a trolly pulling up to Old Town San Diego
21 Apr 2025

Old Town San Diego Visitor’s Guide

By builtbygcommerce

History Lesson

Landfall was made in San Diego in 1542 by Spanish missionaries who planted roots in the area now known as Old Town San Diego.

While San Diego is known for its amazing beaches, near-perfect weather, and popular attractions like SeaWorld San Diego and Petco Park to see a Padres game, it is also known as the birthplace of California and has an amazing Old Town district that is a must-see while visiting “America’s Finest City”.

Located just minutes from the Days Inn By Windham San Diego Hotel Circle, Old Town San Diego is one of the most vibrant parts of our coastal city. Known for great shopping opportunities, unique local attractions, and a variety of bars and restaurants, Old Town San Diego should be put at the top of your list during your visit to San Diego.

Here are some activities, events, and places you won’t want to miss when visiting Old Town San Diego this spring, including the exciting Cinco de Mayo festivities in the area!

Things to do in Old Town San Diego

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in Old Town San Diego

Old Town San Diego is the perfect place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. You’ll have so much fun experiencing this festive celebration in Old Town San Diego while you shop at over 80 unique stores, take advantage of food and drink specials from restaurants in Old Town San Diego, and enjoy entertainment such as live music, Ballet Folklorico, face painters, Fiesta de Reyes and Lucha Libre matches!

Check out the schedule of events here!

Visit These Old Town San Diego Restaurants for Cinco de Mayo

Some of the most popular restaurants in Old Town San Diego are the local Mexican establishments, making it the perfect place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in San Diego. In addition to the amazing places to grab a delicious taco (or six) and a scrumptious frozen margarita, Old Town has a variety of planned events this May for Cinco de Mayo. Here are some of the most popular restaurants in Old Town San Diego to visit this spring.

  • Casa Guadaljara – One of the most popular restaurants in Old Town San Diego, Casa Guadaljara offers festive décor, fun Mariachis, amazing patios, authentic Mexican cuisine, and “Birdbath Margaritas”!
  • Old Town Mexican Café – Serving up authentic specialties since 1977, Old Town Mexican Café is known for its handmade tortillas, touted as “the best in the world” by visitors and locals! Try the Molcajete, Carnitas, Pozole, Guacamole, and Carne Asada, which all get rave reviews.
  • Café Coyote – One of the original restaurants in Old Town San Diego, Café Coyote has been serving some of the finest Mexican cuisine for over 30 years. Enjoy delicious food, refreshing margaritas, and a festive atmosphere in the Heart of Old Town San Diego’s Historic Walking District.
  • El Sueno – One of the newest Mexican restaurants in Old Town San Diego, this lively establishment is great for families and offers authentic food and a friendly environment. Popular dishes include Cheese Dip and Tacos Mexicanos!
three tacos with colorfulpaper flowers in the background

(Photo: @cafecoyoteoldtown)

Shopping in Old Town San Diego

The rich history and culture of Old Town San Diego are evident in everything in the area, including the unique shopping opportunities.

  • Bazaar del Mundo – The best place to shop for fair-trade merchandise like fabric, books, jewelry, folk art, and woven textiles from local artisans, you’ll definitely want to visit Bazaar del Mundo during your stay at Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle.
  • Fiesta de Reyes – Located in the heart of Old Town, Fiesta de Reyes is home to 19 specialty shops offering everything from hot sauce and children’s toys to jewelry, gifts, traditional Mexican chocolate, and more.
  • Old Town Market – Home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums, Old Town Market is a must-see when visiting Old Town San Diego. Located in the Old Town Historic State Park, Old Town Market consists of three historic buildings from the 1800s – a former Convent, a Carriage house, and the Casa De Aguirre which also has a beautiful small museum for you to explore.
A colorful corner shop in Old Town San Diego

Live Entertainment in Old Town San Diego

Music is a staple in Old Town San Diego, and you can’t go far without hearing some quality artistic diversions. From buskers and Mariachi to live bands and singer-songwriters on street stages, you’ll be entertained throughout your exploration of Old Town San Diego. Check out the Cygnet Theatre for thought-provoking original work and revivals of iconic shows from the past. And for those looking for a real adventure, visit the Whaley House, one of the most haunted spots in North America, for a great show.

Take an Old Town San Diego Trolley Tour

Old Town Trolley Tours offers excellent hop-on / hop-off “transportainment” tours through some of Old Town San Diego’s most can’t-miss sightseeing spots, all narrated by friendly local historians who know the city inside and out. Expect fun stories, informative trivia, and more than 100 points of interest during this relaxing ride around Old Town.

a vibrant red and green trolley

Visit a Museum in Old Town San Diego

Learn all about the history of Old Town San Diego by visiting some of the city’s most celebrated museums.

  • Junípero Serra Museum – Offers exhibits on the West Coast’s earliest settlers.
  • McCoy Museum House – A recreation of a house originally built in 1869 for the city’s first police sheriff.
  • Seeley Stables – Provides guests with a closer look at the earliest days of San Diego transportation.
  • Wells Fargo Museum – Offers an informative peek into the West Coast gold rush era.
a large, colorfully painted victorian house

Visit a Historic Haunted Jaunt in Old Town San Diego

The lively neighborhood of Old Town is rich in history, including a variety of haunted locations. Here are a few of the most popular haunted jaunts in San Diego to visit if you dare!

  • Whaley House – Known as the most haunted house in America, tons of visitors flock to this famous location in Old Town San Diego each year.
  • El Campo Cemetery – One of the oldest cemeteries in San Diego, El Campo Cemetery holds a rich historical significance that dates back to the early 19th century.
  • Pioneer Park – Pioneer Park, formerly known as Calvary Cemetery, served as a Catholic cemetery for almost a century, with the earliest graves dating back to the 1870s.
  • Ghosts and Gravestones Tour – Board the Trolley of the Doomed and visit some of San Diego’s spookiest sights as seen on the Travel Channel.
the exterior or a colonial style brick building with large white columns and a sign that says Whaley House

Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle – The Best Hotel Near Old Town San Diego

Plan your San Diego escape this spring to the Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle to be close to all the exciting things to see and do in Old Town, including the festive Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Our pet-friendly hotel in San Diego is the perfect location to join in the holiday festivities, visit local attractions, and learn about San Diego’s culture and history. Make your reservation today to enjoy relaxing guest rooms, resort-style amenities, and a near-perfect location near Old Town and the exciting events, attractions, and planned activities in San Diego.

the beach along a long shoreline
06 Jun 2025

No Car, No Problem

By builtbygcommerce

Getting Around San Diego During Your Vacation at Days Inn Hotel Circle

When it comes to vacation time, getting there is half the fun! And while the journey is definitely part of the excitement of traveling, when you arrive in a new city, it is also important to know exactly how you will be getting everywhere you want to be.

And while SoCal is known for its high-traffic freeways, our city by the Bay also offers urban conveniences and perks to help you easily get around town during your visit. From our safe public transportation system to coastal bike paths and local trolley companies, it is so easy to get around San Diego without a car. Here are some convenient and fun ways to see the landmarks and attractions around San Diego without renting a car during your vacation.
Getting Around San Diego this Summer is a Breeze

The MTS Trolley

A red public transport train

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is a convenient and affordable way to get around San Diego during your summer vacation. Known to locals as “The Trolley,” the San Diego metro train services over 50 areas of the city with three lines, including the new UC San Diego Blue Line extension with several additional stops, including a La Jolla connection. For just $6 for a day pass and $2.50 for a one-way ticket, visitors can use the Trolley to visit many of San Diego’s most popular attractions, including San Diego beaches, outdoor movies at Rooftop Cinema Club, ComicCon, and more!

The MTS Bus

A city bus

There are also a variety of different bus stops that can get you to where you want to go in San Diego. Fun fact: Your transit pass can be used all day on any route MTS offers, and this includes the bus and trolley/train routes! From summer baseball games at Petco Park to exciting concerts at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, the MTS Bus is available to get you where you want to go this summer in San Diego, with a convenient MTS bus stop directly in front of the hotel.

Old Town Trolley Tours

a busy city street corner with a sign that reads "Old Town San Diego"

The best ride in town for summer fun in San Diego is the hop-on/ hop-off Trolley tours from Old Town. Probably the best bang for your vacation buck in San Diego, this popular sightseeing company takes you to all the best attractions in and around San Diego AND every Old Town Trolley Tour also includes complimentary admission to 10 of San Diego’s best museums. Narrated by friendly, local historians, you will enjoy listening to their fun stories, learning interesting facts, and the chance to visit over 100 points of interest during the relaxing trolley ride around San Diego. The Old Town Trolley stops in front of the Days Inn Hotel Circle and visits popular area attractions, including Old Town San Diego, Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, San Diego Convention Center, and more.

Now that you know exactly how to get around San Diego without a car during your summer vacation at the Days Inn Hotel Circle, here are some of the must-see places and exciting things to do in San Diego, including a weekend itinerary for your weekend visit.

Weekend Itinerary – Fun Things to do without a Car in San Diego This Summer

Welcome to the Days Inn Hotel Circle! Spend check-in day car-free in San Diego, enjoying our onsite amenities! Plan for dinner and drinks at Bunz Café, our onsite eatery featuring classic favorites with a fresh twist. We have been told we have the best burgers and craft beers in San Diego, but we offer a variety of other delicious favorites, too. After dinner, relax and enjoy our heated swimming pool, take a dip in the hot tub, and take a walk to visit the unique local shops near the hotel.

Saturday Fun in San Diego!

Hop on the Old Town Trolley, which has a pickup location right at the hotel for tours. Head to Old Town and grab breakfast at Encuentro Café, a quaint café with a Caribbean Island feel. Try the Cachapas, sweet corn pancakes with delicious toppings, and a Mexican Spiced Mocha! The next Old Town Trolley Stop for adventure is the Embarcadero for a visit to the USS Midway to celebrate their 20th anniversary! Spend the day exploring immersive exhibits and exciting events aboard America’s Living Symbol of Freedom – the USS Midway. This legendary aircraft carrier is a popular attraction in San Diego and has something for all ages. The day gets even better with a Major League Baseball game for your next San Diego adventure! Hop off the Old Town Trolley at Petco Park to see the Padres live in action. This exciting San Diego activity is so much fun and is popular with everyone from age 5 to 95! Grab some dinner at the ballfield and cheer for the home team at Petco Park this summer – no car needed!

Sunday in San Diego!

A man and woman standing in front of the Liberty Station sign

Have a delicious breakfast to get the day started from our onsite eatery at the Days Inn Hotel Circle. Choose from French Toast, Breakfast Burritos, and more while enjoying the sunny day on our spacious outdoor patio or grab it to go and spend a leisurely morning enjoying your comfortable hotel suite. Catch the MTS trolley/train or bus to Liberty Station for a day of fun in the sun at this popular San Diego attraction. This 360-acre entertainment complex offers a variety of delicious restaurants, unique retail shops, amazing art galleries, and exciting live entertainment options for your carless adventure in San Diego. From a great date night activity to scoring local goodies from the Farmer’s Market, Liberty Station is easily accessible without a car and offers so many things to see and do in San Diego. Next stop is the best place to enjoy splashing around – Waterfront Park in San Diego. The perfect playground for families, Waterfront Park offers a refreshing splash pad, a large green lawn area, small garden rooms, several picnic areas, and hiking trails. Also, enjoy planned events like concerts, festivals, and the Summer Movie in the Park series for fun in San Diego without a car.

Getting Around San Diego During Your Vacation at Days Inn Hotel Circle

Our convenient location near all the most popular things to do in San Diego makes the Days Inn Hotel Circle the best place to stay during your summer vacation. Our pet-friendly hotel in San Diego offers great onsite amenities to enjoy, as well as convenient pick-up and transportation from the MTS trolley/train and bus service, as well as Old Town Trolley Tours.

Park your car and make plans today for an amazing summer escape to San Diego and see all the best landmarks and sights with affordable and convenient transportation that picks you up and brings you back to Days Inn Hotel Circle after your San Diego adventures!

the San Diego Skyline
06 Jun 2025

How to Spend 48 Hours in San Diego

By builtbygcommerce

Who’s ready for a fun getaway to San Diego? Whether you are local to SoCal and are looking for an amazing staycation at the best San Diego hotels with pools, want a last-minute escape for a weekend of fun in San Diego, or need a budget-friendly getaway that won’t break the bank, the Days Inn Hotel Circle in San Diego is the perfect choice! We have planned the perfect 2-day itinerary in San Diego that includes some great restaurants, exciting activities, and even some special San Diego hotel deals for your stay at our pet-friendly Days Inn Hotel Circle in San Diego.

Here is the exciting line-up of fun things to do in San Diego near our Mission Valley hotel during your weekend vacation at our Days Inn Hotel.

The Perfect 48 Hours in San Diego

Days Inn exterior

Day 1 – Arrival at the San Diego Days Inn Hotel Circle

After a quick check-in for the weekend at Days Inn Hotel Circle in San Diego, it’s time to start enjoying your vacation. Tacos, anyone? If your answer is “yes, please and thank you,” you won’t want to miss having dinner at one of the best food trucks San Diego has to offer. Choose your favorite from the best food trucks San Diego including Baja and Ensenada Style Tacos from Fused World Tacos or enjoy local favorites like Shrimp Tacos and Asada Tacos from Mariscos La Reyna Del Sur to sample the local cuisine. After dinner, spend some time outdoors in our city by the sea. Catch a breathtaking sunset from the Ocean Beach Pier, where you can also catch a glimpse of playful dolphins and other marine life. Explore the Ocean Beach area and discover shopping on Newport Avenue and Voltaire Street, live music and theater at Ocean Beach Playhouse, and San Diego festivals and events, including fireworks for July 4th celebrations!

a baseball game at Petco Park

Day 2 – Explore San Diego

Treat yourself to breakfast at Bunz San Diego Café, our onsite eatery featuring classic favorites with a fresh twist. Enjoy delicious breakfast burritos or classic French toast while enjoying the beautiful SoCal weather from our inviting outdoor patio. Next on the agenda for Day 2 in San Diego is a visit to the San Diego Zoo. This popular San Diego attraction is perfect for family time or a great date opportunity. One of the best things to do in San Diego, you will enjoy unique wildlife encounters, watch a 4-D Theater movie, take a guided bus tour, have a fun ride on the miniature train, and so much more! Summer is the perfect time to explore the San Diego Zoo during your stay at the Days Inn Hotel Circle. While in town, be sure to cheer for the home team at a San Diego Padres baseball game at Petco Park! There’s nothing better than a Major League Baseball game experience during your San Diego adventure! See the Padres live in action and grab a cold beer for a night of baseball fun in San Diego you won’t soon forget!

All of that excitement should have you ready for dinner in San Diego! After a great day at the San Diego Zoo and a Padres baseball game, enjoy dinner with a view at an amazing rooftop restaurant and bar in San Diego. Cannonball at Belmont Park is always a fun place to watch the sunset and sip on craft cocktails at San Diego’s largest oceanfront rooftop bar. Enjoy a leisurely dinner of sushi, steak tataki, or bao buns on the amazing rooftop terrace with ocean views!

two women shopping in a clothing store

Day 3 – Before You Go

Liberty Station is a great place to start the day in San Diego. The 360-acre entertainment complex offers a variety of delicious restaurants, unique retail shops, amazing art galleries, and exciting live entertainment options for your last morning in San Diego. Grab brunch at Breakfast Republic, where you can choose from unique dishes including Oreo Pancakes, Chicken Wing Breakfast Bowls, and S’mores French Toast! After brunch, explore the unique shops and activities at Liberty Station for a great morning in San Diego. Next, since you are staying at one of the best San Diego hotels with pools, be sure to take a dip in our sparkling pool at Days Inn Hotel Circle and relax a bit before you head home from your amazing San Diego vacation!

Money-Saving Tips for your San Diego Getaway at Days Inn Hotel Circle

Start your San Diego vacation off right with our San Diego hotel deals created to help you get the most from your hard-earned vacation dollars. Also, be sure to inquire about San Diego Military hotel discounts at the Days Inn Hotel Circle to help you save even more!

Another great way to save money during your San Diego vacation is to use local transportation to get to all the places you want to visit. Old Town Trolley Tours and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) are convenient and affordable ways to get around the city during your San Diego vacation. The cost to ride the MTS trolley/train is $2.50 for a one-way ticket and $6 for a day pass. The Old Town Trolley Tours is a popular sightseeing company that takes you to all the best attractions around San Diego. In addition to being able to hop on and off the trolley at your favorite San Diego spots, every Old Town Trolley Tour also includes complimentary admission to 10 of San Diego’s best museums for more savings! Both of these transportation services offer pick-up at or near the Days Inn Hotel Circle and can take you to all the most popular attractions, including San Diego beaches, restaurants, Old Town San Diego, Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, Liberty Station, and more.

Plan the Perfect San Diego Vacation at the Days Inn Hotel Circle

We invite you to plan your San Diego vacation at the Days Inn Hotel Circle today. For the budget-conscious traveler, inquire about our San Diego military hotel discounts at the Days Inn Hotel in San Diego and also be sure to book direct for the best deals!

Plan your SoCal vacation now by booking one of our amazing San Diego hotels deals here. We can’t wait to see you and help you spend the best 48 hours in our amazing coastal paradise!

Two surfers carrying boards along the wet sand at sunrise near Scripps Pier.
01 Feb 2022

Fun and Free Things To Do in San Diego

By builtbygcommerce

San Diego earned its longstanding nickname of “America’s Finest City” for a whole host of valid reasons. Our welcoming vibe, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local culture are certainly all on the list. And since much of what makes our city so spectacular comes without a price tag attached, San Diego is a particularly easy place to enjoy yourself without needing to empty your bank account. To that end, we’ve put together a look at just some of the fun and free things to do in San Diego that don’t cost a thing to enjoy.

San Diego Museum Month

(Photo: @sandiegomuseumofart)

Our fair city is home to more than its fair share of truly excellent, world-class museums. And while most usually charge a nominal admission fee, every February here is San Diego Museum Month. During this month, many of our most notable institutions lower the ticket price significantly, and more than a few are completely free. If you’re interested in visiting, be sure to check out this list of participating museums as you plan your trip.

Balboa Park

(Video: @asyatravels)

Balboa Park isn’t just a jewel of San Diego — it’s one of the largest urban park spaces in the country. In fact, at 842 acres, Balboa Park is even bigger than Central Park in New York! In addition to representing a lushly gorgeous slice of green space, Balboa is home to some of San Diego’s most acclaimed museums, restaurants, and public art — making it the ideal place to enjoy a day in the sun without having to spend a single cent.

Visit Our Beautiful Beaches

(Photo: @oceanbeachsandiego)

San Diego is world-renowned for its eternally beautiful beaches, and for good reason. With over 70 miles of coastline of varying types (cliffs, beaches, rocky shores, tide pools, etc.), there’s truly a beach for everyone. And since the vast majority are public, it’s always an option to take a leisurely stroll, pack a picnic, and simply enjoy the warm sea breezes to your heart’s content. Not sure where to start? This handy guide from our sister property Humphreys Half Moon Inn is a good resource to help you decide where to go.

Visit Torrey Pines State Reserve

(Photo: @vincefleming)

For a truly unique San Diego experience you simply can’t get anywhere else, head to Torrey Pines State Reserve. The area is beautiful, the ocean views are spectacular, and there’s lots to check out — including the extremely rare tree from which the park draws its name. If you plan to visit, please note that Torrey Pines is protected land, so follow the responsible nature-lovers’ maxim of “Leave No Trace.” Even removing a keepsake rock is not permitted.

Grab Some Souvenir Snapshots

(Photo: @aeroviews)

If you’re in the market for some cost-free souvenirs, you’ll find that San Diego is absolutely chock-full of great places to take some “I was there” photos to remember your trip and impress your friends. From lauded local landmarks to uniquely fashionable shops and restaurants, there are vivid vistas around every corner.

Hang Out With Animals

(Photo: @thematthoward)

If you’re a fan of the animal kingdom and have a few dollars to spare, we simply can’t recommend SeaWorld San Diego or San Diego Zoo highly enough. But if you’re committed to keeping your expenses down, there are still plenty of places to enjoy the local wildlife completely free. The beach at La Jolla Shores is home to a huge school of leopard sharks, which are docile and harmless. They visit the shallow waters here in large numbers during the summer months, and it’s possible to swim or snorkel with them up close. Not far away, one of the largest colonies of leopard seals lives at Children’s Pool Beach and offers visitors a playful display several months out of the year.

Military Money Savers

(Photo: @johannavzender)

Are you an active-duty or retired member of the U.S. Armed Forces? Since we’re home to one of the country’s largest Naval bases, San Diego offers military personnel a large number of free or discounted activities to thank them for their service. From museum admission to entertainment, dining options to local attractions, we’ve found countless ways to express our appreciation for your selflessness and sacrifice.

Stay and Play at Days Inn

Need an economical place to call home during your sightseeing tour? Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle offers guests extremely competitive rates on San Diego stays. Take a look at our SPECIAL OFFERS page to select the discounted travel deal that’s right for you, and start planning your visit today!

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