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Step into Old Town San Diego, where time travel feels real! This is California’s historic heart, a charming blend of red-tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, and Spanish colonial architecture that whispers stories from the 1800s. Don’t miss the century-old La Casa de Machado y Stewart and La Casa de Machado y Silvas—two beautifully preserved homes that witnessed the city’s birth and hold secrets of generations past. Sip coffee at a corner café, catch live folk music drifting through the air, and let your pace slow down with the gentle breeze of Southern California—right here, you’re not just visiting history… you’re part of it.
Everything you need to know about Old Town
Hotel de la Jolla is a top choice, located within the Old Town San Diego Historic District, just a 5-minute walk from Old Town Park. This boutique hotel blends Spanish Colonial architecture with modern comforts, featuring rooms with handcrafted wooden furnishings and artisan ceramic tiles. Some suites offer views of the San Diego River. The property includes a private courtyard, an outdoor café, and complimentary bike rentals for exploring the Old Town Trail. Guests can also book guided local food tours through the hotel’s concierge, sampling authentic tacos and mezcal tastings at family-run eateries.
Old Town San Diego features a well-connected pedestrian-friendly network, with key sites like California's First Church and Edgar F. Fornan House within a 10-minute walk. The city operates a free shuttle bus (Old Town Trolley) every 30 minutes, linking the district to nearby shops and museums. For drivers, the Old Town Plaza Parking Garage offers 24/7 surveillance and EV charging stations. Additionally, multiple bike-sharing routes connect the area to coastal trails, enabling seamless travel between historical landmarks and seaside parks.
Don’t miss Mexican heritage workshops hosted by local artisans, including hand-painted pottery classes, traditional costume fittings, and salsa dancing lessons. The annual Old Town Festival in October features live music, a local food market, and historical reenactments. The Old Town San Diego Museum offers immersive guided tours using touchscreens and VR technology to recreate 19th-century Mexican village life. Some restaurants also host family-style cooking classes, where guests craft tortillas and chili sauces firsthand, deepening their connection to Southern California’s cultural roots.
See what other travelers say about Old Town
Absolutely perfect stay with my 15-year-old daughter—this hostel truly exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the vibrant art adorning the walls set a creative and welcoming tone. The staff were incredibly warm and helpful, making us feel right at home. The facilities were spotless, and our room was cozy, clean, and comfortable—perfect for a relaxing night’s sleep. The other guests were friendly and respectful, creating a peaceful, inclusive vibe. Being just steps away from Ocean Beach made it easy to explore the area, and the location is safe and convenient. This place isn’t just a hostel—it’s a little slice of California dream life. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable, authentic experience without compromising on comfort or community.
This hotel truly exceeded my expectations! The room was immaculate, spotlessly clean, and so comfortable—perfect for a relaxing stay. What stood out the most was the location: just a short walk from the harbor, with easy access to public transit, dining spots, and local attractions. I loved exploring the nearby restaurants and cafes—everything was convenient and authentic. The staff were friendly and attentive without being overbearing, making the whole experience feel welcoming. It’s rare to find such a well-located, clean, and thoughtfully run property in San Diego. For travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and a great value, this is definitely a top choice. I’ll be coming back!
Staying at Kings Inn in San Diego was an absolute delight! The hotel feels warm and welcoming from the moment you walk in, with clean, comfortable rooms that make you feel right at home. What really stands out is the location—everything you’d want is within a 10-minute walk or drive: the zoo, the beach, and a wide variety of restaurants ranging from casual eateries to local favorites. I loved how easy it was to explore the city without relying on rideshares or parking stress. The staff were friendly, the amenities were spot-on, and the overall value for money was fantastic. If you’re visiting San Diego, this is definitely a top choice—I’ll be coming back again!
My stay at the Best Western Inn & Suites San Diego – Zoo/SeaWorld Area was absolutely outstanding, especially during the wildfires affecting Los Angeles. Despite the challenging circumstances, the hotel maintained exceptional service and offered a calm, clean environment—perfect for relaxation. On the first day, my room faced the street and was slightly noisy, so I requested a room change. The front desk handled it promptly and efficiently, showing great hospitality. The staff were friendly, professional, and genuinely attentive to guest comfort. The location is ideal if you're planning to visit the zoo or SeaWorld—easy access and convenient transportation options nearby. With its excellent value, welcoming atmosphere, and top-notch service, I’ll definitely choose this hotel again on my next trip to San Diego. Highly recommend!
The hotel is perfectly located—just a 10-minute drive from San Diego International Airport, making travel in and out a breeze. The free shuttle service is a game-changer; it conveniently takes you to the airport, local restaurants, and nearby attractions without hassle. I appreciated the self-service breakfast—plenty of options including fresh fruit, hot dishes, and pastries, all well-prepared and satisfying. The room was clean, quiet, and comfortable, with modern touches throughout. Staff were friendly and helpful, adding to the overall pleasant experience. It’s rare to find such convenience and quality at this price point. Definitely my top choice for future trips to San Diego.
Located just minutes from San Diego International Airport, this Hampton Inn & Suites offers unbeatable convenience for travelers. The complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport is a game-changer—just book in advance and they’ll pick you up right at the door. The hotel itself is spotless and well-maintained, with clean, modern rooms and comfortable beds that made for a restful stay. Everything feels fresh and welcoming, from the lobby to the bathroom facilities. Excellent value for the price, especially if you're flying in/out frequently or need a quick overnight stop. A reliable, no-fuss option that delivers on comfort and location.
The hotel is spotless and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. The bed was super comfortable, and the quiet surroundings made for a peaceful night's sleep. Just a 10-minute walk away, there's a fantastic BBQ place that’s worth every minute of the long queue—totally delicious! Breakfast was simple but satisfying, and overall, everything else was great. The only downside was that the elevator broke on our check-in day, and it took a full day to fix—so we had to climb the stairs with our luggage, which was tough, especially with heavy bags. We ended up just grabbing a change of clothes and heading up, but it was still a hassle. Still, I have to say, the way they handled the situation—though slow—was transparent and persistent. It’s not perfect, but the location, cleanliness, and comfort make up for it. Definitely a solid choice if you're visiting San Diego, and I’d stay here again.
Our stay at ITH Adventure Hostel San Diego was absolutely fantastic! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from downtown, with tons of restaurants, shops, and attractions nearby. The vibe is super welcoming, and the staff are friendly and helpful throughout. The space is clean, well-maintained, and perfect for solo travelers or small groups looking to meet new people. It’s clear they care about creating a comfortable, social atmosphere without compromising on quality. We had such a great time that we’d definitely come back again. If you're looking for a fun, affordable, and central base in San Diego, this place is a must-try!
Staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Old Town was a great choice for me. The hotel is perfectly located in Old Town, just a 7- to 8-minute walk to the main historic area—ideal for exploring on foot. There are plenty of restaurants and gas stations nearby, making daily needs super convenient. Parking costs $30 per day, which is a bit steep, but given the central location, it’s worth it. The neighborhood feels safe and clean—no homeless people around, and the streets are well-maintained. I appreciated the free coffee and tea in the lobby, plus breakfast is included—always a nice touch. The room itself is standard but comfortable, with a small balcony where I could enjoy sunset views in the evening. It’s not flashy, but it’s cozy, quiet, and perfect for a stress-free stay. Highly recommend this hotel if you're visiting Old Town.
Absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The location is perfect—just steps away from Mission Bay, with easy access to downtown San Diego via public transit. The room was clean, spacious, and incredibly comfortable, with a great bed that made for a restful night's sleep. The staff were friendly and efficient, making check-in a breeze. I especially appreciated the free Wi-Fi and the included breakfast—fresh, tasty, and well-rounded. It’s rare to find such a well-maintained property with such a great value. Highly recommend this place for anyone visiting San Diego, whether for business or leisure.
I'm giving this place a solid 5-star review! The hostel is clean, welcoming, and perfectly located for exploring downtown San Diego—super easy to get around by public transit. That said, I do need to mention something that concerned me during check-in: the front desk staff asked for my credit card, wrote down all the information by hand, and even removed the CVV protection sticker on the back of the card. It felt really risky and made me uneasy about potential fraud or misuse. While everything turned out fine, I’d strongly recommend the team reconsider this practice for guest safety and peace of mind.
The hotel was spotlessly clean with a fresh, welcoming atmosphere throughout. I especially appreciated having an in-house laundry facility—no need to go out to a laundromat, which saved me time and hassle. Parking was convenient and plentiful, making it easy whether I was driving or using public transit. The overall experience was excellent, and I’d definitely stay here again. Highly recommend for travelers seeking comfort and practicality.
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