Old Town, San Diego

I am told that the concessions for Old Town were bought by a German company.

It's not a bad thing!

I visited again recently. Most of the restaurants in the park now have a historical menu and the wait staff are all in costume. It's like a tasteful Disneyland.

The two-story Cosmopolitan Hotel (Casa de Bandini) is being renovated, for what purpose is not quite clear yet. The Hazard collection of wagons has been moved indoors; I guess even in SD's mild climate they are starting to age. The erstwhile Opera House has gome back to its old duties as wagonhouse.

Old Town is looking good, and the best is yet to come.

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In 1542 the Spanish first came to what is now San Diego, but settlement did not start until 1769. In 1821 Mexico won independence from Spain, and along with it, California. In 1848 the Mexican War saw the annexation of California to the United States.

From about 1868, San Diego's "New Town" began to be built in what is now downtown San Diego. This led to a general decline of Old Town up until 1969 --the 200th anniversary of San Diego-- when the city's Bicentennial celebration returned Old Town to the public eye, and to the heart of San Diego.

The Verna House was built in 1870's in the French Mansard style. It was moved here in 1960 as a temporary fix from keeping her from being demolished. She ended up staying in this spot, but not on a permanent foundation. It started to fall apart till she was refurbished and now she serves as museum of the local area and a gift shop with books.

The first stone was laid by Reverend Thaddeus Amat, C. M., Bishop of Monterey, on July 10, 1868. Yet, the town was being mostly built south of this construction so it was halted even though the walls were already built 15 to 20 feet. This poor church stood uncomplete for over 67 years because of political differences and cost. Finally in 1914 Father Mesny began work to carry out Fr. Ubach’s plan. Finally on July 22, 1917 Immaculate Conception Church was opened for worship. Dedication took place on July 16, 1919 by Reverend John C. Cantwell, D.D., Bishop of Los Angeles and San Diego. It still holds worship today.

Born in Madrid, Spain, Miguel de Pedrorena came to San Diego as agent for a shipping company. He married in 1842 María Antonia Estudillo, daughter of José Antonio Estudillo. He built one of the first framed structures in old town. He was going to build his new home on this site, but died in 1850. Yet, his family built a home in 1869, where the family resided in until 1907.

The building currently houses a gem, jewelry and rock shop.
Hours: Daily 10-4

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We arrived at the entrance to Old Town on foot having walked from the Santa Fe train station and one of the first things to catch out attention as we approachd were the beautiful flowers - Bird of Paradise - growing everywhere like weeds as well as in tended gardens.

Old Town is a "walk around the streets museum" and gives a good feel of settlements in 19th Century southern California.
Before starting your wander stop at the Robin Rose House and learn more about the history of the town from old photographs and newspapers. There is also a large scale interactive diarama which provides a 3-D aerial view of the town with all the most important buildings highlighted.

After a while - if time is running short -you may have to decide which buildings to enter and which to skip.
But don't miss the School House and pay particular attention to the Rules not only those for the pupils but specially those for the Teachers!

Established in 1856, it is one of the oldest brick structures in San Diego. Wow, pretty impressive huh? In 1869 it served as a Courthouse for the county. The walls were plaster with crushed seashells made by the Whaley families own klin. It was home of five generations of the Whaley Family and now stands as a voice of San Diegos historical past.

Admission - Charge
Open 10am-4:30pm daily
Closed Tuesday
10am-7pm Friday and Sat

The Whaley House Historical Marker No. 65

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I haven't been here since I was pregnant with my Nicholas. Boy has it changed from then. I couldn't believe how commericalized it got. The buildings use to house just artifacts and such and now it seems they all have some sort of merchandise to purchase. Then again, if it gets people to enter and enjoy the facility and appreciate the significance this site has to San Diegians or for all those who live in California. Old Town is where the history begins for San Diego where little shacks where orginally built by soliders and settlers moved in from 1821-1872. All the buildings are symbols of the historical richness San Diego has to offer. I wish buildings could talk, because I am sure these would be screeming with a world of information.

Admission is FREE
Open
10AM-5PM

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Historical Marker No.830

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We actually stayed in Old Town for 3 nights. It is a surprisingly quiet area for such a touristy type of place. It is a part of the city that looks like it has been frozen in time with authentic old style buildings and architecture. There are plenty of restaurants lining the main street, which are primarily Mexican. We had dinner at 2 of them, see my restaurants section. There is also a marketplace where you can purchase souvenirs, a historical museum and an old cemetery. It’s a great place to just stroll around and enjoy a bit of the history of times gone by.

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Great restaurants and shops in a recreated village. Part of the area is a state park with building restored to the original state. This is the core city upon which SD was built. It wasn't till much later that an American built up the area (now downtown) by the harbor.