Historic site where San Diego was founded. Features Mexican restaurants, shops, and the Old Town State Historic Park.

About San Diego Old Town

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park preserves the site of the first European settlement on the West Coast of the United States, where Spanish soldiers and missionaries established a presidio and mission in 1769. The park features original and reconstructed adobe buildings from the Mexican and early American periods (1820s-1870s), including the Casa de Estudillo, a beautifully restored adobe mansion, and the state's first schoolhouse.

Old Town has evolved into a vibrant destination that celebrates San Diego's Mexican and Spanish heritage through its cuisine, culture, and architecture. The central plaza is surrounded by restaurants serving traditional Mexican dishes (the area is known for excellent margaritas, carne asada, and handmade tortillas), shops selling folk art and souvenirs, and museums interpreting the city's early history.

The Old Town Transit Center, located adjacent to the historic park, is a major transportation hub connecting the San Diego Trolley's Green and Blue Lines with numerous bus routes, making Old Town a convenient base for exploring the region. The nearby Presidio Park above Old Town offers hiking trails and the Junípero Serra Museum with panoramic views of Mission Valley and the coast.

Nearby Landmarks

Old Town State Historic Park Presidio Park Junípero Serra Museum Heritage Park Whaley House

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $10-12
Time 8-10 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $8-12
Time 8-10 minutes

Arrivals curbside

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Bus 992 to Old Town Transit Center, or walk/take ride-share to the nearby Middletown station and take the Green Line one stop to Old Town.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $10-12 8-10 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $8-12 8-10 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

MTS Trolley Blue and Green Lines serve Old Town until about midnight. After that, Uber/Lyft from SAN costs just $6-10. Old Town has restaurants and bars open until 10:00-11:00 PM. The transit center is a well-lit, staffed location even in the evening.

Luggage Tips

Old Town Transit Center has no luggage storage, but hotels in the area can hold bags. The historic park area is compact and flat, manageable with luggage for a short visit. Many travelers visit Old Town on their last day before flying out, given the proximity to the airport.

Accessibility

Old Town State Historic Park has mostly flat, accessible pathways through the main plaza and buildings. Some historic adobe buildings have thresholds or steps. The Visitor Center and main museums are accessible. The trolley at Old Town Transit Center has level boarding.