Things to Do in Old Town, San Diego

October 16, 2021

Old Town, San Diego

I stumbled upon Old Town San Diego accidentally while looking for a “Saturday Market.” It ended up being one of those delightful days filled with fun and interesting things to see and do. The best part is that I didn’t know it existed until I was there.

The reason I went to Old Town San Diego was because I read they had a street market on Harney Street, so I arrived and saw an entire busy district and a park with historical reenactments. I was stunned.

Old Town, San Diego sign
Photo by Rene Cizio

Old Town is an old area of San Diego next to a state historic park with 32 historic sites and buildings – so you have two areas: an old city and a historical park.

Old Town San Diego

The neighborhood has dozens of Mexican-style restaurants, with patios on the streets, making a festive environment as you stroll past. Many musicians play as tourists walk about, and various street vendors sell handcrafted Mexican-style goods. Mixed in with the restaurants are dozens more little shops and a mix of Mexican food, souvenir shops, and live entertainment.

Old Town mural
Photo by Rene Cizio

The district is an old one, hence the name. So many buildings give you the feeling you’ve stepped back in time.

Harney Street Artisan Market

The Harney Street Artisan Market is in full swing on Saturday and Sunday and takes over an entire block. Besides the festive feeling at the park and throughout the city, the market adds another element of fun and even more to see.

Old Town, San Diego
Photo by Rene Cizio

Here, bunches of local artists showcase and sell their handmade textiles, jewelry, art, handcrafts and more.

On the day I went, there were about 20 vendors. I was intrigued by jewelry made from the plug of a mollusk shell. The artist explained that the shell grows a sort of plug that closes it off and falls off once it’s fully formed. The remaining cork is a hard shell with a swirl pattern like a vortex. I love learning little things like this!

vortex shell
Photo by Rene Cizio

Besides the jewelry, there were many unique vendors, and the prices were among the lowest I’ve seen in my recent travels – especially for California. As an example, “Mexican blankets” can be had for just $8. I’ve seen them priced elsewhere up to $40.

It’s free to enter this market.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

The historic park is a several-block village where you can travel back in time. It’s adjacent to the city. They sell all kinds of traditional Mexican-style gifts from 19th century San Diego life. Old fashioned shops with conventional clothing, tin, bronze, textiles, candles, pottery, wood crafts, jewelry and more filled the dusty old streets. About 40 vendors sell Mexican ceramics, San Diego souvenirs, colorful arts and crafts, blown glass, and other treasures.

Old Town
Photo by Rene Cizio

The city established the historic park in 1968 to recreate what the city center looked like during this early period. Now it has a few blocks worth of original 19th-century buildings. There’s just so much to see! The street layout flows in and out and around a few shops, so I did a lot of wandering back and forth and had to double back to ensure I saw everything.

People wear traditional clothing, and musicians play Spanish and Mexican music in the streets and town squares. You get a feel for what life was like back then through spaces and places, preserved and replica buildings, and museum exhibits.

Old Town Church
Photo by Rene Cizio

Costumed actors walk around, conduct craft demonstrations, play music, or act like famous San Diego figures. It’s intended to educate, entertain and preserve the cultures shared between Mexico and the United States during that period. You can participate in the demonstrations, like dipping candles, grinding corn and other activities.

There is an old 1850s hotel, a telegraph office where you can learn Morse code or a print shop. You can see old newspaper printing, live blacksmithing, leatherworking and tin making. You’ll also find horses and stables and many traditional indoor/outdoor shops, restaurants, and coffee and juice stands throughout the park.

Dia de Los Muertos
Photo by Rene Cizio

It’s a very festive atmosphere. The best part? The park is open daily throughout the year and is free. You only pay for items or activities you purchase.

Visit Old Town San Diego

The transit options make it so easy to get to Old Town San Diego. The area is next to the Old Town Transit Center, connected to public commuter rail, trolley, and bus services. It’s all within walking distance. There is also plenty of free street parking and several paid parking lots.

Find out more information about the district here.


See other stories about California here.

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More about Rene Cizio

Rene Cizio is a solo female traveler, writer, author and photographer. Find her on Instagram @renecizio

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