Contact Number

  • (619) 220-5422

Park Accessibility Information

Park Hours

  • Visitor Center & Select Museums: 10AM-5PM 

    Museums are closed Thanksgiving & Christmas.

Park Activities

Yes
Dogs allowed only in outdoor areas like the plaza. Dogs not allowed inside museums or buildings.
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
Hiking Trails

Park Facilities

Lodging
Food Service
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available

Park Directions

Get directions through Google Maps

The park is located on San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street in San Diego.

Land Acknowledgement

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is located on ancestral land of the First People, the Kumeyaay.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 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.

This park is on the ancestral land of the First People, the Kumeyaay, whose story is shared in the outdoor exhibit Iipay ~ Tipai Kumeyaay Mut Niihepok (Land of the First People). 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 California gained statehood after the Mexican American War. Through museum exhibitions, restored historic buildings, living history demonstrations and special events, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park offers visitors a glimpse at the converging cultures that transformed San Diego from a Kumeyaay village to a Mexican pueblo to an American Settlement.

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.

Historic table set for dinner with period accurate silverware and fixings Casa de Estudillo against a blue sky Volunteer in period accurate attire leading a group of children in an activity

Glimpse into the Past

Plan Your Visit

Special Events

Historic chalk board with lesson plans written in chalk on it Volunteer Blacksmith demonstrating historic blacksmithing practices Colorado House building in Old Town San Diego as seen from the street

School Groups

Volunteering

Shops & Restaurants