Old Town State Park is known as the Birthplace of California. In 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain, a small group of Mexican settlers began building homes at the foot of the hillside below the first mission and Presidio. Because wood was scarce at the time, sun-dried adobe bricks were used. Thus, the buildings had a different look, a brownish-red color and rough exterior.

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour
Actual time depends on your choices

Old Town State Historic Park

Join us for free, historic storytelling, shows and entertainment every day of the week. Shop in our 40 unique gift stores, watch working artisans, or enjoy a bite to eat. Learn about the rich history of Old Town San Diego in our free museum. We invite you to visit our Festival Marketplace and experience Old Town San Diego, the Birthplace of California.

Adjacent to the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the Old Town Community exudes colonial beauty and the flavors and heritage of its early settlers. Several restaurants serve up Mexican and Californian cuisine, while quaint stores and boutiques provide unique shopping experiences. Up the hill there is Heritage Park, a protected county park is the setting for seven of San Diego’s most splendid Victorian homes that were relocated and restored to their original grandeur.

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour
Actual time depends on your choices

Old Town Community

Best Western Hacienda
Distance to Trolley Stop: Aprx 1 block
4041 Harney St.
(619) 298-4707

Days Inn - Hotel Circle
Distance to Trolley Stop: Aprx 2 miles
Trolley Shuttle Service Available
543 Hotel Circle S.
(619) 297-8800

Handlery Hotel & Resort
Distance to Trolley Stop: 2 miles
Trolley Shuttle Service Available
950 Hotel Circle N. • (619) 298-0511

Holiday Inn Express Old Town
Distance to Trolley Stop: Aprx 5 blocks
3900 Old Town Ave.
(619) 299-7400

Town & Country Resort
Distance to Trolley Stop: 2 miles
Trolley Shuttle Service Available
500 Hotel Circle N. • (619) 291-7131