Visitor Center & Select Museums
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Park Restrooms Open 10am-Dusk; Concession Restrooms may be open longer.
Museums are closed Thanksgiving & Christmas.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Phone Number
(619) 220-5422
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs allowed only in outdoor areas like the plaza. Dogs not allowed inside museums or buildings.
Driving Directions to Old Town San Diego SHP
The park is located on San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street in San Diego.Online reservations are not available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Lodging
Lodging
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Food Service
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Food Service
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Land Acknowledgement
This is the ancestral land of the First People, the Kumeyaay.
Esta es la tierra ancestral de las Primeras Personas, los Kumeyaay.
Park Information
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 California's 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 park's burros, and engage in activities that represent early San Diego.
Location and Directions
The park is located on San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street in San Diego, and is conveniently adjacent to the Old Town Transit Center, with Coaster, Trolley, and MTS Bus service.
Free Parking Lots near Old Town San Diego State Historic Park:
Click here for PDF
Old Town San Diego, CA Latitude/Longitude: 32.7542 / -117.1961
Having problems finding parking?
The Caltrans parking lot is open to the public after 5:00 pm during the week and all day on the weekends. Just in case you need a helping hand finding the lot, here is a map to help.