Seniors Seek Out Old Town

Old Town, a neighborhood of San Diego, California and is the oldest settled area in San Diego and is the site of the first European settlement in present-day California. Senior visitors can learn about Old Town San Diego: Old Town attractions, restaurants, shopping & hotels, historic sites and a calendar of Old Town community events.

Bazaar del Mundo, Fiesta de Reyes, the Old Town Market and many boutique shops offer a variety of great gifts and souvenirs. You are sure to catch a glimpse into early colonial life in San Diego.

 Senior visitors can learn about life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872. Even today, life moves more slowly in this part of the huge city, as visitors are offered a glimpse into yesteryear, as converging cultures transformed San Diego from a Mexican pueblo to an American settlement.

Seniors Discover California’s First Spanish Settlement

Historically San Diego became California’s first Spanish settlement when a mission and fort were established in 1769. Later, it passed into the hands of the newly made Mexican government before gaining statehood in the United States after the Mexican-American War. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, is a state protected historical park in San Diego.

On September 18, the Taste of Old Town™ presents great samples of the finest southwest cuisine with spirits in some of San Diego’s favorite restaurants right in the heart of Old Town. For those of use who enjoy historical sites, over 17 historic points of interest and the finest in professional theatre,  museums, artisans, galleries and shops are all within easy walking distance with free live entertainment, mariachis, dancers, period attire docents providing tours.

San Diego Avenue is the main street in Old Town and home to San Diego’s first commercial theater, the former county courthouse and many other historic buildings. One of the most famous addresses on the street is the Whaley House, which is believed to be the most haunted place in the nation.

Seniors Ride The Trolley

Climb aboard the Old Town Trolley and take a tour of San Diego. The Trolley stops at the Old Town Market and passes through historical neighborhoods.

Known for colorful Mexican cuisine, Old Town’s dining is lively and vibrant. These seniors would want to visit the Casa de Estudillo that tipifies the lifestyle of a prominent San Diego family. La Casa is the most famous of the original adobe buildings in Old Town and is furnished with items from the 16th to 20th centuries in its 13 rooms.

Fodor’s notes that San Diego’s Spanish and Mexican roots are most evident in Old Town and the surrounding hillside of Presidio Park. Senior visitors can experience settlement life in San Diego from Spanish and Mexican rule to the early days of U.S. statehood. I can’t wait to check it all out. -jeb