Old Town San Diego Visitor’s Guide
History Lesson: Landfall was made in San Diego in 1542 by Spanish missionaries who planted roots in the area now known as Old Town San Diego.
While San Diego is known for its amazing beaches, near-perfect weather, and popular attractions like SeaWorld San Diego and Petco Park to see a Padres game, it is also known as the birthplace of California and has an amazing Old Town district that is a must-see while visiting “America’s Finest City”.
Located just minutes from the Days Inn By Windham San Diego Hotel Circle, Old Town San Diego is one of the most vibrant parts of our coastal city. Known for great shopping opportunities, unique local attractions, and a variety of bars and restaurants, Old Town San Diego should be put at the top of your list during your visit to San Diego.
Here are some activities, events, and places you won’t want to miss when visiting Old Town San Diego this spring, including the exciting Cinco de Mayo festivities in the area!
Old Town Visitor’s Guide – Things to do in Old Town San Diego
- Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in Old Town San Diego
- Old Town San Diego is the perfect place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. You’ll have so much fun experiencing this festive celebration in Old Town San Diego while you shop at over 80 unique stores, take advantage of food and drink specials from restaurants in Old Town San Diego, and enjoy entertainment such as live music, Ballet Folklorico, face painters, Fiesta de Reyes and Lucha Libre matches! Check out the schedule of events here!
- Visit These Old Town San Diego Restaurants for Cinco de Mayo
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Old Town San Diego are the local Mexican establishments, making it the perfect place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in San Diego. In addition to the amazing places to grab a delicious taco (or six) and a scrumptious frozen margarita, Old Town has a variety of planned events this May for Cinco de Mayo. Here are some of the most popular restaurants in Old Town San Diego to visit this spring.
- Casa Guadaljara – One of the most popular restaurants in Old Town San Diego, Casa Guadaljara offers festive décor, fun Mariachis, amazing patios, authentic Mexican cuisine, and “Birdbath Margaritas”!
- Old Town Mexican Café – Serving up authentic specialties since 1977, Old Town Mexican Café is known for its handmade tortillas, touted as “the best in the world” by visitors and locals! Try the Molcajete, Carnitas, Pozole, Guacamole, and Carne Asada, which all get rave reviews.
- Café Coyote – One of the original restaurants in Old Town San Diego, Café Coyote has been serving some of the finest Mexican cuisine for over 30 years. Enjoy delicious food, refreshing margaritas, and a festive atmosphere in the Heart of Old Town San Diego’s Historic Walking District.
- El Sueno – One of the newest Mexican restaurants in Old Town San Diego, this lively establishment is great for families and offers authentic food and a friendly environment. Popular dishes include Cheese Dip and Tacos Mexicanos!
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Old Town San Diego are the local Mexican establishments, making it the perfect place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in San Diego. In addition to the amazing places to grab a delicious taco (or six) and a scrumptious frozen margarita, Old Town has a variety of planned events this May for Cinco de Mayo. Here are some of the most popular restaurants in Old Town San Diego to visit this spring.
(Photo: @cafecoyoteoldtown)
- Shopping in Old Town San Diego
- The rich history and culture of Old Town San Diego are evident in everything in the area, including the unique shopping opportunities.
- Bazaar del Mundo – The best place to shop for fair-trade merchandise like fabric, books, jewelry, folk art, and woven textiles from local artisans, you’ll definitely want to visit Bazaar del Mundo during your stay at Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle.
- Fiesta de Reyes – Located in the heart of Old Town, Fiesta de Reyes is home to 19 specialty shops offering everything from hot sauce and children’s toys to jewelry, gifts, traditional Mexican chocolate, and more.
- Old Town Market – Home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums, Old Town Market is a must-see when visiting Old Town San Diego. Located in the Old Town Historic State Park, Old Town Market consists of three historic buildings from the 1800s – a former Convent, a Carriage house, and the Casa De Aguirr,e which also has a beautiful small museum for you to explore.
- The rich history and culture of Old Town San Diego are evident in everything in the area, including the unique shopping opportunities.
- Live Entertainment in Old Town San Diego
- Music is a staple in Old Town San Diego, and you can’t go far without hearing some quality artistic diversions. From buskers and Mariachi to live bands and singer-songwriters on street stages, you’ll be entertained throughout your exploration of Old Town San Diego. Check out the Cygnet Theatre for thought-provoking original work and revivals of iconic shows from the past. And for those looking for a real adventure, visit the Whaley House, one of the most haunted spots in North America, for a great show.
- Take an Old Town San Diego Trolley Tour
- Old Town Trolley Tours offers excellent hop-on / hop-off “transportainment” tours through some of Old Town San Diego’s most can’t-miss sightseeing spots, all narrated by friendly local historians who know the city inside and out. Expect fun stories, informative trivia, and more than 100 points of interest during this relaxing ride around Old Town.
- Visit a Museum in Old Town San Diego
- Learn all about the history of Old Town San Diego by visiting some of the city’s most celebrated museums.
- Junípero Serra Museum – Offers exhibits on the West Coast’s earliest settlers.
- McCoy Museum House – A recreation of a house originally built in 1869 for the city’s first police sheriff.
- Seeley Stables – Provides guests with a closer look at the earliest days of San Diego transportation.
- Wells Fargo Museum – Offers an informative peek into the West Coast gold rush era.
- Learn all about the history of Old Town San Diego by visiting some of the city’s most celebrated museums.
- Visit a Historic Haunted Jaunt in Old Town San Diego
- The lively neighborhood of Old Town is rich in history, including a variety of haunted locations. Here are a few of the most popular haunted jaunts in San Diego to visit if you dare!
- Whaley House – Known as the most haunted house in America, tons of visitors flock to this famous location in Old Town San Diego each year.
- El Campo Cemetery – One of the oldest cemeteries in San Diego, El Campo Cemetery holds a rich historical significance that dates back to the early 19th century.
- Pioneer Park – Pioneer Park, formerly known as Calvary Cemetery, served as a Catholic cemetery for almost a century, with the earliest graves dating back to the 1870s.
- Ghosts and Gravestones Tour – Board the Trolley of the Doomed and visit some of San Diego’s spookiest sights as seen on the Travel Channel.
- The lively neighborhood of Old Town is rich in history, including a variety of haunted locations. Here are a few of the most popular haunted jaunts in San Diego to visit if you dare!
Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle – The Best Hotel Near Old Town San Diego
Plan your San Diego escape this spring to the Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle to be close to all the exciting things to see and do in Old Town, including the festive Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Our pet-friendly hotel in San Diego is the perfect location to join in the holiday festivities, visit local attractions, and learn about San Diego’s culture and history. Make your reservation today to enjoy relaxing guest rooms, resort-style amenities, and a near-perfect location near Old Town and the exciting events, attractions, and planned activities in San Diego.