Old Town San Diego is nestled in heart of San Diego, California. Old Town San Diego is considered the "birthplace" of California and is a state protected historical park. San Diego is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. It was here in 1769, Catholic priest Father Junipero Serra founded California's first Spanish mission. The mission eventually moved further inland and 1820s settlers moved closer to the water into the Gaslamp Quarter, leaving "Old Town" behind. Old Town occupies nine square blocks and preserves many historic structures including five built of adobe (mud) bricks. Other buildings include California's first schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, the state's first newspaper office and a stable. These preserved buildings, each a small museum in itself, give a glimpse into yesteryear, from shortly after the Mexican War of Independence during its pueblo Alta California period beginning in 1821, through the Bear Flag Revolt, the American period, and ending in 1872, 22 years after statehood. With more than 150 shops, award-winning restaurants, museums, and historical sites Old Town California is one of San Diego’s premier tourist attractions…More information about Old Town History

Old Town

Old Town Restaurants

Old Town offers some of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in all of San Diego. Enjoy homemade steaming hot tortillas, fresh margaritas and local mariachis that will entertain you while dining...More Restaurants in Old Town

Old Town Attractions

Old Town is the birthplace of California, visitors can come and see how former San Diegans established this great city. Old Town is filled with shops, restaurants and several museums to visit…More Attractions in Old Town