Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Old Town

We've collected top 10 mentioned things to do in Old Town from other articles such as TheTopTours, LaJolla.com, Anaheim 7 days itinerary, including activities with kids, adult only attractions, cheap and free events

Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Old Town

Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve
4.8 (11036 ratings)4.5 (3514 ratings)
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksParkState parkNature & Wildlife AreasHiking Trails
Seaport Village
Seaport Village
4.6 (18125 ratings)4 (4366 ratings)
Waterside complex with shops, eateries, entertainment & relaxed grounds featuring fountains & ponds.
849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Shopping mallShoppingPiers & BoardwalksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Maritime Museum of San Diego
4.7 (2737 ratings)4.5 (1598 ratings)
Waterfront venue showcasing many types of restored vintage ships & historical exhibits.
1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
MuseumSights & LandmarksHistorical landmarkMaritime museumOutdoor activity organiserShipsSpecialty Museums
Petco Park
Petco Park
4.7 (13150 ratings)4.5 (4116 ratings)
Opened in 2004, this prominent outdoor stadium features seasonal sporting events & concerts.
100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
StadiumSights & LandmarksEvent venueArenas & StadiumsSports Complexes
Mentioned by The Atlas Heart
101 Things to do in San Diego, California (From a Local) | Bucket List
"I always recommend seeing at least one baseball game in the city you’re visiting if it’s the right season because every stadium has a unique atmosphere. Baseball might not be the most exciting game for a lot of people, especially if you didn’t grow up watching or playing the sport, but it’s a completely different experience when it’s live and you’re at the park. Now, the Padres don’t have quite the same die-hard fan base that the LA Dodgers or San Francisco Giants have, but Petco Park is a beautiful modern stadium to watch a game from, right near the ocean and downtown."
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
35 San Diego Tourist Attractions: Top Spots for Fun Sightseeing
"Dare I say that Petco Park is one of the coolest ballparks in the MLB. Part of the reason is that it’s built around the historic Western Metal Supply Co. building, hosts some of the best sight lines in baseball, and boasts panoramic water and skyline views from some seats. Go of course to take in a Major League Baseball game, but that’s not the only treat."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Must-Visit Attractions in San Diego
"The San Diego Padres play at Petco Park, which you can find downtown. Thanks to the year-round sun, a ball game is usually a good excuse to sit outside at any point in the season. If baseball isn’t your thing, though, the stadium also hosts a variety of other sports and concerts."
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
4.6 (19180 ratings)4.5 (5262 ratings)
Open-air museum about local life in the 1800s, with adobe buildings & interpretive performances.
4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
State parkSights & LandmarksParkHistoric Walking Areas
Mentioned by planetware.com
14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Diego | PlanetWare
"At the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, you can travel back in time and soak up some of the rich culture from San Diego's early days. The park recreates the feel of the Mexican and early American periods, from 1821 to 1872, when this settlement grew from a small Mexican pueblo. Visit a working blacksmith shop, shop for authentic Mexican crafts, browse the art studios, enjoy live Mariachi music, and dine on a sunny patio at one of the atmospheric restaurants."
Mentioned by y Travel Blog
16 Awesome (& Free) Things to do in San Diego With Kids
"Looking for historic places to visit in San Diego with kids?. Old Town is one of the top San Diego points of interest. San Diego County is not just about the amazing beaches and delicious food."
Coronado Beach & Dog Park
Coronado Beach & Dog Park
4.7 (9795 ratings)4.5 (174 ratings)
Scenic white-sand beach offering tidepools, fire rings, a dog run, surfing, sunbathing & more.
Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Dog parkNature & ParksBeaches
Point Loma
Point Loma
4.5 (1811 ratings)
Point Loma is a rugged peninsula, known for Cabrillo National Monument, a park with trails, tide pools and exhibits on California history. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a popular spot to watch the sun go down while Liberty Station, a former Naval Training Center, has buzzy restaurants and shops. Seafood eateries dot the nearby Shelter and Harbor islands, and Humphreys Concerts by the Bay hosts live music.
San Diego, CA, USA
Sights & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasGeologic Formations
Mentioned by San Diego 5 days itinerary
San Diego – The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
"San Diego Itinerary Day three: Balboa Park and Point Loma Day three begins in Balboa Park, San Diego’s cultural epicenter and home to over 15 museums. Stroll around and take in the beautiful grounds, gardens, and Spanish architecture, and explore one of the museums if you’re inclined. My favorites are the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Man."
Monumental Plaza de Toros
Monumental Plaza de Toros
4.4 (2802 ratings)4 (34 ratings)
Playa De Ti 551, Playas de Tijuana, 22504 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
BullringSights & LandmarksArenaArenas & Stadiums
Coronado Island
Coronado Island
4.8 (566 ratings)4.5 (2788 ratings)
Bay island with a historic town, home to an iconic Victorian hotel, plus some of SD's best beaches.
Coronado, CA 92118, USA
IslandNature & Parks
Mentioned by Things To Do
The 10 Best Spas & Wellness in Coronado, California (CA)
"2000 Second Street, Coronado, CA 92118+1 619-522-3043http://www.marriott.com/spas/sanci-coronado-island-marriott-resort-and-spa/spa-coronado/5014924/home-page.mi. Relax and rejuvenate at The Spa at Coronado Island, a restful retreat located inside of Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. Stress melts away here at our Coronado Island, California spa where you will receive soothing facials and body treatment."
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
35 San Diego Tourist Attractions: Top Spots for Fun Sightseeing
"Coronado is one of those popular San Diego tourist spots that people flock to no matter where they are staying. It’s easy to spend a half or full day in this charming residential community with gorgeous beaches that are rated among the best in the nation. Orange Avenue is the main street and fun for browsing shops and dining at excellent casual restaurants."
Mentioned by San Diego 5 days itinerary
San Diego – The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
"San Diego Itinerary Day two: Visit Fairytale Coronado Island On the second day of your San Diego itinerary, hop aboard a ferry across San Diego’s harbor to Coronado Island, a seemingly fairytale-perfect beach community that’s a lot of fun to explore. Once the ferry docks, it’s a quick stroll to rent bikes, your wheels for the day."
Sunny Jim's Sea Cave
Sunny Jim's Sea Cave
4.3 (135 ratings)4 (183 ratings)
La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Nature & ParksCaverns & Caves

Best Gelato in Old Town

Cookie Monster Ice Cream
Cookie Monster Ice Cream
4.2 (390 ratings)
Cheerful destination for unique, handcrafted ice cream creations served in flavored cones.
1591 N Magnolia Ave B, El Cajon, CA 92020, USA
Ice cream shopDessert shop
Mentioned by Spoon University
25 Epic Desserts in San Diego to Eat Before You Die
"This newest addition to the Cookie Monster menu is next level. This Monster Donut is an ice cream-stuffed donut where you can get multiple ice cream flavors. Cookie Monster serves some of the most colorful and delicious ice cream flavors."
Square Bar Café
Square Bar Café
4.2 (219 ratings)
Fun option for sweet & colorful specialty boba beverages & inventive frozen treats.
8155 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126, USA
Ice cream shop
Mentioned by Spoon University
25 Epic Desserts in San Diego to Eat Before You Die
"The hardest part about getting dessert is deciding what to order. Thankfully, Square Bar lets you get two in one dessert-like drinks, that makes your decision just a little bit easier. This up and coming cafe specializes in coffee and tea, and you can put boba in any of them."
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In
3.8 (1767 ratings)
Old-school fast-food chain offering drive-in service & made-to-order burgers, sides & shakes.
2829 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Fast food restaurantChicken restaurantHamburger restaurantIce cream shopRestaurant

Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Old Town

Mt. Helix Park
Mt. Helix Park
4.8 (1211 ratings)4.5 (128 ratings)
High point offering views of San Diego, with a large amphitheater hosting plays, lectures & events.
4905 Mt Helix Dr, La Mesa, CA 91941, USA
ParkNature & ParksNature & Wildlife Areas
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center
4.6 (307 ratings)4.5 (67 ratings)
Nature reserve with 7 miles of trails plus a visitor center with exhibits overlooking the lagoon.
2710 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksNature & Wildlife Areas
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
4.7 (437 ratings)4.5 (44 ratings)
Preserve (name means "little cliffs") has trails across 3,500+ acres of Peñasquitos & Lopez canyons.
12020 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksCanyonsNature & Wildlife AreasState Parks
Mentioned by Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Beginner Hikes in San Diego
"Los Peñasquitos (“little cliffs”) is a great beginners’ trail for those who want to enjoy mountain-feel views without having to hire an expedition crew. There are two approaches (east and west), and the trailheads offer a trek of either 6.5, or 5.5 miles, respectively. The terrain is gradual and level, but the trails are surrounded by the sort of views that gave the area its name: scenic rocky outcroppings, and stony formations that ripple with rubble."

Best Museums in Old Town

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
4.2 (101 ratings)4.5 (34 ratings)
Open since 1996, museum celebrating Chinese-American culture & art in a restored mission building.
404 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
History museumMuseums
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Literally The Only List of San Diego Attractions You Need 2020-21
"The San Diego Asian Pacific Historic District, San Diego’s historic Chinatown, is an eight-block district adjacent to and in part overlapping with the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. The San Diego Chinatown is bounded by Market Street on the north, 2nd Ave. on the west, 6th ave. on the east and J st. on the south. 22 structures are considered historically contributing."
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Complete List of Free Museums and Attractions in San Diego
"The Chinese Historical Museum displays Chinese-American art, culture and history. Housed in a restored mission-style building, exhibits include miniature models, historic photographs and rare artifacts related to the heritage of San Diego’s Chinese community. *Small donation requested."
Museum of Photographic Arts
Museum of Photographic Arts
4.5 (426 ratings)4 (108 ratings)
More than 7,000 photos from 850 artists are showcased in a replica of a grand, ornate 1915 building.
1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Art museumMuseumsArt galleryMovie theater
Mentioned by San Diego 2 days itinerary
48 Hours in San Diego: Highlights Itinerary for 2 Days
"Even if you’re broke, the Timken Museum of Art is always free, and if you have a Bank of America card, the San Diego Museum of Art and the Museum of Photogenic Arts are free on certain days. If you love art, check out the Spanish village. These are historic buildings turned art galleries and stores which have a lot of their work for sale. Even just walking through this area is a fun experience."
Mentioned by Joy of Museums Virtual Tours
San Diego Museums - Virtual Tour
"The Museum of Photographic Arts was founded in 1974 and opened in 1983. It is one of three museums in the US dedicated to the collection and preservation of photography. The museum’s mission is to inspire, educate, and engage the broadest possible audience through the presentation, collection, and preservation of photography, film, and video."
Mentioned by HereIn
Art Guide
"An independent institution devoted to photography, film, and video. Founded in 1983, MOPA consistently addresses cultural, historical, and social issues through its visual learning programs."
Junípero Serra Museum
Junípero Serra Museum
4.4 (131 ratings)4 (33 ratings)
A Spanish Revival-style structure built to showcase the collection of the San Diego History Center.
2727 Presidio Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
History museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
100 FREE Things to Do in San Diego, CA: Fun Museums, Attractions, Tours & More
"Therefore, it’s possible to walk into this museum to learn about California’s mission history (the museum sits on the first European settlement site in California) for free. If you did enjoy your visit and feel compelled to donated upon exit, this is possible. (Location: Presidio Park / Old Town)"
Mentioned by San Diego 3 days itinerary
3 Days in San Diego Itinerary – What to See and Do
"Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began. You can get more information here."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Old Town

Manhattan Shores 5 Apts
Apartment
$667 /night
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4.8 (37 reviews)
Beautiful, Modern, Luxury, Gated, Condo in San Diego
Condo · 2 Guests · 2 Bedrooms
$325 /night*
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3.2 (1520 reviews)
Motel 6-Chula Vista, CA - San Diego
Hotel
$85 /night
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