a model of the area within that will give you an idea of what Old Town used to look like in the 1840s, with buildings, monuments, and museums depicting early 1820 to 1870 San Diego. Then take in the free museums like the La Casa de Estudillo, The Seeley Stables, the Mason Street School House, and the First San Diego Courthouse Museum, where you can see the actual jail cells. There’s so much to see, you’ll be glad you stopped by visitor information in order to plan out your day. 

Take a ride on the Old Town Trolley

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. 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.

Courtesy of Trip Advisor

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.

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 Historic 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.

Visit the Old Town Urban Market

The Old Town Urban Market is home to local eateries where you can taste a variety of San Diego’s most iconic foods such as the Birria Tacos at Michelin mentioned Tuetano Tacqueria 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!

Take So Diego’s Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Tour

Do you want to try Old Town San Diego Ghost Tour? 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 has 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.

Visit the Whaley House

Known as one of San Diego’s most iconic attractions, 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.

Drinks at Oculto 477

This prohibition-style speakeasy is said to be the only one in the world to be located 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.

Courtesy of Eater San Diego

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 experience. 

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.

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 tradition 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.

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 marketplace. 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 surround you. 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.