On the lookout for enjoyable issues to do in Previous City San Diego? The in depth record under gives loads of concepts, from immersing your self within the space’s wealthy heritage by museums and excursions to indulging your inventive aspect with workshops and craft-making.
This vibrant historic district is taken into account the birthplace of California, and time spent right here could be each enjoyable and academic, with a hands-on angle. And, there’s nice procuring and meals, too.
Practically each sort of vacationer visits Previous City San Diego sights, from households and enterprise vacationers to historical past buffs and ghost hunters. Since many actions are free, it fits varied budgets, too. Under, we talk about which of the numerous issues to are value house in your itinerary.
It can save you on tickets, excursions, and lodges by my affiliations. Should you make purchases by the hyperlinks on this publish, I could also be compensated.
1. Begin on the Robinson-Rose Customer Middle
- 4098 Mason St, San Diego, CA 92110
- (619) 220-5422
- parks.ca.gov
As Previous City’s customer middle and park headquarters, the Robinson Rose Home is a good place to begin. Right here you possibly can find out about many fascinating issues to do in Previous City San Diego, view museum reveals, and be part of strolling excursions. Decide up a number of the brochures that speak about native sights.
Among the many highlights at this museum are the miniature mannequin shows of what Previous 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 be taught 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 would possibly even expertise a little bit of the paranormal since this constructing is reportedly haunted, like another Previous City buildings.
2. Grow to be a Junior Ranger (And Different Children’ Actions)
The California Division of Parks and Recreation has a Junior Ranger program for teenagers, making exploring state parks much more enjoyable.
You possibly can choose up a free booklet on the Robinson-Rose Customer Middle 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 produce it with you. I additionally like this coloring booklet, which is a couple of pages lengthy. If you realize you’ll go to Previous City San Diego, have the youngsters coloration it prematurely to allow them to spot acquainted indicators and buildings whereas there.
3. Take a Self-Guided Strolling Tour
Should you’re not sure the place to start, take a free, self-guided strolling tour by the historic locations in Previous 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 possibly can take a look online at recommended stops or seize a tour map on the customer middle for a small payment.
This stroll by historical past passes by many historic buildings. There’s the Johnson Home, inbuilt 1870 by George Alonzo Johnson, a steamboat captain on the Colorado River. The Mason Avenue College, inbuilt 1865, was the primary publicly constructed schoolhouse in San Diego County. Many buildings are open with free admission and even have their very own transient, free excursions.
4. Go to the Free Museums in Previous City San Diego State Historic Park
So many issues to do in Previous City San Diego are freed from cost — together with most of the distinctive museums discovered right here.
Test with the Previous City Chamber of Commerce and Robinson-Rose Guests Middle to be taught which museums are free and what their hours are. The record is in depth; we’ve included a couple of right here.
The McCoy Home was inbuilt 1869 by Irish-born immigrant James McCoy—who grew to become fluent in Spanish—as a marriage present 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 marriage 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 couple of others which are free and talked about under. You’ll want to go to Previous City’s free museums to find out about San Diego’s multicultural historical past.
You’ll discover over 100 retailers in Previous 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 possibly can browse 40 distinctive indoor and outside retailers promoting items from Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, Vietnam, and different areas.
Procuring 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 Previous Mexico’s allure. Buy honest commerce merchandise from around the globe, together with people artwork, jewellery, trend, and residential décor.
All through Previous City, you’ll encounter a wide array of specialty retailers that draw you in. Cousin’s Sweet Store sells old school sweets, together with saltwater taffy and do-it-yourself 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 deliver house.
The Finest Locations to Browse
The place to go Procuring in Previous City
We put collectively an inventory of the place to search out enjoyable presents and souvenirs whilst you discover this historic neighborhood.
6. Stroll Via a Well-known Haunted Home — Whaley Home Museum
One of the standard issues to do in Previous City San Diego is to go to the Whaley Home Museum. It was the previous house of a pioneering household, but it surely’s extensively regarded immediately as one of the haunted homes in North America, due to 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 normal 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, Previous City gives a number of the greatest 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 Previous City, together with an enormous 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 Previous 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 Previous 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 pals for an upscale eating expertise in an institution that celebrates mezcal. Tasting room obtainable by reservation.
- Harney Sushi: This elegant sushi place gives a wide array of conventional and up to date 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. Previous City City Market
A comparatively new addition to the Previous City scene, this market place is situated simply outdoors of Previous City San Diego State Historic Park.
Whereas there may be retail house obtainable, 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 lined patio that isn’t massive, so get there early. All the things is counter-order, so you would seize it to go for a picnic in Previous City State Historic Park.
9. Store and Eat at Fiesta de Reyes
Fiesta is an effective way to explain this vibrant part of Previous City, the place you possibly can store, dine, and luxuriate in free, stay musical performances in a novel 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 possibly can get pleasure from a number of Previous City San Diego sights with out having to stroll far since the whole lot is shut collectively but far sufficient aside to provide 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 inside the engaging, hacienda-style environment of Barra Barra Saloon. Each locations serve genuine Mexican delicacies, from commonplace favorites to new creations and a big choice of margaritas.
Store at one of many distinctive shops, corresponding to Treasures of Mexico, Previous 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 outstanding households such because the Estudillos and Fitchs.
Over time, the world’s improvement modified the boundaries of the cemetery. Some our bodies have been relocated and paved over whereas others stay buried as meant. This has mentioned to have disturbed some trapped souls and set off some paranormal exercise.
A part of the cemetery was restored primarily based on outdated data and guests immediately can stroll by 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 Middle.
A number of viewpoints current beautiful views — you possibly can see Mission Bay and the coast — whereas nature surrounds you, with a big assortment of gorgeous, mature bushes 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 positioning 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 Website
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 Previous City.
The middle gives free excursions each day, displaying glimpses of what life was like within the area through the mid-1800s. The tour lasts 45 minutes and contains an interactive video concerning the battalion, plus a take a look at varied artifacts. You’ll need to allocate an hour to an hour and a half to take part in the whole lot the middle gives.
All areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible. For guests’ comfort, the positioning has a small car parking zone within the again—just like the museum, parking is free. You’ll want to try the stunning views from the window as you stroll by.
13. Watch a Efficiency at Previous City Theatre
- 4040 Twiggs St, San Diego, CA 92110
- (619) 337-1525
- Name or test on-line for exhibits and hours
- cygnettheatre.com
The Cygnet Theatre firm runs one of the distinctive Previous City San Diego sights the place you possibly can get pleasure from the whole lot from Shakespeare performs to extra up to date musicals. Housed in a constructing nonetheless referred to as the Previous City Theatre — on a web site that was once a barn — the Cygnet Theatre presents stay performances inside a one-of-a-kind theatrical setting.
An fascinating historic tidbit: between 1986 and 1991, the theater served as a stage for pupil productions. Among the many alumni from this era are actor and singer Jamie Foxx and actor John Barrowman (of Physician Who fame).
At the moment you possibly can catch theatrical productions like El Huracán, a multi-generational lyrical story concerning the energy of forgiveness, or cabaret-style leisure.
Test the web site to see what’s taking part in and find out about particular performances, corresponding to these providing ASL interpretation or evenings devoted to the LGBTQIA neighborhood. 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 Every day: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
- parks.ca.gov
As one of many rigorously restored historic adobe homes in Previous 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 gorgeous 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 fire within the eating room whereas and one other room homes working instruments of the time, together with a big spinning wheel. Different highlights embody an outside 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 Every day: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- tobyscandles.com
Many issues to do in Previous City San Diego are hands-on. Making your personal candles at a historic candle store is definitely one in every of these actions. At Toby’s Candle & Cleaning soap Store, you should buy stunning candles should you don’t have time to make one.
A little bit concerning the store. It was established in 1981 by burgeoning candle-making lovers who started to show candle carving methods all through Southern California malls and even at Knott’s Berry Farm. Toby’s Candles has been in Previous City since 1992.
Your candle-making expertise is a chance to make your personal stunning present for your self or a good friend. The store welcomes walk-ins, however reservations are wanted for teams of ten or extra.
Should you’re quick on time, the candle dipping course of is the best choice; it doesn’t take lengthy however may be very satisfying. In case you have extra time, make your personal sand wax candle. You will have a minimum of twenty minutes for this enjoyable undertaking.
16. Spend a Night time on the Cosmopolitan Lodge
If you wish to immerse your self on this historic district to have extra time to get pleasure from all of the Previous City San Diego sights which are obtainable, spend an evening or two on the Cosmopolitan Lodge. 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, every bit a real murals. With simply ten rooms to are likely to, the resort employees can ship attentive, personalised service to each visitor.
This mattress and breakfast institution serves do-it-yourself pastries with scorching espresso and tea within the constructing’s old school saloon. For a lot of company, the most effective components of staying right here is getting away from all of it — there aren’t 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 recognized to throw nice events.
The Finest Locations to Keep
Prime Previous City San Diego Inns
Historic, funds, and pleasant lodges and motels to think about on your trip.
17. See Stagecoaches and Extra at Seely Steady 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 youngsters, the Seely Steady 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 have been transported throughout the nation earlier than the railroad traces have been established. Stagecoach journey was a dangerous option to journey between locations, however the California gold rush inspired vacationers to enterprise west regardless of the hazards. On the museum, you’ll see maps displaying outdated stage routes—the popular journey mode earlier than the times of prepare tracks and freeways.
By the way in which, the museum is called after Albert Lewis Seeley, who, at 17, grew to become a stagecoach driver and established america 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 Previous City Trolley Tour
Should you’re not sure what to do in Previous City San Diego, place to begin may be getting there through the Previous City Trolley. This hop-on, hop-off expertise runs by a number of components of San Diego and contains eleven stops. You possibly can hop off and store, eat, or sightsee earlier than hopping again on and persevering with together 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 Previous 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. (test the schedule earlier than you go)
- parks.ca.gov
As a part of the California Division of Parks and Recreation, Previous City makes dwelling historical past packages obtainable to all ages. Folks put on interval clothes, answering questions concerning the area’s historical past for memorable, interactive exchanges. Reside demonstrations deliver San Diego’s historical past alive for locals and guests alike.
On a Wednesday or Saturday, see dwelling historical past demonstrations of the whole lot from furnishings constructing to quilting. Demos fluctuate from week to week. You would possibly learn the way folks used to spin wool into thread and see outdated blacksmithing methods in motion.
On the Kosay Kumeyaay Market, the traditions of the area’s first peoples are preserved and demonstrated. You would possibly see time-honored basket weaving methods or maybe different artisans at work.
As you browse Previous City, it’s possible you’ll encounter varied dwelling historical past demonstrations, re-enactments, performances, and mini-talks. Should you see somebody in interval clothes, be happy to ask questions on what life was like right here up to now.
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 company should be ages 21+
I really feel like Rose’s is a little bit of a hidden gem. In any case, 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 it’s possible you’ll be shocked to know that there’s somewhat tasting room with indoor and outside seating that can help you style a number of 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 couple of cocktails on the menu.
It makes for a stunning cease in between sights. Previous City San Diego, we predict, is greatest skilled on a sunny day whenever you’re not in a rush. And, it’s possible you’ll end up having fun with sips and suds at Rose’s for longer than anticipated.
What do you assume are one of the best issues to do in Previous City San Diego?
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