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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.

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!

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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San Diego International Film Festival

Oct 16 - Oct 20, 2024

✨23 YEARS OF FILM, CONVERSATION & CELEBRATIONS✨

The 23rd Annual San Diego International Film Festival is ’Celebrating the Power of Film’ October 16-20!  Film Lovers and Filmmakers from around the world will come together to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling.

The 5-day festival will feature Red Carpet events, including the Opening Night Film Premiere and Reception in Balboa Park and the Night of the Stars Tribute in La Jolla. Enjoy Studio and Independent Features, Documentary and Short Film screenings along with Filmmaker Q&As and Panels at AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC.   

Attendees can also look forward the ‘always sold out’ Culinary Cinema as well as the Fest Lounge, VIP exclusives, parties, food, drinks and networking events!

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Punk In The Park

Nov 16, 2024

Punk In The Park is making its way to San Diego, California, on November 16, 2024, for a thrilling day of music and craft beer tasting. This highly anticipated event will feature eight incredible bands spanning the punk rock genre. Iconic bands The Offspring and Pennywise will headline the powerful lineup, which also includes Streetlight Manifesto, Face To Face, Manic Hispanic, Buck-O-Nine, Slaughterhouse, Winterhaven, and more.

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Summer Movies in the Park

May 24 - ongoing

Looking for a fun, free and fabulous family activity throughout San Diego?

Summer Movies in the Park is a perfect chance to relax and enjoy a safe and special night under the stars. Come early and get a good seat!

All movies start at dusk (approx. 15 minutes after sunset). Movies are subject to change.

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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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What's Hot

View All

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

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Shopping Experiences for Fashionistas

Discover

What's On

View All

San Diego International Film Festival

Oct 16 - Oct 20, 2024
Discover

Punk In The Park

Nov 16, 2024
Discover

Summer Movies in the Park

May 24 - ongoing
Discover

Step-On Guide Services

Aug 19, 2024 - ongoing
Discover

Mission Valley and Old Town on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

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.

Restaurants

Kids Eat Free

Crab Hut Kearny Mesa
Valid: Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2024

Join us at Crab Hut for Kids Eat Free month this October! Bring the whole family and enjoy delicious seafood delights while your little ones dine from our Kids Menu on us. It's the perfect time to...

Accommodation

Kids Eat Free at the Amigo Spot and Waffle Spot

Kings Inn
Valid: Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2024

Kids Eat Free at the Amigo Spot & Waffle Spot! The Waffle Spot & Amigo Spot at the Kings Inn San Diego is extending an invitation to All our Guest KIDS this October! During the month-long...

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