Yes—Old Town San Diego is worth visiting if you want to explore the city’s history among original adobe buildings, museums and open-air streets. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park sits on San Diego Avenue at Twiggs Street, with the Old Town Transit Center beside it.
- Location: 4002 Wallace St., San Diego, CA 92110
- Park scale: Seven city blocks, with streets closed to private vehicles
- Typical hours: Open daily
- Transit: Blue and Green trolley lines serve Old Town Transit Center
What to see at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park interprets local history from the Kumeyaay village and Mexican pueblo through the American settlement period, focusing on 1821–1872. Start around the Historic Plaza, then walk among restored buildings, museums, shops and restaurants; a working blacksmith shop is another park highlight.
Five original adobe buildings are part of the park. Named museum sites include La Casa de Estudillo, Seeley Stable, the First San Diego Courthouse, the Mason Street School and the Union Printing Office. The park became a state historic park in 1968, when restoration and stabilization work began.
How do you get to Old Town San Diego?
The Old Town Transit Center is adjacent to the park, so you can arrive by trolley and continue on foot. The Blue and Green trolley lines serve the center, and bus routes 44, 83, 88 and 105 serve Old Town. Route 88 connects Old Town Transit Center with Hotel Circle.
Old Town is about 3.4 miles from a motel in San Diego. If you plan to take Route 88, check the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System schedule for your travel date, as departures can change.
Driving is another option, with six park parking lots labeled A–F. Free parking is available for up to four hours, and all six lots have accessible parking. Parking details can change, so check the park’s official information before setting out.
Historic buildings, shops and open spaces
Old Town’s streets are closed to private vehicles, making the seven-block park a place to move between its outdoor spaces and historic sites on foot. You can pair a look around the Historic Plaza with a visit to a museum, then stop at one of the shops or restaurants.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Dogs are allowed outdoors, including in the plaza, but not inside museums or other buildings. If you’re visiting with a dog, plan to enjoy the open areas together and take turns entering indoor sites.
Hours, events and visitor access
California State Parks says the park operates Sunday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The Visitor Center and select museums are open during those hours, and museums are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours and access can change, so check the official site before you go.
Public programs and events may change or be canceled. For daily event updates, contact the Robinson Rose Visitor Information Center at (619) 220-5422.
Routes throughout the park are accessible, and accessible benches are available in various locations. Museum ground floors and exhibits are generally accessible, although some entrances have stairs, narrow doors or high thresholds that may require assistance.
Accessible restrooms are located on Wallace Street by Robinson Rose House, on Calhoun Street within Fiesta de Reyes, across from Seeley Stable Museum, and on Mason Street beside Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop.
How Old Town fits into a San Diego day
Old Town works as a distinct historic-site outing that you can combine with other San Diego stops. For airport arrival planning, read how to get from San Diego International Airport to a San Diego motel.
Within Old Town, keep your visit flexible: begin outdoors at the plaza, then choose the historic buildings, museums, shops or restaurants that suit your available time. Since some museums and entrances have different access conditions, you can check with the Visitor Information Center if you need details before visiting.
FAQs
Is Old Town San Diego worth visiting?
Yes, if you’re interested in San Diego history and want to see original adobe buildings, museums and a historic plaza in one walkable park area.
How long should you plan for Old Town San Diego?
The park covers seven city blocks, with museums, shops, restaurants and historic buildings to explore. The time needed depends on how many sites you choose to visit.
Can you take a trolley to Old Town San Diego?
Yes. The Old Town Transit Center is adjacent to the park, and the Blue and Green trolley lines serve it.
Are dogs allowed in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park?
Dogs are allowed outdoors, including in the plaza, but they cannot enter museums or other buildings.