San Diego Museum Of Us
Housed in the historic California Building, with its soaring California Tower, the Museum of Us has been educating and entertaining visitors from around the world for more than 100 years. The museum offers a variety of unique, interactive exhibits that cover a vast range of human history and culture from beer to cannibalism to monsters. The museum also offers guided tours of the California Tower, where visitors can learn about the history of Balboa Park and San Diego while taking in sweeping, 360-degree views of San Diego from nearly 200 feet up.
Old Town San Diego Shops
Old Town is absolutely filled with shopping opportunities for tourists. Youll find a vast selection of period-looking imported handicrafts, vintage candy , modern T-shirts and postcards, hats or wind chimes, jewelry or art, home decor or accessories, in a variety of fun specialty shops full of colors.
Dipping candles at Tobys Candle Shop is another popular and fun thing to do for visitors to Old Town.
Vendors are all over Old Town State Historic Park and just outside the park on the adjacent streets. You literally cannot miss the myriad shopping opportunities, even if you wanted to, but here are the three main areas filled with Old Town San Diego shops and a weekend market.
The Pioneer Family Of San Diego
Although the Whaley House was a communal treasure, it primarily served as the residential home for Thomas Whaley and his family. Thomas Whaley arrived in California around 1849, during the famous California Gold Rush. Upon arrival, he set up a store with George Wardle on Montgomery Street in San Francisco. It was there where he sold hardware and woodwork from his familys New York business, Pye & Whaley, as well as offering mining equipment and utensils on consignment. Born on October 5, 1823, the young entrepreneur came from a Scots-Irish family, which immigrated to Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1722. Alexander Whaley, his great-grandfather, was a gunsmith and participated in the Boston Tea Party. It was during the Revolutionary War where he provided flintlock muskets for soldiers and the use of his house on Long Island by General George Washington. Thomas father, Thomas Whaley, carried on the family gunsmith business, and served in the New York Militia during the War of 1812. He married Rachel Pye, whose father, William, manufactured locks in Brooklyn.
Shortly after marriage in 1855, Thomas and Anna returned to San Diego. It was then that Thomas Whaley purchased the land and set forth on his journey to build the finest home in California. By 1858, Thomas and Anna Whaley had produced three children: Francis Hinton , Thomas , and Anna Amelia. Later in life, the Whaleys welcomed three more children: George Hays Ringgold , Violet Eloise, and Corinne Lillian.
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Japanese Friendship Garden Of San Diego
The Japanese Friendship Garden commemorates the connection between San Diego and its sister city of Yokohama, Japan. It offers visitors a wondrous experience through its bonsai exhibit, a moon-viewing deck, beautiful black pine trees, azaleas and ornamental plants such as camellias, magnolia, wisteria and cherry blossom trees.
Where To Stay Overnight
If you love history, theres no better place to find a hotel in San Diego than Old Town. The most distinctive hotel is the Cosmopolitan HotelThis historic hotel was established in 1827. In this area, there is a very wide selection of accommodations and you can find more suggestions in our article about where to find a hotel in San Diego.
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The Finest Home In Southern California
The Whaley House was a central pillar amongst the Old Town San Diego community. From 1857 to the early part of the 20th century, the Whaley House became the gathering place for the entire San Diego community. Besides being the Whaley family home, it was also San Diegos first commercial theater, the second county courthouse, and a bilingual general store. The home became such an integral part of the community that it was later the focal point in a battle between Old Town residents and New Town residents. The San Diego County government had been renting a portion of the Whaley House for its offices and records. Whaley offered several times to sell the house to the county, but the offer was ignored. New Towners demanded that the county offices and records be moved to New Town. Despite threats of armed resistance from the Old Towners, the records were moved on March 31, 1871, effectively shifting the focus of the city to New Town.
Old Town Historic State Park
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park presents the opportunity to experience the history of early San Diego by providing a connection to the past.
Learn about life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872. Even today, life moves more slowly in this part of San Diego, where the hustle and bustle is balanced with history and fiestas. Visitors are offered a glimpse into yesteryear, as converging cultures transformed San Diego from a Mexican pueblo to an American settlement. San Diego became Californias first Spanish settlement when a mission and fort were established here in 1769. Later, it passed into the hands of the newly made Mexican government before gaining statehood in the United States after the Mexican-American War.
The core of restored original historic buildings from the interpretive period are complemented by reconstructed sites, along with early twentieth century buildings designed in the same mode. Five original adobe buildings are part of the historic park, which include museums, unique retail shops, and several restaurants. The Historic Plaza remains a special place for gatherings and historic activities. Visitors can also experience a working blacksmith shop, enjoy music, see or touch the parks burros, and engage in activities that represent early San Diego.
Free Parking Lots near Old Town San Diego State Historic Park:
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Best Things To Do At Night In San Diego
There are many reasons why San Diego is frequently referred to as Americas Finest City! Over 30 million tourists are drawn here every year by its picture-perfect weather, endless stretches of sandy beaches, gentle ocean breezes, dozens of entertaining and instructive attractions, and supremely relaxed attitude.
But when the sun goes down, youll see another side of this beautiful city: more vibrant, exotic, and exciting. To prove its pace of life after dark, here are the best things to do at night in San Diego.
What Area Of San Diego Is Best For Nightlife
Like other industries in the city, the nightlife game of San Diego is also quite high. Besides Gaslamp Quarter the heart of San Diegos nightlife, the city has some exotic and swankiest bars, nightclubs, and bar restaurants that provide entertainment until dawn. You can find a great place for your taste.
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Veterans Museum & Memorial Center
Dedicated to showcasing the history of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine, and honoring those who have served, the Veterans Museum & Memorial Center is a civic institution that offers permanent, rotating and visiting exhibits of patriotic, military and war-related memorabilia, artifacts, photographs and other items.
Visit The Nighttime San Diego Zoo
With a 100-acre footprint, the famed San Diego Zoo is home to more than 12,000 unique and endangered creatures. Are there any noteworthy elements or must-sees?
Given that it is one of Americas largest zoos, you can view almost any animal you like and many that you have never heard of. There are babirusas, fossas, and okapis all around. They also have the best hits, such as gorillas, penguins, and two-toed sloths.
Schedule at least a half-day to get the complete zoo experience, including shows and animal displays. The park is filled with restaurants where parents may relax with a much-needed afternoon beer. In addition to staying open until 9 pm on select weekends in October for its annual Halloween celebration, the zoo also enables visitors to linger later into the evening during the summer thanks to the Nighttime Zoo event series.
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About
Old Town is the location of the first European settlement in California. It is the oldest neighborhood in San Diego located in the heart of San Diego county with 10 hotels to choose from. Old Town is convenient to everything, located next to a major transit center with access to the train, trolley, busses and taxis. Stay in Old Town and you will be ready to experience San Diego and the adventure that is Old Town. Visit Californias first settlement.
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The Junpero Serra Museum
Operated by the San Diego History Center, the Junípero Serra Museum is an iconic regional landmark.Located just above Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the Serra sits on one of the most significant historical sites on the West Coast, the site of the first permanent European settlement in what is today the State of California.
The Conrad Prebys Foundation, the local philanthropic organization well known for providing vital funds in support of the visual and performing arts, higher education, youth development, healthcare, and medical research, has granted $330,000 to the San Diego History Center for the restoration of the North Tower and East Façade of the Junípero Serra Museum in Presidio Park.
The maintenance and refurbishments on the 93 year building are scheduled regularly and this comprehensive restoration work on the North Tower and East Façade will match the West Façade work completed in 2019 and debuted at the celebration of the 250 anniversary of contemporary San Diego. Restoration work is expected to be completed in the Spring and the Museum will reopen to the public to experience its popular interactive exhibitions.
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Arts District Liberty Station
This unique gathering place within 360 waterfront acres of the former Naval Training Center features historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, vast landscaped open spaces and plenty of free parking. ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station is a destination where visitors and locals can stroll the 100 park-like acres, discover something new each time and make lasting memories. Many of the 38 historic buildings are now bursting with authenticity, heritage, creativity, and innovation. Always changing and evolving, ARTS DISTRICT is a place to create, connect, learn, shop, dine, meet, explore and buy local art.
Best Restaurants In Old Town San Diego
There is no shortage ofrestaurants in Old Town San Diego. Some have ground-level or second-story patios that allow you to fully soak in the atmosphere of Old Town while dining. Old Town Mexican Café and Café Coyote are famous for their cantinas and tortilla ladies who hand-make tortillas on a grill in/near the dining areas for all to see.
While Mexican cuisine dominates in Old Town, you can also find other types of fare including Italian, American grill, fresh seafood, burgers, sushi, and even Victorian afternoon tea at the Cosmopolitan Restaurant in Old Town State Historic Park.
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Juan Street Old Town Tour
A block north of San Diego Avenue is Juan Street. Its where you will find some of Old Towns most popular and adored Mexican Restaurants. Its also home to one of San Diegos most impressive museums. A good place to start or conclude your tour of all that Juan Street has to offer is at the corner of Harney Street and Juan Street. See map.
At this corner is the beautiful Heritage Park with its delightful collection of fully-restored turn-of-the-century Victorian homes. Each one has been moved to this location from various locations in San Diego when they were going to be razed to build a more modern building. Thus to preserve San Diegos more recent past they have been totally restored to their original beauty and moved here. Some are open to the public. T
On the oposite corner is must see Morman Battaslion Historic Site at 2510 Juan St. . Tour guides in period dress will guid you through interact with {talking photographs as the historic tour of the Morman Batallion will be shared with you by the tour guides as they interact with talking photographs. You can also pan for gold and get your photograph taken. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. 9 p.m. Admission is FREE and is a highlight of any tour of Old Town.
Institute Of Contemporary Art San Diego
Dedicated to advancing experimental, binational contemporary art, the Insitute of Contemporary Art San Diego formed through a merger of the San Diego Art Institute and the Lux Art Institute focuses on commissions of new work by artists living between Los Angeles and Tijuana, with a focus on San Diego artists.
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“Drove from LA to SD to attend this highly raved about museum. We purchased tickets online for about $25/ticket. Parking is free.Wonderspaces museum is set up in a really big tent. It was hot inside and no AC . Most of exhibits are Instagram worthy so this is a perfect place for y’all IGers. You should finish the whole museum in under 30 minutes. It is quite small comparing to the Broad Museum. Overall, it was a fun experience. I won’t be back though. I feel like this museum is only fun the first time around. Plus that drive from LA to SD is a killer lolCheck out my photos! Taken with Google Pixel XL. 2017 Yelp 100 Challenge58/100”
La Jolla Cove And Scripps Park
La Jolla Cove and Scripps Park are two of San Diegos most photographed areas. Snorkel in the calm water to see a variety of colorful fish and an abundance of other sea life. Situated on the cliffs above, Scripps Park is a wonderful setting for a picnic or to just lounge around enjoying the marvelous views of the Pacific Ocean.
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El Campo Santo Cemetery
The El Campo Santo Cemetery is in Old Town and is the second oldest cemetery in the City of San Diego, CA. As San Diegos Old Town grew, the cemetery reduced in size, and many graves disappeared under the pavement. The cemetery today only represents a small chunk of the original cemetery that was once there.
In 1889, the people of Old Town established a streetcar line through a part of the cemetery, and later it became San Diego Avenue. By 1942, it was then paved over, leaving graves under the street and sidewalk.
Today, guests can go on an hour and 15-minutes Ghosts and Gravestones San Diego Tour. This tour walks visitors through the cemetery and by Old Town Trolley to others around San Diego. Guests can learn about the haunted history of the Old Towns earliest residents and other historical tales.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
At 28,000 square feet, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is the world’s largest operating model railroad museum. Dedicated to preserving the heritage of railroading, the unique museum has a series of miniature representations of California railroads, including four enormous scale and model layouts of Southwest railroads. In addition, the museum features a Toy Train Gallery with an interactive Lionel layout for children, and state-of-the-art theater lighting.
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The Best 10 Museums Near Old Town San Diego Ca
I now understand why some gave this a 5 star review but some just 1. If you like cars and are interested in reading the details and history about each car, then yes it could be a more
What an amazing place! Our kids had the best time interacting with and learning about all their creatures. They have so many lizards, turtles, snakes, insects, and spiders! And the more
Old Town
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The Whaley House Museum is a wonderful tourist attraction. For the skeptics: The Whaley House holds…
Liberty Station
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Drove from LA to SD to attend this highly raved about museum. We purchased tickets online for about…
Old Town
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By far the best museum in the state of California. Professor Chuck Ambers has a wealth of knowledge…
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Up the hill on a short hike from the Old Town neighborhood is Junipero Serra Museum, located in the…
Old Town
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after the deaths of James and Winifred MoCoy, the home was rebuilt in 2000 to be used as a museum.
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As we walked to our car, my Husband pointed out this museum. He said he had been in it as a recruit…
Old Town
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The museum gives a good perspective on how a farmstead was setup and lets you walk through the house…
Creative Quilting Shows every month! Awesome gift shop! Friendly!
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Old Town San Diego Hours
If youre driving, the surest way to avoid parking issues is to get to Old Town right as attractions and shops open each day, if not a little before.
Old Town State Historic Park Visitor Center & Museums:OctoberApril: 10 a.m.4:30 p.m.MaySeptember: 10 a.m.5 p.m.
Id recommend trying to get there by 9:30 a.m. as you can always walk around to get the lay of the land first.
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