Old Town San Diego ~ The Birthplace of California

Whether you live in San Diego or are just visiting, you’ll want to spend some time in Old Town San Diego. Considered the “Birthplace of California” it is a cultural and historic destination. As a child growing up in San Diego, it was the location of my father’s favorite restaurant and we would come here at least once a week. Here, you will experience the Hispanic culture that built the state of California. You’ll visit the sites of some of the first homes, ranches and churches in the State.

Fiesta De Reyes ~ Plaza in Old Town

Our favorite way to experience this area is a walking tour that will visit historical places and will treat you to some of the best handmade tortillas and collections of tequilas the city has to offer. 

We start our tour in the town center at Fiesta de Reyes. This town center offers genuine Mexican restaurants, adorable Mexican-influenced souvenir shops and an opportunity to be immersed in the local culture.  

Casa de Reyes Restaurant

From the time I was 10 years old, our first stop in Old Town is always the tortilla factory shack. Some of the ladies making tortillas here have been doing it for over 20 years. They are some of the best tortillas you’ll ever have. Ask for a pat of butter to put on your warm tortilla; it’s a bit of heaven on earth. Lunch at the adjacent Casa de Reyes will not disappoint. Their “Bird Bath” margarita is an attitude adjustment that will last all day!

Personal History

As a child, my father became good friends with the mariachi band that played here. The trumpet player had his instrument stolen, and he couldn’t afford a new one. My sweet and generous father purchased one and gifted it to him, making him part of our family. We were weekly regulars in this restaurant. Although it has a different name and ownership, we still love going here.

The Presidio ~ The birthplace of San Diego

From here we set out for a hike up to The Presidio. Across the street and to the South at the corner of Juan and Mason St. you enter a path that takes you behind the golf course and up to the Presidio. As you pass by the backside of the golf course, you’ll see the remnants of a brick wall that was once part of one of the biggest ranches in the area. 

Once you arrive at The Presidio, there are a few things you’ll want to see. The Presidio itself is a fort established by Father Junipero Serra in 1769 as a stronghold to protect the European settlers from the indigenous Kumeyaay people. In 1821, the presidio came under Mexican control, and was officially relinquished by the Spanish in 1822. From 1825-1829, it served as the Mexican governor’s residence. The. Junipero Serra Museum is here. 

There are three statues to see on Presidio hill. An Indian statue that honors the indigenous Kumeyaay Indians, A statue of Father Junipero Serra and a statue of a Mexican Vaquero to honor the early Mexican settlers in the region.

Just below the Junipero Serra Museum, is the Serra cross, considered one of the most important landmarks in San Diego. Built in 1913 with tiles from the original Presidio, this spot is considered “The birthplace of California.” Additional trails around here are rich in historical monuments to explore. The continuation of the trail to the South will take you back to Old Town with so much more to see

Cemeteries & Churches

The “haunted” El Campo Santo Cemetery sits in the middle of the town center. The graves here date back to 1849. Just outside the cemetery, you will discover some grave markers. These were placed when the road and street were built. If you’re lucky enough to visit Old Town on Nov.ember 1^st-2^nd, you’ll experience the Mexican celebration of Dia de Los Almas (All souls day) and Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead.) These are two of the most important of Mexican holidays with parties and decorations that are a sight to see. 

Immaculate Conception is a beautiful old Spanish style church worth a visit. 

Just to the west of the Cemetery is the town center. Here you’ll find one of our favorite souvenir shops, Casa de Aguirre (for obvious reasons! ) Here you’ll find everything from piñatas to Mexican clothing, talavera pottery and locally made hot sauces. 

If you travel into the town center, there are many museums to see including the site of the first SD Union-Tribune and the first printing press in California. 

Dining in Old Town

We have two other favorite restaurants in Old Town.

El Agave boasts the largest collection of tequila in the city and Old Town Mexican Café.

While there are many restaurants to choose from in Old Town, these two are the most authentic in cuisine and beverage choices. Old Town Mexican Café has been in operation for more than 40 years. The tortillas are made fresh in a large display window so you can watch from outside. The food is some of the best authentic Mexican food in all of San Diego. They have two large bars with indoor and outdoor seating and the local mariachi’s add a musical component that you won’t find elsewhere. 

As mentioned previously, if you are able to visit Old Town, SD on the first or second of November, you will see this community in all of its glory as they celebrate the spirits of those that have passed. 

In our other blog of Old Town San Diego, we dive deeper into the historic sites to see! Check out our other blogs of our favorite places to visit in San Diego, our favorite beaches and our favorite restaurants.