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Mission Valley & Old Town

Positively in the Middle of it all

Central, Convenient and Affordable

Just minutes away from the San Diego International Airport and within easy reach of all that San Diego has to offer, Mission Valley and Old Town are a great place to call home base. Conveniently located in the center of San Diego County, the area is within a 10-minute drive of the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego and the Downtown Gaslamp District, and offers a wealth of affordable accommodations, family-friendly dining options and great shopping at both the Fashion Valley and Mission Valley malls. Explore things to do in Mission Valley and Old Town, San Diego, learn about the history or try a restaurant in Old Town with Mexican Cuisine.

Outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of things to do in the Mission Valley area too. Play 18 holes at the Riverwalk Golf Club in Mission Valley or go hiking and rock climbing in Mission Trails Regional Park. Cultural attractions in the Mission Valley area include the Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first of 21 missions established in California, and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, with 12 acres of Mexican lore and historical sites.

Quaint boutiques, mouth-watering restaurants, colorful art galleries and festive theaters also populate Old Town, San Diego, making it a not-to-be-missed stop. Mexican cuisine is the specialty in Old Town and a reason people come to this area in San Diego. Here you'll find authentic, delectable fare at any of the many Old Town restaurants and cantinas. Just follow the aroma of freshly made tortillas and take a seat outside on the patio. Enjoy the sounds of local mariachi, or watch traditional folkloric dancers as you sip on the best margaritas in town. Visit the Old Town San Diego Guide for an up-to-date list of attractions, Old Town restaurants, shopping and hotels in or close to Old Town, San Diego. The guide also has things to do in Old Town and includes a list of historic sites and a calendar of Old Town community events.

The best thing to do in Old Town, San Diego is the Old Town Trolley Tours, which offers an excellent sightseeing tour of San Diego with on-and-off privileges. You'll find the main boarding location in Old Town. The Old Town Transit Center, located adjacent to the park, services passenger trains operating on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and the San Diego Coaster with a variety of stops Downtown, including the Convention Center and Petco Park. Free parking is offered in the Old Town Transit Center lot. Visit Old Town in San Diego and see for yourself all the different things to do and see!

 

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Getting to Mission Valley & Old Town

Mission Valley is positively in the middle of it all. There's no shortage of ways to reach this central neighborhood. From the north or south Interstate 5, exit to I-8 westbound. Several exits along the highway will take you to hotel circle, Fashion Valley Mall, and Mission Valley Shopping Center. Interstate 805 and 15 connect to I-8 as well. Just head west when connecting and exit along hotel circle. State highway 163 passes directly through Mission Valley - exit on Friars road; head west or east and you'll be sure to hit a shopping mall!

The Fashion Valley Transit Center is serviced by the blue and green trolley lines and bus routes: 6, 20, 25, 41, 88, 120 and 928. The Mission Valley Center Station is serviced by the green trolley line. The green trolley line will also take you to the SDCCU Stadium.

To reach Old Town, the Old Town Trolley Station is serviced by the Coaster, the blue and green trolley lines, and bus routes: 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 84, 88, 105 and 150. By car, exit Old Town Avenue from Interstate 5, head east, and turn north on San Diego Avenue. Two blocks north, and you're ready for a fiesta!

Discover Mission Valley & Old Town

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Just minutes from downtown, explore the history, legacy, and future of this ever changing, always amazing cultural park.

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Old Town San Diego marks the site of the first Spanish settlement on the U.S. West Coast and features 12 acres of Mexican heritage and historical site.

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North Pole by the Sea

Dec 8, 2024

Get into the holiday spirit in Del Mar Village! Enjoy family-friendly festivities throughout the Del Mar Village North Pole Loop, including photos with Santa, letters to Santa, and other children’s activities at Del Mar Plaza, live holiday music, drink specials for adults at L’Auberge Del Mar, and holiday characters. The afternoon will culminate in a holiday tree lighting with hot chocolate for kids and a special Santa and the Grinch appearance in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar at 5:00 p.m.

 

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Christmas at ARLO

Dec 25, 2024

Celebrate Christmas Day at ARLO. Enjoy a special holiday buffet menu and live music. $90 per person, $38 per child 12 years old and under. Tax and gratuity are not included. Dine inside or on the heated patio. Parking is free with validation.

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Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila

Mar 21, 2024 - ongoing

Considered the birthplace of California, join us to explore San Diego's most historic neighborhood by hearing stories about the different groups who lived here, seeing where they lived and worked, and ending the experience by enjoying some food and drink from the neighborhood's most celebrated occupants.

Tour Highlights

Explore San Diego’s most historic neighborhood

Learn about the indigenous people who called San Diego home thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers

Take a short hike up Presidio Hill to where the Spanish first settled over 250 years ago

Find out how life changes once the Americans arrive and establish a new government

Choose from a vast selection of tequila varieties at an authentic tequileria that boasts a collection of thousands in its museum

End your experience enjoying delicious gourmet street tacos

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As You Like It

Oct 29 - Nov 24, 2024

Banished from the court by her distrustful uncle, the Duke, Rosalind and her cousin Celia journey to the magical Forest of Arden to escape from their world of oppression. Far from the confines of court life, the duo encounter the dashing Orlando and the follies of young romance ensue. Inspired by the beautiful and storied history of San Diego, Shakespeare’s rollicking romantic comedy comes to life with color and music to weave a charming tale of mistaken identity, self-exploration, and the endearing pursuit of love.

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Dec 8, 2024
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Dec 25, 2024
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Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila

Mar 21, 2024 - ongoing
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As You Like It

Oct 29 - Nov 24, 2024
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Mission Valley and Old Town on Instagram

 

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History & Heritage

Save 10% off any San Diego Walks Tour

San Diego Walks
Valid: Jul 24 - ongoing

We offer tours of Balboa Park, Old Town, Liberty Station and Coronado. Use code BEST10 at time of booking to save 10%    

Tours & Sightseeing

Family Friendly- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Feb 2, 2024 - ongoing

Enjoy an Amazing Race type adventure with your family and Save 20% when you use Promo Code SDFUN. Only $39.20 for a Team of 2-5 people. Have fun and do something unique! Covid Friendly outdoor...

Team Building

Show Your Badge and Save on Winery Tours!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 17, 2024 - ongoing

SHOW YOUR BADGE and receive 10% off San Diego's Favorite Winery Tour! Enter promo code when booking:  SDBWSTBADGE Indulge on the Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure  as we discover San...

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