arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

Old Town's Historic Sites & Museums

Visit the "birthplace" of California

Historic buildings and museums allow you to visit California's history firsthand.

Visit original and reconstructed buildings that illustrate the ambiance of 1800's San Diego in Old Town.

Visitor Center

619-220-5422
Hours: 10am-4pm October-March; 10am-5pm April-September
A look at San Diego's beginnings.
Free guided walking tours: Wed-Sun 11am and 2pm

Whaley House Museum/SOHO

2482 San Diego Ave.
619-297-7511 or 619-297-9327
Hours: Daily 10am-4:30pm, except Tues; 10am-7pm Fri and Sat during summer
Built in 1841, the Whaley House is the number one most haunted house in the United States, according to the Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted.

Adobe Chapel

619-297-7511
Hours: Saturday-Sunday: 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Black Hawk Livery & Blacksmith

619-220-5399
The town's original blacksmith shop that operated during the 1860's.
Hours: Wed and Sat 10am-2pm

Casa de Carrillo

4136 Wallace (Presidio Hills Golf Course)
619-295-9476
The oldest building in California, built in 1821.
Hours: 7:30am-6:30pm

Casa de Estudillo

619-220-5426
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
The largest of the adobe houses.

Casa de Machado y Silva

Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
It was from this house in 1846 that Senora de Silvas ran to cut away the Mexican flag, and in it that she hid the banner.

Casa de Pedrorena

Hours: Daily 10am-4pm
An original adobe house built in 1854.

Casa del Rey Moro African Museum

2471 Congress St.
619-220-0022
Hours: Daily 10:30am–7pm, except Wed
Museum depicting African American culture in San Diego.

Heritage Park

Juan St. and Harney St.
A 7.8-acre county park with seven restored and relocated Victorian homes.

Mason Street School

619-297-1183
Call for hours
California's first public school house built out of salvaged lumber in 1865.

San Diego Sheriff's Museum & Educational Center

2384 San Diego Ave.
619-260-1850
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-4pm
This free museum showcases over 150 years of history and present day operations of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

San Diego Union Building

Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
This first office of the San Diego Union newspaper is restored to what it was when the Union printed its first edition on October 10, 1868 as a weekly paper. Free admission.

Seeley Stables

619-220-5427
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
The Yuma/San Diego stagecoach stop built in 1851 houses a collection of vintage carriages and transportation memorabilia.

Serra Museum

2727 Presidio Dr.
619-297-3258
Hours: Fri-Sun 10am-4:30pm
Admission: $5, children under 13 free
Built in 1929, houses Kumeyaay Indians Spanish & Mexican exhibits of San Diego history from 1700 to 1920.

Wells Fargo Museum

619-238-3929
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Related Articles and Features

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Suite Celebrations at Andaz

Andaz San Diego
Valid: Feb 21 - ongoing

Promotional concessions available for weddings occurring between November 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024.

Boating & Sailing

Veterans Ride Free

Flagship Cruises & Events
Valid: Nov 10 - Nov 11, 2024

We Salute Our Troops! In celebration of Veterans Day, we’re excited to invite all veterans, active duty, retired, and reserve military members to enjoy a FREE ride on our narrated San Diego...

Accommodation

Bayside Booze & Bites 

Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

Join us for some Booze & Bites at Humphreys Half Moon Inn! Treat yourself to a tasty appetizer, enjoy delicious sips, and soak up beautiful bay views at Humphreys SoCAL Dining &...

Events to check out

Event

Fleet Week San Diego 2024

Nov 1 - Nov 11, 2024

Experience one of San Diego’s largest Military events featuring Military Displays, High Tech equipment in the Innovation Zone, Active Navy & Coast Guard Ship Tours, Live Music, Food, and Fun...

Event

T. REX Film

San Diego Natural History Museum
Jul 16, 2024 - ongoing

Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. Anchored by the true story of the young fossil hunters who made the discovey of a lifetime. T. REX is a captivating science adventure featuring the Greatest of...

Event

Celebrate Life on a VIP Wine and Food Adventure

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Oct 7 - Dec 31, 2024

Treat yourself and your loved ones, you deserve it! Celebrate life every day on a fabulous Chauffeured Vineyard Adventure Tour!  You'll love this afternoon of wine tasting in San...

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish