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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

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 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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SheBelieves Cup

Feb 26, 2025

As the annual SheBelieves Cup, presented by Visa®, hits its 10th year, the teams, venues and dates have been confirmed for one of the most prestigious four-team tournaments in women’s soccer.

In 2025, the world’s top-ranked U.S. Women’s National Team will host Japan (#7), Australia (#15) and Colombia (#21) as the competition returns to its traditional six-game, three matchday format after being played in a four-game, two-date format last year due to the new FIFA windows in years that feature the Olympic Games.

 

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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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What's Hot

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Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

Discover

10 Things 10 Miles Mission Valley

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Visiting Old Town in San Diego

Discover

Shopping Experiences for Fashionistas

Discover

What's On

View All

CONCACAF Gold Cup

Mar 1 - Mar 30, 2025
Discover

Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila

Mar 21, 2024 - ongoing
Discover

SheBelieves Cup

Feb 26, 2025
Discover

A Christmas Carol at Cygnet Theatre

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

 

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Accommodation

Pet-Friendly Package

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

YOUR PUP DESERVES A VACATION TOO!  Treat your four-legged family members to extra-special pet perks at the Days Inn during your next getaway. Your pup has been used to having you...

Wineries

Party TODAY Wine Tasting and FREE gift

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Nov 12, 2024 - Jan 15, 2025

BOOK the  CHAUFFEURED VINEYARDS ADVENTURE TOUR for the holidays and celebrate with the experts.  AND get a FREE Souvenir Wine Tote gift bag! Now through end of January. TOURS RUN...

Wineries

$10 off-Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure

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

Call 858.551.5115 and get $10 off your booking. Or booking online and enter promo code: 24SDTA5 Join us on the Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure  for award-winning wine tastings and wine...

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