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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!

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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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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San Diego Restaurant Week

Sep 22 - Sep 29, 2024

San Diego Restaurant Week, hosted by the California Restaurant Association, returns with over 100 restaurants across 30+ neighborhoods for eight days of dining.

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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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North Pole by the Sea

Dec 8, 2024

Get into the holiday spirit in Del Mar Village! Enjoy family-friendly festivities throughout the Del Mar Village North Pole Loop, including photos with Santa, letters to Santa, and other children’s activities at Del Mar Plaza, live holiday music, drink specials for adults at L’Auberge Del Mar, and holiday characters. The afternoon will culminate in a holiday tree lighting with hot chocolate for kids and a special Santa and the Grinch appearance in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar at 5:00 p.m.

 

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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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San Diego International Film Festival

Oct 16 - Oct 20, 2024
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San Diego Restaurant Week

Sep 22 - Sep 29, 2024
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Summer Movies in the Park

May 24 - ongoing
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North Pole by the Sea

Dec 8, 2024
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Mission Valley and Old Town on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

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...

Accommodation

On The Road Again Package

Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

Book our On The Road Again Package and receive cozy room accommodations, free nightly parking (usually $10/night) and a complimentary $25 gas card! Make San Diego your road trip destination!

Team Building

FREE Gift when you book a New Years Wine Tour

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Dec 1, 2024 - Jan 13, 2025

BOOK A CHAUFFEURED WINERY TOUR for the New Year and celebrate with the experts.  AND get a Special FREE GIFT!  TOURS RUN DAILY, Year round. Visit  custom-appointed wineries...

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