There's more to Old Town San Diego than meets the eye, so see the best of this often-overlooked area on a walking tour that combines some of San Diego's oldest history with delicious authentic tacos. Pass historic churches, a haunted homestead, Victorian architecture, and a landmark cemetery as you learn about three centuries of California history. The final stop is a local tequileria where you'll be treated to tequila and tacos.
- Explore the fascinating history of San Diego’s oldest neighborhood.
- Learn about the different people and cultures who settled in Old Town.
- See the city’s most haunted building — the Whaley House
- Includes tastings of authentic street tacos and a choice from a vast selection of tequila
What To Expect
Old Town San Diego
Join us as we discover the full story of San Diego in the location where it all began – Old Town. We’ll learn about the indigenous people of the area, along with the Spanish and visit where they settled, and how this became a part of Mexico before becoming a US State. Along the way we’ll hear tales of the people who lived here and will end with some fantastic tacos and tequila!
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Adobe Chapel Museum
We start our tour at the Adobe Chapel, first built as a home in 1850. By 1858 it became a chapel after the Mission was closed and served in that capacity until 1919. We’ll learn that it was the setting of the fictional character Ramona’s wedding from the 1884 novel, and how this building saved the neighborhood.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Whaley House Museum
There are three historic buildings on this site and we’ll talk about all of them, plus admire the century old Pepper Trees. Known mostly for its ghostly residents, the Whaley House is historically important beyond being haunted.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Heritage County Park
These Victorian buildings were moved here to preserve them from the expanding city in the 1970s from downtown. All of these houses date to the end of the 19th century.
• Admission Ticket Not Included
Mormon Battalion Historic Site
The longest infantry march in US history happened during the Mexican-American war in 1846-48 and this site commemorates it.
• Admission Ticket Not Included
Presidio Park
Where modern San Diego began with the first Mission and first Presidio (fortress) established here in 1769. After this area was abandoned residents moved down the hill to what is now Old Town State Park.
• Admission Ticket Not Included
Immaculate Conception Church
This is the descendant of the church at our meeting location and is over 100 years old.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
El Campo Santo Cemetery
After the Presidio closed, this became the main Catholic cemetery in San Diego, and many of San Diego’s early residents are interred here.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria
We’ve saved the best for last! We’ll stop here for a refreshing beverage and some delish bites!
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Guests should be comfortable walking 2 miles – comfortable shoes are a must!
Water in reusable container, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses are all recommended.
Our tortilla tasting happens at the beginning of the tour and our tacos and tequila are at the end (saving the best for last!). Please take that into consideration when planning pre-tour meals (have enough to fuel your walk but not enough to spoil your tacos!).
There is plenty of free parking in Old Town but can be hard to find on weekends. Please plan ahead.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Max group – 15
