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Welcome to

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

What's Hot|
What's On|

Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

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

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10 Things 10 Miles Mission Valley

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Visiting Old Town in San Diego

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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Shopping Experiences for Fashionistas

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CONCACAF Gold Cup

Mar 1 - Mar 30, 2025

 

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Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights

Nov 30 - Dec 30, 2024

When it comes to the holiday season, San Diegans do it better than most. Whether with holiday tamales and margaritas, watching the parade of lights on San Diego Bay, or seeking out local holiday traditions, a San Diego Feliz Navidad day is in order. Because of our year-round picture-perfect weather here, sometimes we need reminding when the holidays are approaching. But when they do, we go all out! For a full-on, unique experience in ‘America’s Finest City,’ take an Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour and ride a wave of holiday cheer! Join in sing-along caroling with our Elf conductors as they share fun holiday facts, trivia, history, and traditions. Hop aboard to see the festive holiday sights of Old Town, Little Italy, Banker’s Hill, Garrison Street, and more!

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A Christmas Carol at Cygnet Theatre

Nov 29 - Dec 24, 2024

Cygnet Theatre’s holiday smash hit returns for its ninth year, better than ever! While staying true to the timeless magic of Charles Dickens’ tale of hope and redemption, this year’s production features exciting new elements — including fresh, original music and a revitalized script. With imaginative stagecraft, puppetry, live sound effects, and all of the heartwarming tradition you love, step into a Victorian Christmas card for an unforgettable holiday experience that will delight both first-time audiences and returning fans alike.

"This 'A Christmas Carol' engages the audience in the magic of theatrical storytelling in a way few other shows do." – San Diego Union-Tribune

 

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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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Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

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10 Things 10 Miles Mission Valley

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Visiting Old Town in San Diego

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Shopping Experiences for Fashionistas

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What's On

View All

CONCACAF Gold Cup

Mar 1 - Mar 30, 2025
Discover

Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights

Nov 30 - Dec 30, 2024
Discover

A Christmas Carol at Cygnet Theatre

Nov 29 - Dec 24, 2024
Discover

Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila

Mar 21, 2024 - ongoing
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Mission Valley and Old Town on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

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...

Activities

Create Memories Any Day-Just Add Wine!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 11, 2024 - ongoing

BOOK YOUR CHAUFFEURED VINEYARDS ADVENTURE  and receive a FREE souvenier tote bag when you call and mention this ad.  MEMORIES! What's better than sipping wine with the backdrop of...

Accommodation

Linger Longer Offer

Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle
Valid: Jun 4 - ongoing

One night in San Diego is never enough. Slow your next stay down and savor the little moments with our Linger Longer, Save More offers. This rate includes savings between 15% - 20% off our...

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