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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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CONCACAF Gold Cup

Mar 1 - Mar 30, 2025

 

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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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The Ultimate Coronado Tour in a GoCar

Mar 6, 2024 - ongoing

This tour is for anyone who wants to discover California’s Crown Jewel, Coronado Island. Explore Coronado’s pristine beaches, the famous Hotel del Coronado, the Ferry Landing, shops, and much more. As you enjoy the drive, the GoCar will take you to all the best sites, recommend restaurants, crack jokes, and tell the stories that bring a destination to life. Start in Old Town San Diego before exploring the Embarcado and driving your GoCar over the iconic Coronado Bridge.

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

 

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Accommodation

Stay longer and Save 15%

Western Inn
Valid: May 9 - ongoing

Stay 3 nights and save 15% off on your next stay at the Old Town Western Inn.

Wineries

Wine Tour Gift Certificates Make Great Gifts!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 9, 2024 - ongoing

Delight your loved ones with the gift of unforgettable experiences in San Diego! Our exclusive gift certificates are now available with a fantastic 10% discount.  Call for your discount:...

Transportation

La Jolla Star: Show Your Badge & Save

La Jolla Star Transportation
Valid: Jul 30 - ongoing

Our VIP transportation service in San Diego offers a luxurious and exclusive travel experience for individuals and groups attending events in the area. Our fleet of high-end vehicles, driven by...

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