Things to do in Old Town San Diego
San Diego is a popular city for family adventures, and Old Town offers countless attractions, including some must-visit American historical sites and museums. Popular things to do in Old Town include visiting La Casa de Estudillo, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Serra Museum, and the Whaley House. The La Casa de Estudillo is an 1825 adobe home formerly belonging to a Spanish aristocrat. Guests can tour the property to discover what life was like during the 1800s. It’s free to enter, but donations are accepted. The historic Church of the Immaculate Conception began construction in 1868 but wasn’t completed until 1919. The Serra Museum (free, but suggested $10 donation) tells the story of Old Town’s first residents, the Kumeyaay. It also includes photos and exhibits chronicling the town’s history to the present day. And the Whaley House Museum (from $13.30) offers a glimpse into early California history. Plus, it is the most haunted house in America, according to the Travel Channel.
Shopping is another popular pastime in Old Town. There’s a diverse range of options. The Old Town Market offers more than 40 shops in a gorgeous historic setting. Cousin’s Candy Shop sells old-fashioned sweets — their salt-water taffy is very popular! And Toby’s Candle Shop lets customers make their very own candles as well as witness an old-fashioned candle carving technique.
Where to eat in Old Town San Diego
Old Town is known for its Mexican cuisine as well as its history. And no place better combines the two than the Barra Barra Saloon. Their menu and the décor illustrate the merging of Mexico and the U.S. in the 1800s. Two indoor dining rooms with hides and colorful Mexican artifacts sit on either side of the saloon. The outside patio has firepits, chandeliers, and views of the State Historic Park.
Two more popular places are Café Coyote and El Agave. Café Coyote is an award-winning Mexican restaurant. Open since 1989, it’s considered a landmark in Old Town. The outdoor courtyard is full of flowers, guests can sip margaritas while listening to mariachis, the tortillas are handmade, and delicious dishes contain authentic and fresh ingredients created by Mexican chefs. El Agave, similarly, is also an award-winning Mexican restaurant. Open since 1996, El Agave’s food is delicious, but what really makes it stand out is its tequila museum, which offers more than 2,000 different tequilas.
