Old Town San Diego
As the site of the first European settlement of what is now the State of California, Old Town San Diego is often referred to as the “State’s Birthplace.” Spanish priest, Father Junipero Serra founded California’s first mission here in 1769. Eventually, the mission moved further inland and 19th century settlers moved closer to the water to the Gaslamp Quarter, leaving the Old Town behind.
Restoration efforts in modern times tried to resurrect the historic atmosphere of the old town. The restoration and preservation efforts centered on the oldest area f the town, which occupies 9 square blocks. The park seeks to provide its visitors with a glimpse of life from 1821-1872.
Although each of the buildings within the park could already be considered as a museum in itself, each provides different amenities and activities for visitors. Among the well-preserved buildings are 5 built of adobe and presently house restaurants, shops, and a museum. Other notable buildings in the area include California’s first schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, the state’s first newspaper office, and a stable with a carriage collection. La Casa de Estudillo is a grand mansion built around a garden courtyard. It is one of the most admired architectural masterpieces of the park. La Casa de Machado y Stewart, meanwhile, is full of artifacts that reflect ordinary life of the period. Another popular attraction is the McCoy House – a reconstructed large residence built in 1869 by James McCoy, a well-to-do Irish immigrant who served as Sand Diego’s sheriff and state senator. Between the buildings are various shops with emphasis on Mexican style pottery, tinwork, and different handicrafts. The distinct architectural design of the buildings incorporates Spanish styles and early American architecture.
Even the parks’ visitor center reflects the nostalgia of a bygone era. The Robinson-Rose House Visitor Center was originally built as a 2-story structure in 1853 by James Robinson. A lawyer who came to San Diego from Texas in 1850, Robinson was able to develop a successful law practice in the area. His relative affluence enabled him to build a grand home that also housed the San Diego herald, the San Diego and Gild Railroad Office, and other private offices. His widow sold the building to Louis Rose upon Robinson’s death in 1851. A raging fire destroyed the roof of the house in 1874 and the building eventually fell into ruins by the turn of the century. The reconstructed building now serves as the visitors’ center and has on display a model of the Old Town as it looked in 1872.
Old Town San Diego
Old Town Sand Diego State Historic Park is open daily from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Admission is free. Aside from the Old World nostalgia, visitors often flock to the park to shop and eat. Seldom comes a time when visitors would go home empty-handed. Most are enchanted to view the numerous shops within the park and are even more enticed to purchase one of the many affordable yet finely made products. The park is also popular for its authentic Mexican restaurants including 4 that are park owned: The Cosmopolitan Restaurant, Jolly Boy Restaurant and Saloon, Casa de Reyes, and El Fandango.
Old Town is Home to :
- 8 Quality Hotels
- 32 Restaurants
- 106 Speciality Shops
- 12 Art Galleries
- 27 Historic Buildings & Sites
- Old Town State Historic Park
- Heritage Park (Victorian Homes)
- Presidio Park
- Sheriff's Museum
- Old Town Trolley Tours
- The Theatre in Old Town
- Mormon Battalion Visitors Center
Historic Sites :
- Robinson-Rose Bldg.
- James McCoy House
- Casa de Wrightington
- San Diego House
- U.S. House
- Casa Machado Silvas
- Racine & Larame Tobacco Store
- Colorado House
- First Brick Courthouse
- Mason Street School
- Casa Machado y Stewart
- McKinstry Dentist
- San Diego Union
- Casa de Pedrorena
- Casa de Estudillo
- Alvarado House
- Johnson House
- Blacksmith Shop
- Casa de Bandini
- Seeley Stables
- Immaculate Conception Church
- Derby Pendleton House
- Whaley House
- Sheriff's Museum
- Little Adobe Chapel
- El Campo Cemetery
- Casa de Carillo
- Serra Museum
- Mormon Battalion
Old Town San Diego
Chamber of Commerce
2383 San Diego Avenue
San Diego CA 92110
(Phone) 619.291.4903
(Fax) 619.291.9383