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Offered languages
- English
Meet your guide and group at Old Adobe Chapel, which can be credited for saving Old Town San Diego thanks to a 1884 book. Continue on to one of the most haunted homes in Southern California, also unusual for its architecture and building materials.
After a view of some Victorian architecture we'll pass by the original location of the Presidio and Mission when the Spanish first settled in California. Admire the oldest 18th-century structure in the area and learn about the indigenous tribes who lived here for thousands of years.
Back in town, we'll see some authentic Mexican handcrafts (no bad souvenirs here!), visit a hundred year old Catholic church that is a descendant of the original Mission, followed by a stroll through a landmark cemetery with graves dating back to the 1850s. Our final stop is a local Tequileria to learn about the many different kinds of tequila. Enjoy a taste or select another beverage of your choice, plus gourmet tacos.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will meet at the gate to the Adobe Chapel.
Itinerary
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1
Join us as we discover the full story of San Diego in the location where it all began – Old Town. We’ll learn about the indigenous people of the area, along with the Spanish and visit where they settled, and how this became a part of Mexico before becoming a US State. Along the way we’ll hear tales of the people who lived here and will end with some fantastic tacos and tequila!
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2
We start our tour at the Adobe Chapel, first built as a home in 1850. By 1858 it became a chapel after the Mission was closed and served in that capacity until 1919. We'll learn that it was the setting of the fictional character Ramona’s wedding from the 1884 novel, and how this building saved the neighborhood.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3
There are three historic buildings on this site and we'll talk about all of them, plus admire the century old Pepper Trees. Known mostly for its ghostly residents, the Whaley House is historically important beyond being haunted.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
(Pass by)
These Victorian buildings were moved here to preserve them from the expanding city in the 1970s from downtown. All of these houses date to the end of the 19th century.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
The longest infantry march in US history happened during the Mexican-American war in 1846-48 and this site commemorates it.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Where modern San Diego began with the first Mission and first Presidio (fortress) established here in 1769. After this area was abandoned residents moved down the hill to what is now Old Town State Park.
Admission ticket free -
4
This is the descendant of the church at our meeting location and is over 100 years old.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
After the Presidio closed, this became the main Catholic cemetery in San Diego, and many of San Diego's early residents are interred here.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
We've saved the best for last! We'll stop here for a refreshing beverage and some delish bites!
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Guests should be comfortable walking 2 miles - comfortable shoes are a must!
- Water in reusable container, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses are all recommended.
- Our tortilla tasting happens at the beginning of the tour and our tacos and tequila are at the end (saving the best for last!). Please take that into consideration when planning pre-tour meals (have enough to fuel your walk but not enough to spoil your tacos!).
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Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Guests should be comfortable walking 2 miles - comfortable shoes are a must!
- Water in reusable container, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses are all recommended.
- Our tortilla tasting happens at the beginning of the tour and our tacos and tequila are at the end (saving the best for last!). Please take that into consideration when planning pre-tour meals (have enough to fuel your walk but not enough to spoil your tacos!).
- There is plenty of free parking in Old Town but can be hard to find on weekends. Please plan ahead.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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