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Welcome to

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. Explore things to do in Mission Valley and Old Town, San Diego, learn about the history or try a restaurant in Old Town with Mexican Cuisine.

Outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of things to do in the Mission Valley area too. 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 Mission Valley 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, San Diego, making it a not-to-be-missed stop. Mexican cuisine is the specialty in Old Town and a reason people come to this area in San Diego. Here you'll find authentic, delectable fare at any of the many Old Town 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, Old Town restaurants, shopping and hotels in or close to Old Town, San Diego. The guide also has things to do in Old Town and includes a list of historic sites and a calendar of Old Town community events.

The best thing to do in Old Town, San Diego is the Old Town Trolley Tours, which offers an excellent sightseeing tour of San Diego with on-and-off privileges. You'll find the main boarding location in Old Town. 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 Old Town Transit Center lot. Visit Old Town in San Diego and see for yourself all the different things to do and see!

 

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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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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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Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2025

The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Marina District and Coronado Ferry Landing. The impeccably choreographed display will last approximately 18 minutes.

Come down to the bay and enjoy the biggest fireworks show in San Diego!

Pack your patience! Construction along Harbor Drive may cause traffic delays - LEARN MORE

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Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!

Jun 11 - Jul 28, 2025

A bold, immersive twist on the timeless tale of romance and rivalry.
Experience the timeless magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, with Cygnet’s bold immersive twist on this American Classic. This captivating story follows the charming romance between cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams, while the menacing farmhand Jud Fry complicates their love. As the community prepares for statehood, personal dreams and rivalries intertwine with broader themes of hope, resilience, and unity. With unforgettable songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “People Will Say We’re in Love,” Oklahoma! vividly captures the joys and challenges of frontier life. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, Oklahoma! promises a delightful and unforgettable theatrical experience.

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Visit the Original California Wine Country

Apr 29 - ongoing

Experience the best of San Diego's wine tasting and food. 

Choose this first-class company for an expert FULLY-GUIDED Wine & Dinner Tasting Adventure! 

TASTE and SEE the best of San Diego’s wine, food and sights for one low all-inclusive price!

Highlights of this VIP Adventure:

* Relaxing and fun ride to San Diego's best wineries
* Visit specially appointed winery estates
* Ample pours of locally grown wines (about a bottle of wine per person!)

* Wine Pairing DINNER ON THE VINEYARD GROUNDS! 
* Fun commentary on local history and viticulture
* Wine tasting appreciation presentation and behind the scenes tour

ALL INCLUSIVE PRICE includes all transportation, ample wine tastings, charcuterie platter, winery meal, wine tote gift bag, expert guided tour, for only $184 per person.

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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round

Apr 29 - ongoing

Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure includes:

Ample pours of local wines; appetizers AND full meal (no boxed lunch); sightseeing; history; culture; VIP behind-the-scenes tour; expert tasting presentation; FUN!  

Low Price for a High-End Adventure! We are “The Inflation Fighters”. We haven’t changed our pricing since 2010! All-inclusive, only $184.44

TASTE and SEE the best of San Diego’s wine, food and sights
- Get picked up and dropped back at your hotel or home.
- Relax, drink and eat at exclusive winery estates picked especially for you!
- Fully-guided TASTY adventure.

Sells out fast! Call or book online. Book your Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure TODAY!

Home of the World-Famous Winery Train Tour! - Want to add a train ride to the above package? Call for details: 858-551-5115

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Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2025
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Jun 11 - Jul 28, 2025
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Visit the Original California Wine Country

Apr 29 - ongoing
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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round

Apr 29 - ongoing
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Mission Valley and Old Town on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Pandemonium Package

Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa
Valid: May 1 - ongoing

The Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to stay while visiting the pandas at the world famous San Diego Zoo! Your kids (up to two per room) will love the plush pandas and animal...

Breweries

Every Day Happy Hour

Karl Strauss Brewing Company Downtown San Diego
Valid: May 1 - ongoing

Enjoy $6 Karl Strauss draft beers and $10 appetizers every day from 3P-5P at any of our brewpubs. 

Tours & Sightseeing

Family Friendly- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Jan 30, 2025 - ongoing

Enjoy an Amazing Race type adventure with your family and Save 20% when you use Promo Code SDFUN. Only $39.20 for a Team of 2-5 people. Have fun and do something unique! Covid Friendly outdoor...

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