Old Town State Park is known as the birthplace of California. In 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain, a small group of Mexican settlers began building homes at the foot of the hillside below the first mission and Presidio. Because wood was scarce at the time, sun-dried adobe bricks were used. Thus, the buildings had a different look, a brownish-red color and rough exterior.

Casa de Aguirre is an important landmark within the Old Town Market as it displays the life and traditions of the settlers of Old Town, San Diego’s first city. The home of Don Jose Aguirre and his family, the original adobe was built in 1853. Don Jose later gave the building and all his land to the Catholic Church. Father Antonio Ubach used the home as a site for an industrial school for Indians.

Adjacent to the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the Old Town Community exudes colonial beauty and the flavors and heritage of its early settlers. Several restaurants serve up Mexican and Californian cuisine, while quaint stores and boutiques provide unique shopping experiences. Up the hill is Heritage Park, a protected county park and the setting for seven of San Diego’s most splendid Victorian homes that were relocated and restored to their original grandeur.

Its stately Greek Revival architecture is an impressive sight, while its mysterious past and mystical reputation cause quite a stir among visitors from all over the world. It is here that the spirits of many original Old Town San Diego citizens are said to roam from room to room and through many of the hallways. Known as the Most Haunted House in America, the Whaley House was the family home of Thomas Whaley.

Serving with distinction during the Mexican-American War, the volunteer Mormon Battalion was the only religiously based unit in U.S. military history. Commanded by Regular Army officers, the unit made a grueling overland march along the Santa Fe Trail from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Diego. The hands-on exhibits and other resources of the Mormon Battalion Historic Site chronicle the history of this unique military unit and the role that it played in the country’s westward expansion. Located at 2510 Juan Street in Old Town San Diego, the free museum is open seven days a week. Docents lead a 45-minute tour while attired in period dress.

Completed in 1917, the Immaculate Conception Church traces its history back to the first Catholic Mass celebrated in California. Captain Sebastian Vizcaino had a tent hastily erected so that three Catholic priests accompanying his Spanish expedition could celebrate a mass of gratitude for a safe voyage Nov. 12, 1602. The current house of worship replaced an adobe structure built in 1851. The bell tower houses one of the two original bells from the San Diego Mission. The other is located at the Mission San Diego de Alcala.

Located in Old Town, second oldest cemetery in San Diego had burials from 1849 to 1880. In 1933, the San Diego Historical Society restored in the cemetery based on descriptions and photographs, but over the years some of the boundaries have been moved to accommodate for city development. In 1889 a horse-drawn streetcar line was built through part of the cemetery, which later became San Diego Avenue. In 1942 it was paved over, leaving as many as 18 graves under the street and sidewalk. The Ghosts and Gravestones San Diego Tour takes visitors on an intimate nighttime journey through the cemetery to explain the haunted history of this Old Town landmark.

La Casa de Estudillo was a social and political center of San Diego during California’s Mexican period, 1821-1846, and into the early American period. Capitán José Maria Estudillo, a retired San Diego Presidio comandante (fort commander), began construction of the casa (house) in 1827 on a parcel of land granted to him by Governor José Echeandí.

San Diego’s history dates back centuries. Seen as the entrance point for control of the west by Europeans, Presidio Park remains a place of history amidst the city of San Diego. Interpreting the entire site for guests is the Junipero Serra Museum which houses many artifacts dealing with Spanish and Mexican heritage, colonization, the beginnings of customs within California and showcasing the lives of those who began it all. The presidio, first built to protect colonists from attack, later took on roles as military headquarters and a central outdoor space to remember history.

As a testament to the foundational beginnings of California, heralding exploration by Spain and Mexico, this national historic landmark reminds all who visit of the obstacles, successes and struggles of the long period of colonization.As a testament to the foundational beginnings of California, heralding exploration by Spain and Mexico, this national historic landmark reminds all who visit of the obstacles, successes and struggles of the long period of colonization.

Within Fiesta de Reyes, two restaurants have been completely remodeled and are now open.

Festooned with true 1850s California-style antiques, collectables and paintings, Barra Barra is a full-service restaurant and saloon with indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant boasts all-you-can-eat Friday nights and its signature drink, “The Best Margarita in Town”… made with top-shelf Herradura Blanco tequila, agave nectar, fresh-squeezed lime juice and Cointreau, Barra Barra’s signature margarita will be priced less than half of what it might cost at another establishment.

James Robinson originally built the Robinson-Rose House in 1853 to serve as his family’s residence and to provide office space for the San Diego Herald and the Gila Railroad. When Robinson died four years later, the home was sold to Louis Rose. The reconstructed building is the location for the park Visitor Center, which opens at 10 a.m. each day. One of the center’s displays is a scale model of Old Town created by Joseph Toigo, which depicts the community as it appeared in 1872. Other displays also provide interesting details about Old Town San Diego. Rangers are on hand to answer visitors’ questions.

This huge, 12-acre green space that some call San Diego’s front porch is comprised of several distinct areas where different activities can be enjoyed. The centerpiece of the project is a 40-foot wide, 830-foot long, and 1-inch deep fountain. Resembling what some describe as the country’s biggest wading pool, this is a hotbed of activity for children of all ages to splash around as the 31 jets gush water up into the air. And, in true California, eco-friendly style, the water is recycled and treated daily. Among the other zones within the park, you’ll find areas custom-built for the younger ones with cool obstacle courses, modern jungle-gyms, a rock wall, steep slides, and skateboards mounted on springs. There are Garden Rooms that feature an array of flowering plants, carved out paths, and places to sit and watch the world go by.

Welcome to San Diego! Before heading out to discover all that the city has to offer, stop into the San Diego Visitors Info Center. Our friendly staff of local experts will help you plan out your visit with valuable insight into the attractions, history, points of interest, dining, entertainment and sights that you won’t want to miss. We have brochures, maps and discounted tickets to many area attractions and tours.

The world-renown Maritime Museum of San Diego was founded in 1948 by a group of local historians and maritime experts. Here visitors from around the globe come to walk the decks of the magnificent Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship. Built in 1863, the Star of India made her first voyage on November 14 of that year. The ship sailed for many years from Great Britain to India and then to New Zealand. After many difficult journeys, the ship became a salmon hauler from Alaska to California.

The best way to see the Big Bay, as it is referred to by the locals in San Diego, is hopping on board a Harbor Cruise. While cruising in the North Bay, visitors will hear an informative narrative about the San Diego bay and experience picturesque views along with historic sights like the North Island Naval Air Station, the United States Naval Submarine Base and Point Loma.

Those that choose the South Bay cruise get the opportunity to see the Coronado Bay Bridge, the bustling Navy Shipyards and the surface fleet.

Witness the astounding grace and beauty of the gray whales as they migrate from the chilly arctic to the warm waters of Southern California. On this three and a half-hour adventure visitors are treated to a fact-filled narrative by experienced Captains who ensure that the whales are spotted.

Guests are also likely to see dolphins, sea lions and other marine species as they travel along the marvelous San Diego Bay.

The USS Midway Museum sits in San Diego at the Navy Pier welcoming and enriching guests from around the world. Its patriotic service and military operations are brought to life throughout this interactive museum. Relive the legacy of the longest-serving aircraft carrier in U.S. Naval history-47 years! “Midway Magic” became a recognized term describing the amazing tenacity of the Midway and its crew. When other ships broke down or headed for port, the Midway continued to respond, to perform from the end of WWII all the way through Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

San Diego’s Star of India is the ‘world’s oldest active sailing ship’. When many were still being created out of wood, this iron ship built in 1863 was a great experiment. Beginning the stages of her life known as Euterpe, this full-rigged ship continued until changes were made almost four decades later. The ship’s sailing began with rough seas. Within two trips to India she endured a cyclone, the death of her first captain, collision and a mutiny. Surviving this difficult beginning, she was turned into a cargo ship and returned to India four more times. In 1871, her ownership turned to London where she began a 25-year run of moving British emigrants to the South Pacific. In that quarter century, she circumnavigated over twenty trips. Her log suggests those trips often found her ‘laboring and rolling in a most distressing manner’, but she was the little iron ship that could. Life for the ship was as difficult as it was for those aboard. Emigrants spent time in cramped quarters, with limited rations and suffering disease and malnutrition. Although some perished during the journey, most saw a successful life in their new home of New Zealand.

Located in the Marina District near the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Convention Center was designed by Arthur Erickson, a Canadian architect. Boasting more than 600,000 square feet of exhibition space, it is the 24th largest facility of its kind in North America. The roof of the Sails Pavilion is the building’s most distinctive feature. The Teflon-coated fiberglass panels summon images of ship sails and reflect the maritime history of the city. Another unique feature is the outdoor, inclined elevator. Completed in 1989 and expanded 12 years later, the convention center hosts major political, business and entertainment events like the annual Comic-Con Convention.

Splash into San Diego’s most unique sightseeing adventure! Both tour bus and boat, the San Diego SEAL Tour journeys through San Diego by sea AND land. Our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles are Coast Guard approved, ensuring you a safe, one of a kind experience. Your fully narrated tour will depart from San Diego’s Seaport Village on Harbor Drive or Embarcadero, and will tour the historic streets of San Diego before making its way into San Diego’s Big Bay.

Hop aboard Old Town Trolley Tours for a picturesque evening you won’t forget. With the help of our expert guides, you’ll take in romantic views of the city and cruise past notable landmarks, experiencing them like you never have before!

The Children’s Museum is an environmentally sustainable building that provides a dynamic, playful public space and community center for children and families – a place to experience exciting art exhibitions, hands-on studio projects, performances, birthday parties, in-depth classes, camps and educational programs. Across the street from the new building is a beautiful park, extending the museum visit outdoors with space for running, climbing, family picnics and a view of the trains and trolleys going by.

Located in the Marina District near the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Convention Center was designed by Arthur Erickson, a Canadian architect. Boasting more than 600,000 square feet of exhibition space, it is the 24th largest facility of its kind in North America. The roof of the Sails Pavilion is the building’s most distinctive feature. The Teflon-coated fiberglass panels summon images of ship sails and reflect the maritime history of the city. Another unique feature is the outdoor, inclined elevator. Completed in 1989 and expanded 12 years later, the convention center hosts major political, business and entertainment events like the annual Comic-Con Convention.

Honoring the slain civil rights leader, the tree-lined Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade features sculptures like the stainless steel “Breaking of the Chains” by renowned artist Melvin Edwards. There is also a fountain and a hedge maze. Located across from the convention center, the promenade runs adjacent to Harbor Boulevard with its wide assortment of shops and restaurants. The esplanade connects several popular sites along the city’s waterfront. It is the setting for the annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration, which includes food, music, various activities and other entertainment.

Designed by avant-garde French-born artist Niki de St. Phalle who spent the final years of her life in San Diego, the Coming Together Statue is a ceramic and mirror mosaic public artwork. It adorns a plaza at the intersection of Harbor Drive and Eight Avenue situated near the San Diego Convention Center. The 28-foot-tall sculpture depicts a dual-faced figure that represents the light and dark facets of a human personality with its colorful ceramics and monochromatic mirrors. One side of the face has masculine characteristics, and the other side depicts feminine traits.

 The William Heath Davis House is considered to be one of the most significant buildings in San Diego’s history. Visitors are intrigued by the exciting stories of the people who lived in it and the fact that it is the oldest wooden structure in San Diego. Its first owner, William Heath Davis, was the first to attempt to develop the new town—yet it was not until Alonzo Horton came along that the true city began to boom. And it is Horton that is credited with being San Diego’s founder. Incredibly, the William Heath Davis House was bought by Alonzo Horton and lived in by him and his wife for several years.

If you happen to be on board our tour on Saturdays, the Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour is an enjoyable way to learn more about this historic San Diego landmark. An expert guide takes you through the Gaslamp Quarter, relating all the unusual, interesting and remarkable people and events that were so much a part of this area during the 1800s. It’s an up-close look at the life and times of some of San Diego’s most famous and infamous residents.

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.

Known the world over for his animation creations, Chuck Jones is perhaps the most famous animation artist in the world. In this special gallery, see the beloved characters he penned including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and all the other original Looney Tunes and Warner Brother’s cartoon characters. From prints and sculptures, this 5th avenue space is a great celebration of Jones’ incredible talent and great fun for all who visit.

Located on the corner of 5th and E in the Gaslamp District, Vin De Syrah Spirit and Wine Parlor offers wine connoisseurs and anyone who enjoys a glass of wine along with cheeses and desserts, a totally eclectic experience. Step into this contemporary lounge and enjoy cool jazz, candlelight and an array of wines, spirits, beers, martinis and more.

For breathtaking views of Coronado Island, the San Diego Bay, the downtown skyline and Petco Park, head to the San Diego Marriott on K Street. Once inside, go to the 22nd floor. The Altitude Sky Lounge has earned a reputation as the #1 Rooftop Bar for its amazing views and warm and relaxing atmosphere. Sip your favorite cocktail as you gaze out at the amazing vistas – ones you cannot enjoy from any other spot in the city.

Situated directly behind the Bayfront Hilton, Bayfront Park offers relaxing and sweeping views of the San Diego Bay, Coronado and Coronado Bay Bridge.

PETCO Park is spectacular in every way, combining the best sight lines in baseball with breathtaking views of San Diego. Architecturally magnificent, it celebrates the sea, the sky, the natural beauty, cultural diversity and unique spirit of our region. Innovative design features evoke the timeless traditions of baseball in an intimate setting, with state-of-the-art fan amenities to suit every taste and budget.

One of two green “arms” that reach into the San Diego Bay and wrap around the Embarcadero Marina. The entrance to the marina divides the parks. A nice walkway extends along the shore, connecting the two parks. On the bay­side of the Convention Center, this park with its sweeping open lawn is a popular site for outdoor concerts. It has been home to the Symphony Summer Pops, a variety of pop­rock concerts and the San Diego Blues Festival ­ as well as San Diego a la Carte, a festival of restaurants. This is a great place to fly a kite, when the wind is right. There’s a popular fishing pier here, too.

Take a moment to gaze at the colorful, whimsical work of art by Niki de St. Phalle. Her statue titled Coming Together stands 38-feet high in front of the San Diego Convention Center. A ceramic and mirror mosaic, Coming Together portrays a human face divided in half with one side mirrored and the other side multi-colored.

Just a short, scenic 15 minute sightseeing trip across San Diego Bay takes you to The Ferry Landing Marketplace, Coronado’s specialty shopping and dining center. Browse through unique shops and galleries. Dine at Peohe’s, Coronado’s premier waterfront seafood restaurant. Enjoy casual California cuisine at Bay Beach Cafe. Grab a quick bite at a fun food eatery. Rent a bicycle. Experience magnificent city views.

The Breitbard Hall of Fame, which was founded by the legendary Bob Breitbard to recognize significant athletic achievement in San Diego, is located at Petco Park.

A small island town in San Diego Bay, Coronado is known for its fascinating beginnings, its idyllic setting and of course, its beautiful beach resorts. The founders of Coronado Island were visionaries, building an entire community around the idea of drawing tourists from around the globe. They did it knowing that people from all walks of life would come. They would come to soak in the San Diego sun and to see the stunning sights of the San Diego Bay. And they couldn’t have been more correct. 
Throughout its more than 120-year history, millions of visitors have traveled to Coronado to enjoy the waterfront ambiance, dine at the fabulous restaurants, shop at the upscale boutiques and view the many historic buildings. They also came to be spoiled by the lavish amenities of the world-Famous Hotel del Coronado.

Presented by the Coronado Historical Association Museum, the 60-minute Coronado Walking Tour is a terrific way to learn more about the wonderful architecture and the history of the area. Led by specially-trained guides from the Museum’s Promenade Guild, the tour is paced so everyone can take their time and see the incredible beauty of the many Victorians and other historic treasures. Stop by the visitor’s center inside the museum for details.

Penguins and rare plant life are just a hint of what you’ll see when you visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Throughout its 100 acres, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled around the world as you see some of the most intriguing and rarely-seen animals lounge in their natural, expansive habitats. With more than 4,000 animals representing 800 species, the San Diego Zoo stands out among other zoos for its diverse wildlife citizens.

Philanthropists John and Adolph Spreckels donated a large pipe organ to be part of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Harrison Albright designed the semi-circular Italian Renaissance-style pavilion housing the musical instrument. A self-taught architect from Los Angeles, Albright also designed downtown San Diego’s U.S. Grant Hotel. The ornate vaulted pavilion features highly embellished gables. Located in Balboa Park, the building faces north to protect the 80 ranks of more than 5,000 pipes from the sun’s UV radiation. It is the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ. The pavilion hosts free concerts Sunday afternoon and other concerts throughout the year.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is the second oldest scientific institution in Southern California and home to a variety of intriguing exhibits. Watch in wonder how the Foucault pendulum swings back and forth, knocking over different dominoes throughout the day, signifying the Earth’s rotation. Invented in 1851 by French physicist Jean Foucault, observers enjoy learning how the pendulum works.

Celebrating over 90 years of art in Balboa Park, the San Diego Museum of Art towers over the park’s central plaza. Opening its doors in 1926, as a fine arts gallery, the cultured and rich collection has only continued to grow. Changing its name in 1978, the museum continued to house a growing art collection provided by the generosity of countless donors and featuring the cultural growth of the San Diego community. With an art school, revitalized rotunda, international pieces and led by leading experts, the San Diego Museum of Art continues to share some of the world’s most beautiful artwork with visitors from around the world. Regularly showcasing world-class exhibitions as well as sharing a year-round schedule in educational and cultural programs for art lovers of all ages, the museum tells the history of the world through the brushstrokes and vision of artists. The mission ‘to inspire, educate and cultivate cultural curiosity through great works of art’ is seen through each exhibit, gallery and docent-led tour. Whether visitors begin their journey outside or in, there are spectacular paintings and sculptures to see and decades of knowledge to embrace. See glorious works from 19th and 20th century American artists, an amazing Asian collection, and of course both the old European and modern day masters. Take your time to see and appreciate all that the museum has to offer.

Children of all ages are in for a real treat when visiting the Fleet Science Center. From virtual reality to interactive exhibits and the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater, most folks are having too much fun to realize they’re learning! In the IMAX Theater, see the biggest films on the planet and feel the sensation of floating in space. Travel from outer space to under the ocean and see the planetarium shows. Then, tour the more than 100 touchable, try-able exhibits in five different galleries. There’s even a special area just for kids under six.

See, feel and touch replicas of early humans, primates and even cyborgs. Journey to ancient Egypt and view rare tomb artifacts and Peruvian mummies. At the San Diego Museum of Us, you’ll see the history and the evolution of man come to life by visiting the many galleries and exhibits on display.

San Diego Comic-Con International, another San Diego-born institution founded in 1970, is located at the former Sports Museum & Hall of Fame.

With tables and chairs, benches and stoops, with a fountain constantly gurgling a serene background noise and the bay just within eyesight, this urban piazza in the heart of Little Italy is just amazing. Enjoy a coffee, a rendezvous or a book while you bask in a sunlit day with a cool bay breeze. This memorial to neighborhood soldiers who died during the Korean War is a beautiful monument to these heroes. It serves as a tranquil oasis in the middle of one of the busiest blocks in the city.

At the corner of State and Date streets in Little Italy, Amici Park is a rare gem of a park. Located within Little Italy, Amici Park features Bocci ball courts, a small amphitheater and a large green playing field. Adjacent to Washington Elementary School, the students use the park as a playground area during school hours and the community uses it at all other times.

Eat, shop and enjoy at Little Italy Mercato every Saturday, year round, 9 am to 1:30 pm. The Little Italy Mercato is the city market for downtown San Diego residents and visitors with more than 70 booths lining Date Street from Kettner to Union offering farm fresh produce, artisan foods and specialty items.