Old Town is one of the first European settlements of the California Coast. It is a Historical Park built on the location where the Spanish Explorers extablished the town of San Diego. Originally the colonizers settled at what today is the Presidio, located on a hill to the east, they moved to what today is Old Town shortly after 1769. Many of the buildings date as far back as 1820. Visitors get to experience a genuine 1800s European Colonial town.
Old Town has exact replicas, if not the original buildings used by the settlers for their everyday existence. Many serve as souvenir and crafts shops while others are exhibits. Pictured above is the town General Store complete with period dressed actors.
Old Town State Historical Park has wide streets and is the most visited State Park in California. While this is a major tourist attraction, locals enjoy the numerous restuarants and it is a favorite for authentic Mexican food.
Canons of the period, a Conestogo wagon and a Wells Fargo Stage Coach are just a few of the items on display.
Dining is a big draw for tourist and locals alike. The Bazaar del Mundo represents early life of California and the main street is home to the Old Town Cafe and the popular Cafe Coyote which offers an authentic dining experience of Northern Mexico with the long time fiesta style ambience presented to Americans by Mexicans just over the border for centuries. This experience comes complete with hand made tortillas made right in front of you at both restuarants (available for purchase while you wait in line for entry) and strolling mariachi bands.
Shown here, is a replica of the cooking method of Southern California early settlers.
Cafe Coyoto has been located in Old Town for decades and is one of the best Mexican Restuarants in all of San Diego. There are fresh hand made tortillas for offer to diners waiting to be seated and strolling Mariachi Bands playing Mexican ballads for couples.