Old Town Market, San Diego
Old Town Market is a mix of over 40 unique shops with live entertainment, plus a number of distinguished historic landmarks. Among them is Casa De Aguirre, one of the first houses in Old Town San Diego, built in 1853 by Don Jose Antonio Aguirre, a wealthy merchant and successful rancher. After his death, the Aguirre family donated the property to the Catholic Church, which had then used it first as a rectory and then as Saint Anthony’s Industrial School for Indians. After years of disrepair, the original structure was torn down in 1914. In 2002, Historic Tours of America reconstructed the building as it's seen today.
In 1994, amid preparations for the reconstruction, the need to find the building's original foundations prompted an archaeological dig during which they had unearthed thousands of artifacts which had literally opened the door to the past, revealing the story of the people who had lived, worked and played here many years before. The items recovered on the site formed basis for a museum recounting the history of San Diego and southern California from 1840 to 1870.
Another historic property, The Convent building, was originally built as the Saint Joseph’s rectory at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Beech Street in downtown, and was moved to Old Town in 1940. Once at Old Town Market, it served a seminary, convent, community center, and, during World War II, hosted a United Services Organization. The building was restored in 2003 and is currently registered as San Diego Historical Site.
With several eateries and shops for souvenirs, jewelry and apparel available, this unique market is not to be missed. It does tend to get very busy during holidays such as Day of the Dead. Within a short walking distance, you'll be able to enjoy live Mariachi bands, watch local artisan demonstrations, and catch the smell of good food wafting through the air.
It's like taking a mini-trip to Mexico!
Why You Should Visit:
Perfect place to enjoy Mexican cuisine, with also plenty of gifts/handicrafts to buy for the whole family.
In 1994, amid preparations for the reconstruction, the need to find the building's original foundations prompted an archaeological dig during which they had unearthed thousands of artifacts which had literally opened the door to the past, revealing the story of the people who had lived, worked and played here many years before. The items recovered on the site formed basis for a museum recounting the history of San Diego and southern California from 1840 to 1870.
Another historic property, The Convent building, was originally built as the Saint Joseph’s rectory at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Beech Street in downtown, and was moved to Old Town in 1940. Once at Old Town Market, it served a seminary, convent, community center, and, during World War II, hosted a United Services Organization. The building was restored in 2003 and is currently registered as San Diego Historical Site.
With several eateries and shops for souvenirs, jewelry and apparel available, this unique market is not to be missed. It does tend to get very busy during holidays such as Day of the Dead. Within a short walking distance, you'll be able to enjoy live Mariachi bands, watch local artisan demonstrations, and catch the smell of good food wafting through the air.
It's like taking a mini-trip to Mexico!
Why You Should Visit:
Perfect place to enjoy Mexican cuisine, with also plenty of gifts/handicrafts to buy for the whole family.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Diego. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Old Town Market on Map
Sight Name: Old Town Market
Sight Location: San Diego, USA (See walking tours in San Diego)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Diego, USA (See walking tours in San Diego)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Diego, California
Create Your Own Walk in San Diego
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Diego is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Walking Tour
Old Town is the oldest settled area in San Diego which claims to be the first site visited by Europeans on the West Coast of modern United States.
The Native American culture in the area, however, goes back thousands of years. Historically, this land had been a home to the Kumeyaay people who settled on the banks of the San Diego river since around 1000 AD. The first European explorer to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
The Native American culture in the area, however, goes back thousands of years. Historically, this land had been a home to the Kumeyaay people who settled on the banks of the San Diego river since around 1000 AD. The first European explorer to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Balboa Park Walking Tour
Named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, Balboa Park is one of the largest cultural parks in the United States. A renowned cultural and recreational hub, it offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the California Building and Tower, which boasts stunning Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the California Building and Tower, which boasts stunning Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Embarcadero Marina Walking Tour
Adjacent to downtown San Diego and the picturesque San Diego Bay is a vibrant waterfront area. Embarcadero Marina, a testament to the region's colorful maritime heritage, houses several outstanding ship museums and is home to other notable sites. The abundance of shopping and dining options, complete with the pristine views of the city skyline, delight numerous locals and tourists and make... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historic Gaslamp District Walking Tour
The Gaslamp Quarter is a lively 16½-block neighborhood in downtown San Diego, known for its nightlife, diverse entertainment and, just as importantly, historical appeal.
Back in the 1860s, the area was known as New Town, in contrast to Old Town, the original Spanish colonial settlement. After a period of decay, the neighborhood underwent redevelopment during the 1980s and 1990s, and was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Back in the 1860s, the area was known as New Town, in contrast to Old Town, the original Spanish colonial settlement. After a period of decay, the neighborhood underwent redevelopment during the 1980s and 1990s, and was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 14 Gifts That Say San Diego
San Diego is known for its beautiful, temperate climate, but you can’t take the weather home with you. If you want a piece of San Diego as a souvenir, it’s best to shop with the natives. Whether it is made locally or just made famous locally, following are 14 perfect gifts that capture the...