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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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What's On|

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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Visiting Old Town in San Diego

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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CONCACAF Gold Cup

Jun 15, 2025

Drawing large crowds and millions of television viewers across the region, the Gold Cup is a celebration of soccer, sportsmanship, and culture.

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Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila

Apr 28, 2025 - ongoing

Step into the birthplace of California with a tour that blends rich history, authentic street food, and tequila! From historic landmarks to handmade tortillas, you’ll savor the spirit (and the spirits) of Old Town.

Tour Highlights

Explore San Diego’s most historic neighborhood

Learn about the indigenous people who called San Diego home thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers

Find out how life changes once the Americans arrive and establish a new government

Choose from a vast selection of tequila varieties at an authentic tequileria that boasts a collection of thousands in its museum

End your experience enjoying delicious gourmet street tacos

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Holiday Wine Country Chauffeured Tour

Apr 30, 2025 - ongoing

San Diego year-round forecast: SUNNY with WINE!

WINE TOURS RUN DAILY

NO NEED TO DRIVE! On this deluxe tour we pick you up from your hotel/residence* and take you on a relaxing ride to San Diego's best wineries for ample pours of locally grown wines!

Tour Includes:**

• VIP guided adventure to stunning and unique local vineyards.
• Ample tastings at custom-appointed wineries
• Door-to-door transportation (from most San Diego, La Jolla, and Coronado locations).
• Entertaining commentary on local history and viticulture.
• Wine tasting appreciation presentation, and guided winery tour.
• Free time to stroll through the vineyards, and shop at the winery boutiques.
• Complete coordination by San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours.

You deserve this getaway. It's a day to be remembered!

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Jul 4, 2025
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Jun 15, 2025
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Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila

Apr 28, 2025 - ongoing
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Holiday Wine Country Chauffeured Tour

Apr 30, 2025 - ongoing
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Mission Valley and Old Town on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Bed and Breakfast Package

Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa
Valid: May 1 - ongoing

Enjoy breakfast in bed delivered to your room or breakfast in Theresa's Restaurant! $50 food and beverage credit per night you stay with us!

Accommodation

Pet-Friendly Package

Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle
Valid: Jan 2 - ongoing

YOUR PUP DESERVES A VACATION TOO!  Treat your four-legged family members to extra-special pet perks at the Days Inn during your next getaway. Your pup has been used to having you...

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Gift the Best of San Diego Experiences

Virgin Experience Gifts
Valid: May 1, 2025 - ongoing

Virgin Experience Gifts makes it easy to give the gift of adventure. From sailing across San Diego Bay to soaring in a vintage biplane, indulging in wine tastings and food tours to unwinding with spa...

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