Old Town and Uptown Neighborhood Snapshot
Top Experiences
- Go back in time: Experience the city's early days, from its beginnings as a remote military outpost and mission to the development of the first town plaza.
- Architectural delights: Discover the pueblo- and clapboard-style structures of Old Town and the ornate Victorian gems in Heritage Park. Then head up the hill to view wonderfully preserved early-20th-century homes in Uptown.
- Scare yourself silly: Visit the Thomas Whaley House Museum, "the most haunted house in America," at night.
- Tortillas and margaritas: Enjoy one of Old Town's many Mexican eateries.
- Like a local: Explore the vibrant shopping, dining, and nightlife of Uptown’s unique neighborhoods.
Getting Here
Old Town and Uptown are northwest and north of Balboa Park, respectively. Ten bus lines stop at the Old Town Transit Center, as do the San Diego Trolley and the Coaster commuter rail line. Two large parking lots are linked to the Old Town Historic Park by an underground pedestrian walkway.
Uptown is best explored by car, although several bus routes serve the area. Both metered street parking and pay-and-display lots are available.
Planning Your Time
It takes about two hours to walk through Old Town. Try to time your visit to coincide with one of the daily tours given by costumed park staff. Tours are free and depart at 11:30 and 2 from the Robinson-Rose House Visitor Center. If you go to Presidio Park, definitely consider driving.
The highlight of an Uptown tour is exploring the hearts of Hillcrest and North Park located at the intersections of University and 5th Avenues, and University and 30th Street, respectively. Plan to drive or catch a bus between neighborhoods, then walk.
Pause Here
The 7.8-acre Heritage Park is a quiet spot with benches or grass where you can sprawl out. The park's cottages—moved here, and restored, by the Save Our Heritage Organization—are also worth exploring.
Quick Bites
Old Town's Fiesta de Reyes (www.fiestadereyes.com) has several options for a quick recharge. Casa de Reyes a mariachi band and folklorico dancers every weekend, and great margaritas and fresh gauc. Old Town Jerky and Root Beer offers a good selection of snacks and minisandwiches, fresh lemonade, and, of course, jerky and root beer. If you're visiting between Friday and Sunday, look for the booth marked Street Tacos for a quick meal.
Festivals
The Uptown neighborhoods host a variety of events throughout the year. Hillcrest hosts the annual LGBTQ Pride event every July. In late summer, Cityfest rocks the neighborhood with live music, food stalls, and beer gardens. Old Town celebrates Cinco de Mayo and the Old Town Art and Craft Show held in early fall.
