Old Town San Diego

Sights & Landmarks • San Diego, California United States

Old Town San Diego, renowned for its vibrant history and cultural significance, stands as a testament to the rich heritage of California. This colorful district is a captivating blend of colonial architecture, historic sites, and authentic Mexican influence, making it a must-visit destination in San Diego. As you wander the bustling streets, you'll encounter a plethora of sights and landmarks that transport you back in time. The iconic Old Town State Historic Park is a treasure trove of restored adobe buildings, museums, and quaint shops, offering visitors a glimpse into San Diego's past. One of the highlights is the Whaley House Museum, known for its alleged hauntings and intriguing tales. Stroll through the vibrant plazas and gardens, where musicians serenade passersby and artisans showcase their craft. Indulge in delectable Mexican cuisine at one of the many authentic eateries, adding a culinary experience to your exploration. Become acquainted with the political heart of the area with a visit to the Old Town Courthouse. Beyond its historical significance, Old Town San Diego remains a beloved colloquial area where locals and tourists alike come together to celebrate the city's diverse cultural tapestry.


Tours for Old Town San Diego

Exploring the area? Book a tour to fully experience everything Old Town San Diego has to offer. A guided tour will provide you with fascinating insights and hidden gems that you might miss on your own.

San Diego Tequila Tour in San Diego, California $125 Tour Provided by Viator

San Diego Tequila Tour

San Diego, California United States

Read over 300 reviews on my website.
The group will meet in Old Town San Diego at Rockin' Baja Lobster, a notoriously fun Mexican restaurant! We'll sip our first tequila while enjoying chips and a full salsa bar!
Our next stop is high on the hillside, Old Town Tequila Factory, where we sample another shot of tequila AND enjoy a delicious fish taco on the rooftop patio with a beautiful scenic view that overlooks Downtown San Diego and the San Diego Harbor that gives that perfect backdrop for a selfie!
As the tour continues, we learn about the Whaley House, early California, grave sites, historical markers, and other Old Town facts as we pass them by on our way to our final stop.
Saving the best for last, the restaurant, bar and tequila museum El Agave. This is a top shelf tequileria and carries over 2,000 tequilas. Here, each guest is treated to YOUR OWN PERSONAL FLIGHT of tequila that is highly rated by the bar vendors while enjoying the fine dining establishment ending our tour!

San Diego GoCar: Best Value, Full Day Option in San Diego, California $159 Tour Provided by Viator

San Diego GoCar: Best Value, Full Day Option

San Diego, California United States

The all day Everything Tour is fun for the whole family, and lets you see nearly everything San Diego has to offer. From the historic Gaslamp Quarter where the fun is always happening and the iconic Horton Plaza where the shopping is just as fun as navigating the mall. You will see the beautiful rose garden of Balboa Park and the natural Beauty of the Point Loma Ecological preserve where you can wade through the tide pools looking at sea anemones, crabs, lobster, fish and the occasional octopus. You can walk around Ocean Beach and San Diego’s famous Maritime Museum, experience the always beautiful Balboa park where a Family photo is a must, and stroll through Old Town San Diego and see how San Diego has changed over the centuries from the small Mission and Mexican community it was to the Most Beautiful City in America.
*If booking more than 2 people please submit separate orders!

Private Customizable Iconic City Highlights Tour - Cultural, Historic, Shuttled in San Diego, California $455 Tour Provided by Viator

Private Customizable Iconic City Highlights Tour - Cultural, Historic, Shuttled

San Diego, California United States

Journey with award winning tour guide Julie Kremen around San Diego’s cultural and historic sites—on a private tour of fun and informative must-see sightseeing hotspots.

On this private tour, you will experience and thoroughly understand how San Diego came to be the world-class modern city that it is. We’ll travel through the rich history of San Diego from its discovery by Spanish conquistadores, to the lively and festive Mexican period, to the days when it was the Wild Wild West’s new American frontier. And, of course, you’ll learn about its present-day standing as the 8th largest city in the US and what makes it the epitome of Southern California lifestyle. Discover why we are “America’s Finest City” and watch out… many who come to visit end up moving here!

Note: This 4 hour private tour is fully customizable; contact Julie to book as described above or to discuss how to change to suit your needs.

The San Diego Tour from S.OC in San Diego, California $99 Tour Provided by Viator

The San Diego Tour from S.OC

San Diego, California United States

Come join us for a fun-filled adventure of touring “America’s Finest City” – San Diego! From the white sand beaches of La Jolla to the oldest Spanish settlement of Old Town, the vibrancy of The Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, Downtown San Diego, Little Italy, and Coronado Island, San Diego has it all and we want to show you the best of it on our sightseeing tour of San Diego! Whether on vacation with your family or in town for the day on business, you will be sure to fall in love with this city on the sea. From our Best Coast Tours family to yours, come cruise with the Best!

All Day San Diego Tour in the GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar in San Diego, California $455 Tour Provided by Viator

All Day San Diego Tour in the GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar

San Diego, California United States

This is the ultimate way to see Everything San Diego has to offer. Tour the city in the world's first storytelling car. Visit and learn interesting facts as you pass by San Diego’s biggest attractions. From the historic Gaslamp District with its incredible gastronomy scene to the Horton Plaza where you can find one-of-a-kind shopping in quint small mom-and-pop shops. Visit the breath-taking Rose Garden of Balboa Park and the natural beauty of the Ecological Preserve, Point Loma. The Point Loma tide pools are fun to wade through looking at sea anemones, crabs, and other aquatic life. Stroll around Ocean Beach and the famous San Diego Maritime Museum. Don’t forget the world-famous San Diego Zoo is in Balboa Park. See how Old Town San Diego has changed and grown over the years. Experience the culture and diversity of Mexican culture that has made San Diego one of the most beautiful cities in America. If you want to see everything San Diego has to offer, GoCar Tours is the way to go!

San Diego Private Tour in San Diego, California $849 Tour Provided by Viator

San Diego Private Tour

San Diego, California United States

Perfect to explore the southern city of California in a day and have a feel of the Mexican influence.

San Diego Ghost Tour in San Diego, California $25 Tour Provided by Viator

San Diego Ghost Tour

San Diego, California United States

I am the only real ghost tour here in San Diego, I do the ghost hunting and then tell you and show you what I have found.

Everything is Real. No Costumes

After 23 years of Ghost Hunting here in San Diego and Around the US I would like to show you what I have found.

Join me as we go into the Most haunted and Paranormally Active Building here in San Diego

The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant here in Old Town San Diego
is the Haunted building we enter after booking a ghost tour with me consider booking a room here in the hotel.

San Diego Driving Tour: Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park & Old Town in San Diego, California $475 Tour Provided by Viator

San Diego Driving Tour: Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park & Old Town

San Diego, California United States

On the San Diego half-day highlights tour, you will visit many of the city’s major historical sites, neighbourhoods and parks, including Balboa Park, the elegant architecture of the Gaslamp Quarter, the Old Town’s rich culture and the beautiful coastal stretch of some of San Diego's beaches.

Through the local insight of your private guide, you will be introduced to some of San Diego’s lesser-known corners with plenty of opportunities to grab some fabulous photographs of the city’s most picturesque landmarks, be it quaint Victorian streets, bloom-filled gardens, or the stunning cliff-strewn coastline that are home to seals, marine birds and rugged sea caves.

Please note that the Botanical Garden in Balboa Park is closed for major renovation until the end of 2024.