Old Town San Diego

Old Town is a touristy, historic area, the place of the first European settlement in San Diego. Usually I don't like touristy areas but this one is very cute and bright, with lovely plants and views of the hills above, covered in houses and colorful desert plants. You can eat in a cafe here or browse the gift shops filled with Day of the Dead items from Mexico. It's fun to just walk the main street, San Diego Ave, taking in the atmosphere. There are squares with willow trees and historic items on display. A lovely park with a big, sloping lawn, in front of Temple Beth Israel is my favorite spot to sit here. The temple was built in 1889 and was San Diego's first synagogue. This temple looks adorable from the outside. The inside is more plain. Next to this park, Heritage Park Row, has historic buildings with unique Victorian architecture. At the end of this street is a tea house called Coral Tree Tea House. This street is a dreamy place to walk around- you can also do a little hike into the canyon, Heritage Park Canyon.

To enter the Mormon Battalion Museum you must be on a tour or listen to a talk, so we skipped it. Step into Immaculate Conception Church to see the luminous blue sky of the mural behind the altar.
After, drive up to Presidio Park to see the bright white presidio (fort), built in 1769, and the monument to the soldiers and families of the Mormon Battalion of 1846, on a narrow walking path under beautiful eucalyptus trees.

Directions

San Diego Ave is the main strip of Old Town San Diego. You can park for free in Parking Lot C Old Town, a gigantic lot, or along any of the streets. If you just want to go to Heritage Park Row, you can park in Heritage Park Row Parking, a small parking lot.

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