Old Town

San Diego, CA

Old Town - San Diego, CA

Area Guide

Surround yourself with California’s history

Historic • Unique • Walkable • Trolley • Urban • Airport • College •

California’s oldest settlement, Old Town, is located in the heart of San Diego. It sits directly north of Columbia College-San Diego and to the east of the Midway District. The neighborhood is a historic state park that features an open-air museum complete with adobe buildings, Fort Stockton, and the Witches Tower. It is also a popular tourist destination, housing numerous shops and restaurants.

Dating back to 1769, Old Town contains 27 historic buildings and locations. The neighborhood is considered one of San Diego’s top attractions – so if you plan on living here, plan on seeing an influx of tourists daily. If you want to play tourist once you settle in, some of Old Town’s top locations include the Casa de Estudillo, Presidio Park, the Whaley House, and the Wells Fargo History Museum. After enjoying the parks and museums of Old Town, have dinner at some of the neighborhood’s top-rated restaurants like Café Coyote y Cantina, the Old Town Mexican Café, and Casa de Reyes.

Shoppers will appreciate Old Town’s wide variety of shops, including the Old Tow Market and the Bazaar del Mundo. For something a little more “earthy,” stop by Miner’s Gems and Minerals. Catch a show at Cygnet Theatre or practice your swing at the Presidio Hills Golf Course. Old Town is convenient to San Diego beaches, the San Diego International Airport, and Harbor Island Park.

Explore the Neighborhood

The Bazaar del Mundo hosts special events like Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos

Café Coyote provides a fun-filled atmosphere, live music, and more than 100 types of tequila

The Old Town Trolley offers tours San Diego’s top attractions

Casa de Aguirre is a historic house built in 1853 by Don Jose Aguirre

Outdoor dining and some of the city’s best Mexican dishes are at Fiesta de Reyes

Old Town is one of San Diego’s top tourist destinations

Rent Trends

As of January 2025, the average apartment rent in Old Town is $1,062 for a studio, $1,640 for one bedroom, $2,649 for two bedrooms, and $1,982 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Old Town has increased by 0.6% in the past year.