Old Town San Diego, San Diego

It's changed, I liked it better before. Every year I take my family there to eat at my favorite resturant, and now they turned it into a Hotel, and didn't replace it! Now, I might go every 5 years or so and check it out.

I didn't know what the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park was when I read about it. It is like visiting San Diego when it was first settled, with little shops and houses and an open market. I got a very pretty necklace there for only $10. I very much enjoyed visiting and wish we had more time to explore it when we were there.

We unfortunately were not the right people. Very touristy, lots of little shops. We probably went at the wrong time. We went on a Saturday night with our kids and it was filled with adults looking for a good time. My husband went through a few shops and I took my kids through Whaley House (which was very interesting), but other than that there was not much that interested us. I would think a couple or a group of friends in their 20s on up would enjoy it for sure at night, and anyone who enjoys looking through little shops would enjoy it.

I've been coming here since I was really young and I love the little shops they have around Old Town. They also have an old cemetery, the mission, an original Wells Fargo wagon, and little buildings to show what it used to be like "back in the day". They have GREAT places to eat, and it's a nice atmosphere for a late evening with the family.

The web sites promoting the place build it up like you will step back in time. What a load of crap. Yes there are little signs outside the buildings, stating their historical significance. Beyond that, the place is just a rundown tourist trap. Dont waste your time. The Walgreens next to our hotel had better souvineer choices.

Do not waste your time with this place.I am so disappointed in how this place has gone down hill, as I have lived in San Diego my entire life and am a history fanatic This used to be my favorite spot in San Diego, but not any more. It is truely shameful how the new owners have completely recked the atmosphere and feel of Old Town. Casa De Bandini, probably the best Mexican food and Margaritas in San Diego - GONE. Casa De Pico - GONE. Bazaar Del Mundo and it's great shops, traditional singing and dancing - KICKED OUT. The new owners claim to be making it more historical, but I don't see it. I have always believed that if it ain't broke don't fix it. They have tried to fix something that was awesome the way it ways and have managed to destroy a place San Diegans held and hold near and dear to their hearts. I recently took some relatives from Houston to Old Town and I was absolutely embarrased at how dull and boring it was. I had told them that it was a cool place and must see while in San Diego, which it really was a few years ago before the new owners took it over, but it fell flat on its face when we went in November. The only places worth seeing at the park anymore is the Old School House and the Whaley House, besides that it is a sleeper. Go see the Pt. Loma Lighthouse, La Jolla Coastline, Hotel Del Coronado and the Gaslamp if want to truely enjoy your trip to San Diego. Please do not base your ideas of San Diego on this place, it's not fair to the rest of the city.

Old Town is a great places to visit while in San Diego, CA. its a cultural places with Mexican style buildings and unique homemade candy and jelly jar..its a great place for souvenir especially people who likes cultural jewelery or decorations...

there are fun free tours, other than that it was history light, but it was fun to shop there and eat. Check out the jolly boy for food, racine and laramie for smokes and great guy gifts, johnson house for pretty girly stuff, and the candy store for candy(duh)

Beatiful little town with wonderful small shops where you can talk directly with the owners, bargain shop, & negotiate. There were all kinds of things that you can look for - from beautiful custom glass shops, to jewelry shops, to Mexican dresses, you can find anything you wish. We ate at the Cafe Coyote Mexican Grill Restaurant which was beautiful. The service was surprisingly quick even though the place was packed full. We also wanted to do the Trolley around Old Town but got there too late. Make sure you get there between 9am and 3pm for the Trolley ride. We walked throughout the Old Town and my wife and I thought it was beautiful and very interesting. It was not crowded, but was busy and there were people walking around and it was fun. There were many hotels and restaurants...the hotels look very nice but I recommend staying on the beach which is a good 20 minutes away and commuting for an afternoon stroll and dinner. Old Town is set on the hill side which gives it a very unique feeling. If you hit up San Diego definetely stop here and get dinner and walk around...you will not regret it.

This is a great place for the folks and the whole familly. Walk and get some beautiful senery and fresh air, whole class home made, salt water taffy, my favorite, you got to try 1 peice. The best mexican cuisine in or near its place and fun entertainment for everyone or all ages.