Mission Valley & Old Town

The native Kumeyaay Indians knew it. So did the Spanish missionaries and American settlers who arrived after them. With its close proximity to the ocean in the west and the mountains in the east, the San Diego River Valley is a good place to call home - event for a short time.

Mission Valley

Centrally located with easy access to the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego and downtown's Gaslamp Quarter, Mission Valley offers a host of affordable accommodations for families and business travelers alike. Bustling with activity, Mission Valley is an epicenter of dining, shopping and entertainment, with plenty of restaurants, retail malls, movie theaters, the 9 hole Riverwalk Golf Club, and Qualcomm Stadium, home of the San Diego Chargers.

For a bit of San Diego history, visit the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, one of twenty-one missions that dot the California coast. The mission still actively serves to this day, as a beautiful and enduring symbol of San Diego's prosperity.

Shopping

The two main shopping centers in the area, Mission Valley and Fashion Valley malls offer an oasis of retail therapy. The upscale Fashion Valley Mall contains luxury department stores, including Bloomingdales and Neiman-Marcus, as well as premium brand shops by the likes of Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, the Apple Store and many more. After a day of shopping, relax and grab a bite at any of the restaurants located on the mall premises, or take in a flick at the 18-screen movie theater. Mission Valley Center Mall also hosts a theater, along with retail shops for the value-conscious shoppers, like Target and Nordstrom Rack.

Old Town San Diego

Just south of Mission Valley and known as the birthplace of California, Old Town teems with a lively, authentic atmosphere, boasting 17 museums and historical sites including the Whaley House, which tops Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted list.

Quaint boutiques, mouth-watering restaurants, colorful art galleries and festive theatres populate Old Town, making it a not-to-be-missed hot spot for tourists and locals alike. Mexican cuisine is the specialty in Old Town, where you'll find authentic fare at any of the many cantinas. Just follow the aroma of freshly made tortillas and take a seat outside. Enjoy the sounds of local mariachi as you sip on the best margaritas in town.

Old Town offers a number of family friendly accommodations and is the main boarding location for the Old Town Trolley Tours, which offers an excellent sightseeing tour of San Diego. The Old Town Transit Center, located adjacent to Old Town San Diego State Historic 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 Transit Center lot.

Hotels and Where to Stay in Mission Valley & Old Town San Diego

Mission Valley and Old Town offer accommodations in a high concentration, ranging from the modest roadside motels and traditional properties around Old Town to the modern high-rise hotels in Mission Valley’s Hotel Circle. Both areas cater to families and business travelers, offering close proximity to San Diego's major attractions, beaches and downtown Gaslamp Quarter. 

Browse the list below for the perfect lodging during your upcoming stay in San Diego's Mission Valley or Old Town:

Guide to Restaurants, Bars and Places to Eat in Mission Valley & Old Town

San Diego’s Mission Valley & Old Town areas offer a wide range of dining options. From family, casual, quick-serve and upscale dining establishments, to the most authentic Mexican, Asian, and New American options, you’re bound to find fare to satisfy your cravings.

Old Town San Diego is renowned for fresh and authentic Mexican food. With the aroma of freshly grilled handmade tortillas that fill the air, your stomach may start to grumble as soon as you walk into town. Beyond Mexican food, Old Town also offers a variety of international cuisine including some of the best sushi in town at Harney Sushi, or Italian fare at Jack and Giuilos. For the tequila connoisseur, try any of the 2,000 different tequilas at El Agave Tequileria, who boasts their own Tequila Museum.

The Mission Valley area offers every kind of dining option. For the family with young children in tow, there are plenty of family-friendly options like IHOP, Ruby’s Diner, and Fuddruckers. If you’re looking for a unique San Diego dining experience, try the Karl Strauss Brewing Company.

Whatever your mood, craving or occasion, there’s a restaurant or dining option that will suit your needs in Mission Valley & Old Town.

Activities and What to Do in Mission Valley & Old Town

San Diego's Mission Valley and Old Town areas are filled with contrasts, providing an authentic view of San Diego’s rich history, juxtaposed with the bustling and vibrant modern day city. 

Considered to be the birthplace of California, San Diego’s Old Town offers plenty to explore. Steeped with rich history, Old Town is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California, with many of the historic structures and sites impeccably preserved to this day. With over 150 shops, award-winning restaurants, museums, a theatre, galleries and historical sites to explore, you can easily spend the whole day in Old Town. 

Heading northeast from Old Town is San Diego’s Mission Valley area. The bustling and vibrant district offers upscale shopping mall, movie complexes, an NFL stadium, golf and plenty of restaurants.  With a central location and trolley stations, both Mission Valley and Old Town offer easy access to San Diego's major attractions, beaches and downtown Gaslamp Quarter. 

Experience San Diego then and now when you visit Old Town and Mission Valley.

5 to Try in Old Town

1. Old Town Historic State Park
   The Old Town State Historical Park maintains a collection of 19th century homes and businesses that give visitors a glimpse into colonial life in San Diego. Kit Carson was among the first pioneers to raise the American flag here in 1846! Take some time to browse the many shops offering hand-made crafts from south of the border.
2. Presidio Park
   Once you arrive, you will know why Father Junipero Serra chose this place as the original site of the mission in San Diego. With its breathtaking views of San Diego and the deep blue Pacific, Presidio Park is a great place to spend a late afternoon picnicking and enjoying the sunset. The Serra Museum, commonly mistaken for the mission, tells the story of Presidio Park, the original army barracks and the areas original inhabitants the Kumeyaay Indians.
3. Haunted San Diego
   There are numerous rumors of ghost sightings in the Old Town area - most persistently at the old Whaley House Museum on San Diego Avenue. As America’s Most Haunted, according to the Travel Channel, you can almost guarantee to witness a paranormal occurrence while you’re there.
4. All About the Food
   Locals and visitors alike flock to Old Town for the fresh tortillas and margaritas. Throughout the park and San Diego Avenue are great Mexican cantinas for both families and those looking for a night out.
5. Golf in the birthplace of San Diego
   Play 18 holes on one of the oldest courses in San Diego. Presido Hills is the perfect place to work on your short game with the farthest hole less than 100 yards from the tee. The clubhouse is housed in what is thought to be the first residential structure built in San Diego, the storied La Casa De Carrillo.

5 to Try in Mission Valley

1. Shopping
   A retail junkie’s paradise found? Mission Valley boasts two large malls that offer the shopping maverick plenty of opportunity to max out the ole American Express. While Mission Valley Mall offer discount stores like Nordstrom Rack and Loehmann’s, Fashion Valley is a fashionista’s wonderland, with luxurious brand stores like Coach, Gucci and Apple, plus department stores like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.
2. San Diego River Bikeway
   Explore the scenic side of Mission Valley on a bike. The path starts in Mission Valley and winds along the San Diego River for a few miles, ending at Dog Beach in Ocean Beach.
3. Sports and Stadium Hot Dogs
   Get ready to Bolt Up at the start of the fall NFL season as you cheer on the San Diego Chargers! Catch all the action on Jack Murphy Field at Qualcomm Stadium, or enjoy a dog or two with fellow fans as you tailgate in the parking lot. 
4. For the Movie Buff
   Want to see the latest blockbuster or looking for a break from the beach for the kids? Mission Valley is a great place to relax with some popcorn, an icee and a great film. In a two-mile radius there are over 40 screens, so you can always find the right movie at the right time
5. Visit the Mission
   Five years after Father Serra claimed Alta California for Spain, the mission moved from the Presidio to its current location in Mission Valley. Today, the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá has been transformed into a museum, dedicated to preserving and teaching its long and vibrant history. The Mission displays an active archeological dig, as well as weekly Catholic Church services.

Events in Mission Valley & Old Town San Diego

Whether it’s NFL excitement on the gridiron at Qualcomm Stadium, a Cinco de Mayo celebration like no other, or lively theatre performances, San Diego’s Mission Valley and Old Town offers fun events throughout the year. Qualcomm Stadium, also known as “The Q”, hosts a variety of seasonal sporting events and concerts, in addition to the glory of San Diego’s very own Chargers football. And there’s always something going on in Old Town. From festive mariachi celebrations, the finest theatre performances, to spooky haunted tours, you’ll find entertainment and inspiration year-around.

Check the listings below for more information on exciting events in Mission Valley and Old Town.

Getting to Mission Valley and Old Town San Diego

Mission Valley

From the North:
From I-5 southbound, exit onto I-8 westbound. Exit Mission Center Road. Right onto Mission Center Road. Left onto Camino de la Reina will take you to Fashion Valley Shopping Center and a right will take you Mission Valley Shopping Center

From the South:
From I-5 northbound, exit onto I-8 westbound. Exit Mission Center Road. Right onto Mission Center Road. Left onto Camino de la Reina will take you to Fashion Valley Shopping Center and a right will take you Mission Valley Shopping Center

From the East:
From I-8 westbound, exit Mission Center Road. Right onto Mission Center Road. Left onto Camino de la Reina will take you to Fashion Valley Shopping Center and a right will take you Mission Valley Shopping Center

Public Transportation:
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 Qualcomm Stadium.

Old Town San Diego

From the North:
Off the I-5 southbound, exit Old Town Avenue. Left onto Old Town Avenue. Left onto San Diego Avenue

From the South:
Off the I-5 northbound, exit Old Town Avenue. Right onto Old Town Avenue. Left onto San Diego Avenue

From the East:
From the I-8 westbound, exit Taylor Street. Loop around back over the freeway and make a right onto Taylor Street. Left onto San Diego Avenue

Public Transportation:
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