Guide To Visiting Old Town San Diego
For those who wish to learn about San Diego’s history, a first stop on any city tour should be Old Town — the first site of Spanish settlement on the West Coast. It’s also just a couple miles from Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle, making it a convenient destination to explore during your visit. Read on for an overview of what you’ll find here, the latest installment of our ongoing series of neighborhood guides. We’ve narrowed down our absolute favorites, among the 32 restaurants, 10 hotels, 100 boutiques, 36 museums, and historic sites.
Dining
Pay homage to the neighborhood’s Mexican culture at Café Coyote — here you can nibble on burritos and tacos made with fresh handmade tortillas while watching mariachi musicians wander around the esplanade. Miguel’s Cocina is another local classic, dishing up zesty salads, enchiladas, and burritos. We also recommend Pizza Bella, an Italian bistro with salads, soups, and a build-your-own pizza menu, as well as Harney Sushi, which specializes in modern Japanese fare.
Shopping
Old Town is a great place to pick up a thoughtfully made San Diego souvenir. At the Bazaar del Mundo, find fair-trade merchandise, including jewelry, fabrics, folk art, books, and kitchenware, and even watch artisans weave traditional textiles. The Fiesta de Reyes holds 19 historic specialty shops, peddling hot sauce, children’s toys, jewelry, and so much more.
Things to Do
The Cygnet Theatre hosts thought-provoking original work and revivals of iconic shows from the past, like “La Cage Aux Folles,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” and “Cabaret.” It has won prestigious awards from institutions such as the American Theatre Wing. The Whaley House is a nineteenth-century historic house museum that is considered the number-one most haunted house in America. Ghost tours are offered here year-round.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to explore all of Old Town’s treasures? Check out the exclusive offers at Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle Near SeaWorld and start planning your stay.