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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

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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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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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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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Step-On Guide Services

Aug 19, 2024 - ongoing

Experience the Best of San Diego with Our Expert Tours

Renowned for our intimate small group walking tours, we are thrilled to extend our expertise to larger groups as well. With over 20 years of experience, our owner Jennifer has been guiding bus tours in San Diego, delighting diverse audiences including inbound tour operators, cruise ship guests, and visitors from Los Angeles.

Discover San Diego with Jennifer, who will captivate your group with engaging stories and insightful commentary about the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks. Each tour is customized to your group’s unique interests, ensuring a memorable experience tailored to your schedule.

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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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ISOKNOCK presents San Diego 4EVR

Dec 7 - Dec 8, 2024

ISOKNOCK presents San Diego 4EVR, Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 at Thrive Park at Snapdragon Stadium, featuring performances by ISOKNOCK and special guests RL Grime, Madeon (DJ set), Peekaboo, Brutalismus 3000 and more!

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Nov 30 - Dec 30, 2024
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Aug 19, 2024 - ongoing
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The Ultimate Coronado Tour in a GoCar

Mar 6, 2024 - ongoing
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ISOKNOCK presents San Diego 4EVR

Dec 7 - Dec 8, 2024
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Mission Valley and Old Town on Instagram

 

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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...

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...

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%    

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