DK Travel : San Diego : Old Town State Historic Park

Old Town State Historic Park

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After Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, many retired soldiers created what is now Old Town, laying their homes and businesses around the plaza in typical Spanish style. Through trade with Boston, the town began to prosper. After a fire in 1872 destroyed much of the commercial center, San Diego moved to a “New Town” closer to the bay. Today, you can explore the preserved and restored structures of San Diego’s pioneer families.
The future of the popular Bazaar del Mundo is uncertain, it may be relocated.

Top 10 Sights

1. Plaza

1. Plaza

Spanish communities used the town plaza for bullfights, political events, executions, and fiestas. Ever since the American flag was raised in 1846, tradition maintains that the Old Town flagpole must be made from a ship’s mast.

Canon in Old Town Plaza
2. La Casa de Estudillo

2. La Casa de Estudillo

Built by José Estudillo, the Presidio’s commander, this 1827 adobe home is Old Town’s showpiece. Workmen shaped the curved red tiles of the roof by spreading clay over their legs. Thick walls helped support the roof.
3. La Casa de Bandini

Peruvian Juan Bandini arrived in San Diego in 1819 and became one of its wealthiest citizens. Following business losses, his home was converted into a hotel. It’s now home to a Mexican restaurant.
4. Seeley Stable

Until railroads proved more efficient, Albert Seeley ran a stagecoach business between San Diego and LA. Today, this reconstructed barn houses original carriages and wagons from the Wild West.
5. San Diego Union Historical Museum

This wood-frame house was built in New England and shipped down in 1851. Home to the early years of The San Diego Union , a faithful restoration depicts the newsroom of the city’s oldest newspaper.
6. Mason Street School

This one-room school opened in 1856. Its first teacher, Mary Chase Walker, resigned her $65-a-month position when townspeople complained that she had invited a black woman to lunch.
7. Colorado House

7. Colorado House

The name Wells Fargo came to symbolize the opening of the American West. At this little museum housed in a former hotel, a restored stagecoach is the main exhibit.
8. The Machado-Stewart House

Jack Stewart married Rosa Machado in 1845 and moved to this adobe home, where the family line continued until 1966. The structure’s inevitable deterioration finally compelled them to move.
9. Robinson-Rose House

9. Robinson-Rose House

Docents are on hand to answer questions at this 150-year-old house which is the headquarters of Old Town. Look out for the model of the 1872 Old Town.
10. Bazaar del Mundo

Vibrant colors and unique shops present the best of Latin America. Andean bands and folk dancers perform amidst Guatemalan weavings and Mexican folk art.

Practical Information

Head to one of San Diego’s most famous Mexican restaurants, Old Town Mexican Café & Cantina (see Old Town Mexican Café & Cantina), and watch the ladies make tortillas as you have lunch. One-hour walking tours led by park rangers leave daily at 11am and 2pm from the Robinson-Rose House. Many of the park concessionaires sell a lot of kitsch; you’ll do better outside the park, or try the lovely shops at Bazaar del Mundo. 4002 Wallace St (619) 220-5422 Open 10am–5pm daily