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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.

Outdoor enthusiasts can 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 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, making it a not-to-be-missed stop. Mexican cuisine is the specialty in Old Town. Here you'll find authentic, delectable fare at any of the many 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, restaurants, shopping and hotels in or close to Old Town. The guide also includes a list of historic sites and a calendar of Old Town community events.

Here you'll also find the main boarding location for the Old Town Trolley Tours, which offers an excellent sightseeing tour of San Diego with on-and-off privileges. 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 Transit Center lot.

 

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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!

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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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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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Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2024

The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Marina District and Coronado Ferry Landing. The impeccably choreographed display will last approximately 18 minutes.

Come down to the bay and enjoy the biggest fireworks show in San Diego!

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Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo

May 4 - May 5, 2024

Old Town San Diego is the perfect destination for celebrating Cinco de Mayo in style! This charming neighborhood is steeped in history and culture, with brightly colored buildings, lively street performers, and delicious Mexican cuisine at every turn. From the moment you step foot in Old Town, you’ll be transported to a world of festive fun and celebration. Join us Saturday May, 4 to Sunday, May 5, 2024 for a weekend of spectacular memories.

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Old Town Fourth of July

Jul 4, 2024

California State Parks invite you to celebrate an old fashioned Fourth of July at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park! Visitors can join park staff and volunteers celebrating as early San Diego residents did in the 1800s with games, crafts, and live music from Big Mountain Blue Grass Band.

Event is free; some activities may require an additional purchase.

Additional parking is available at the CalTrans headquarters, just two blocks from the park at 2994 Sunset Street.

Event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round!

Feb 15 - ongoing

You've heard of the Famous San Diego Winery Train Tour? Well, we have you covered with an even better adventure!

We've been running the Chauffeured Vineyard Adventure since 2010!

We take care of EVERYTHING. Just be ready at your door (hotel/home) and we'll whisk you away to gorgeous San Diego Wine Country!

You deserve the very best! Book your VIP, elevated experience NOW!

 

TASTE and SEE the best of San Diego’s wine, food and sights for one low price!

Winery Getaways - Wed. thru Sundays, year round!

 

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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

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Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2024
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Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo

May 4 - May 5, 2024
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Old Town Fourth of July

Jul 4, 2024
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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round!

Feb 15 - ongoing
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Mission Valley and Old Town on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Tours & Sightseeing

Save 20% on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Feb 2, 2024 - ongoing

Turn San Diego's Old Town or Balboa Park into a giant game board with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart...

Activities

Uncork Unforgettable Moments with Gift Cards

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Feb 15 - ongoing

Looking for the perfect gift that will leave a lasting impression? Elevate the gifting experience with our Winery Tour Gift Cards – the passport to a grape-infused adventure that promises to...

Team Building

Best Wine Tour Save $5-California Wine Month!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Feb 22 - ongoing

We heard it through the grapevine that it’s once again California Wine Month.   That’s exactly why we’d like to propose a toast to our favorite month of the year,...

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