posted by Traveller on Aug 25

The Old Town San Diego Park serves as a way to recreate life in both the early American and early Mexican era of 1821 – 1872.  It is situated four miles north of San Diego city center and the park helps to recreate what was once San Diego.  When you are in California, you are encourage to make a trip to Old Town San Diego to make your trip complete.

Around the five adobes of the main complex, there are shops, a museum, and several restaurants.  Around the garden courtyard, the La Casa mansion helps to bring back a taste of the Old Town.  Just a short hop from there, the museum is full of artifacts that help to reflect on the life that was once the Old Town. Other historical building of interest includes Colorado House and Mason Street School which dates from 1866.

The Old Town also has a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and several other historic buildings, including the first newspaper office in San Diego.  The newspaper was first published in 1868.   This is truly a place to visit, especially for those who are interested to learn more about the history of San Diego.

The city of San Diego was the first Spanish settlement in California.  This occurred when a fort and mission were established in 1769.  Back in 1769, California was just beginning to get established, therefore it wasn’t near the state nor the size that it is today.

When visiting the Old Town Park, you should make sure to visit the Robinson-Rose House Visitor Center at the western end of the Plaza.  This center is reconstructed now and displays a model of Old Town and the way it looked back in 1872.  The model that is on display was created by Joseph Toigo. Also, not forgetting to visit the Bazaar del Mundo shopping center where is if full of Mexican themes.

The Old Town Park also offers exhibits of the way things used to be, programs, and even guided tours.  You can get a personal tour of the park, with a guide who will show you around and even explain things to you.

During your visit to the park, you can also enjoy a picnic at one of the picnic areas Or if you like, you can try Mexican food in Plaza del Pasado.  You can find restaurants such as Casa Guadalajara, Rancho El Nopal, Casa de Pico or Casa de Bandini.

Those living in San Diego can find the Old Town Park on San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street.  Being close to the main city, visiting the Park is very easy and convenient.  If you live in the city but have never been to the park, you should stop by and take a look.

When you visit the Old Town, the Old Town San Diego helps to bring back a taste of the past.  There is a lot to see here and a lot of historical value.  All you need to do is stop by the park and see what you think about the way things used to be.

Picture Reference:
The Public Domain picture Museum is taken from Wikipedia.