For the Wanderlusters: Gift Ideas From Diane Powers, Owner of Bazaar Del Mundo Shops

Tucked into a gentle slope beneath Presidio Hill and overlooking the former mouth of the San Diego River, Old Town is where the city began. Here, some of San Diego’s oldest streets wind through a state park and spill into blocks brimming with festive shops, tucked-away courtyards, and local-favorite restaurants.

Yes, there are museums, margaritas, and plenty of Mexican food, including a pozole from Casa de Freds that will “warm your soul,” says Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alex Ward. But, while those alone are all worth the trip, Old Town is more than a place to begrudgingly rub elbows with tourists. It’s a layered, living neighborhood where history hums through weathered walls and discovery waits around many corners.

“There’s plenty of reasons for locals to visit,” says Nest Tattoo owner Melissa Anglin—including a convenient trolley stop and free parking.

Old Town really is old: The Kumeyaay people lived along the San Diego River for at least 10,000 years before the Spanish arrived in 1769, setting up camp near the village of Kosa’aay. Prominent Californios built adobes at the base of Presidio Hill in the late 1700s; the center of San Diego was there until development at “New Town” in the late 1860s moved downtown to its current location.

The state park system preserved those dusty old adobes in 1968 as “the birthplace of California.” In the 1970s, the “mother of Old Town,” Diane Powers, opened Bazaar Del Mundo, and with it came the colorful, folksy vibe that, like it or not, still defines San Diego for visitors from around the world.

Old Town San Diego Facts

• Now a museum, Old Town’s infamous Whaley House—known as America’s most haunted home—was once San Diego’s county courthouse and the city’s first commercial theater.
• A young Phil Mickelson polished his putt-putting at Presidio Hills in the 1970s, before his father built him a practice course.
• Zillow reports that the average Old Town home value is about $1.1 million.
• Twiggs Street has a new “pollinator pathway” featuring native plants to help increase biodiversity in the neighborhood.
• The pro shop at Presidio Hills Golf Course is Casa de Carillo, the oldest surviving residence in San Diego, which dates to 1821. 1950s TV actor Leo Carrillo descended from the family that built it.

Things to Do in Old Town

In 2018, Melissa Anglin and her husband Taylor brought The Nest Tattoo to life inside a cozy 1920s bungalow on Congress Street, adding a creative spark to Old Town’s historic soul. A few years later, they moved into an apartment just up the hill on San Diego Avenue.

Anglin’s favorite reset is a run to the top of Heritage Park, where the city unfurls below in a patchwork of history and bay views. After, she’ll visit her business neighbors at Encuentro Cafe for “really tasty” breakfast, she says—do not miss La de Mano (a sweet corn pancake filled with Venezuelan cheese) or the grilled arepas (kind of like a giant English muffin made of corn and stuffed with goodies such as eggs and chorizo). The best quick lunch (between inks) is a hot dog or a torta at Que Sazón on Harney Street. “It’s the only place in Old Town I would get agua fresca,” Anglin advises.

Locals have options for dinner or date night. “Jack & Giulio’s is the place for red tablecloths and excellent service, where they treat you so nice,” Anglin says, suggesting that diners order any of the housemade pastas. Home & Away is a sports bar with a great burger, and it’s open for a late-night bite—rare in Old Town. Bring your dog and sit out on the patio when it’s warm.

If you’re into spirits (both the imbibable and the paranormal), get a reservation at Oculto 477—a private mixology experience for two, within haunting distance of El Campo Santo Cemetery. Anglin recommends Rose’s Tasting Room as another place where locals can feel brand new in their own town. A casual setting where guests can learn about local wines, it’s “a lovely, personal, magical experience with a cozy vibe,” she says.

Prolong those good vibes with crystal shopping at the “friendly and approachable” South American Imports, Anglin adds. The showroom with an extensive collection of geological gifts has been in Old Town for 40 years—even longer than its stalwart neighbor Cafe Coyote.

Every summer, Anglin sips a cup of raspberry drinking chocolate at small-batch candy maker Nibble, inside Fiesta de Reyes.

What’s Next for Old Town

Old Town is getting some new (yet old) accommodations: Rumor has it the Hacienda Hotel’s buyers are planning a renovation. And, soon, you’ll be able to secure a night’s stay in some of Heritage Park’s charming (but possibly haunted) Victorians. “I’m sure they’ll be booked solid by ghost hunters,” Ward says.

However, some institutions are saying goodbye. Cygnet Theater Company is ending its residency at Old Town Theater, heading for new digs at Liberty Station. While the state-owned theater goes dark and figures out its next big thing, which could take up to two years, Ward says, keep an eye out for potential happenings in that space.

Post-pandemic, Ward is excited to see more locally focused businesses moving into the neighborhood alongside tourist-centric establishments. “Lower- than-average rents,” he explains, are part of the draw, along with reliable foot traffic and transit proximity. Nest Tattoo is one example; so is Garden Coffee—where you can buy plants, sip lattes, and study or chat at a cozy table.

On the edge of Old Town, a major change is coming: NAVWAR—the WWII military airplane assembly plant on Pacific Highway that later housed Naval Warfare Systems Command—could soon be developed into hotels, housing, shops, parks, and restaurants, plus a trolley stop. Local activists are hoping to prevent Old Town’s views of Point Loma and the harbor from becoming a shiny glass skyline.

Where to Eat in Old Town San Diego

El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria

Bhojan Griha

El Sueño

Where to Shop in Old Town San Diego

La Sirena Silver

Amore Leather

Miner’s Gems and Minerals

More Things to Do in Old Town San Diego

Presidio Park

Mason Street School

Ghosts & Gravestones Tour

I’ve lived in San Diego for 16 years and still unashamedly love Old Town. What other place in San Diego has so many kitschy shops, ghosts (totally real!), restaurants, breweries, and approximately one thousand different kinds of margaritas? Sure, there are a few obvious tourist traps, but there’s a startling amount of amazing things to eat and drink—from the housemade tortillas at Old Town Mexican Cafe to the sushi at El Sueño.

El Sueño’s sushi is so popular that the owners decided to convert the restaurant’s second story into a brand-new sushi and crudo-focused concept called Tako Vibrant Sushi. It’s slated to soft open at 2836 Juan Street on Tuesday, September 3. 

Tako, which means octopus in Japanese, will offer Mexican-Japanese fusion and rotate based on what fish and other seafood are in season. Owner Pietro Busalacchi, who owns Tako, El Sueño, and Trattoria Don Pietro with his father Sal and partner Gustavo Rios, says guests should expect cocktails with an “over the top” presentation, with an emphasis on tequila, sake, and Japanese whisky. He says the food will be just as eye-popping. 

“The crudo and sushi at Tako is fresh, playful and bursting with flavor,” he promises. “As with our other restaurants, we’ll be focusing on quality, service and the full experience.” Head chef Eric Steadman (Hane, Barbusa) is behind Tako’s menu development. “He also developed El Sueño’s popular inaugural crudo menu, which did so well, we decided to expand and let him do his thing,” says Busalacchi. 

The 1,100-square-foot space, designed by Busalacchi, features floral and jungle-themed décor, with a DJ booth, a 12-seat bar, and what he says is a small and intimate atmosphere that feels vibrant and fun. “[Tako] feels more like a speakeasy or intimate supper club,” he explains. 

Tako’s hours will run Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.; and closed Mondays and Wednesdays. Reservations aren’t open yet, but locals should watch before the tourists catch wind. (No word on whether any of the Whaley ghosts are sushi fans.)

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Coasterra to Host the 21st Annual Harvest for Hope on Sunday, September 22

Since 2003, the Emilio Nares Foundation has helped more than 11,000 families across Southern California who have faced the most dire diagnosis they could receive—their child has cancer. To raise money and awareness for families affected by pediatric cancer, they launched Harvest for Hope, now in its 21st year. Head to Coasterra on Sunday, September 22, for the annual fundraiser and food festival with wine, beer, spirits, and plenty of food from 25 local businesses. Click here for tickets and more details. 

The First Taste of College Area Kicks Off Sunday, September 29

College Area’s food selections are firing up. Now, the best of the best will showcase their stuff at the inaugural Taste of College Area on Sunday, September 29. From Ultreya Coffee to Corbin’s Q, taste over 25 local vendors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Buy your ticket ahead of time and save $5.

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Beth’s Bites

• I tend to prefer a light Japanese lager with my ramen, but Tajima just launched a new bar program spotlighting a few different drinks, like their spin on a margarita that uses sabe, a tequila-sake blend. That one can be found at Tajima East Village, while their North Park location has a new Sesame Highball, and Convoy has a Matchaholic with hot matcha, sake, and lychee. It sounds like a ramen bar crawl is in order.
• There’s a new coffee-slash-surf-shop in Rosarito called Migrant Society. Brothers Erick and Carlos Palacio have done several pop-ups and farmers markets across San Diego, and this new spot features coffee from Danie Brewing, a unique surfboard design by Tyler Voth of Solana Surfboards. San Diego may be next if all goes well with the Baja California location.
• Yakitori Tsuta opens this Wednesday in Convoy. The $108 yakitori omakase menu reservations are only available between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., with à la carte and walk-ins after 8 p.m. I can’t wait to get my hands on chef Tatsuro Tsuchiya’s charcoal-grilled delicacies.

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Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].

You can almost hear the mariachis. The spirits are descending on San Diego for Dia de los Muertos and there’s no shortage places to pay homage by way of altars, traditional food, drink, dance, and of course, traditional music.

North Park Day of the Dead Festival

This event hosted by artsy boutique Artelexia promises a huge variety of artisan vendors and food trucks. Children can partake of traditional face painting and sugar-skull decorating while parents indulge in tequila and mezcal tastings.

Where: Ray Street between University Avenue and North Park Way

When: Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price: Free

3803 Ray St

Bazaar del Mundo’s Día de los Muertos

Turn shopping into a festive fall afternoon with the Bazaar del Mundo’s Día de los Muertos celebration. Watch performances from Ballet Folklorico dancers, listen to mariachi music, and grab some food and drink in the beer (and margarita) garden.

Where: Old Town

When: Nov. 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Price: Free

4133 Taylor St

Old Town San Diego’s Día de los Muertos

You’ve got all weekend to check out 50 altars spread around Old Town for this event. But you may not want to miss the candlelight procession starting on Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. at the entrance to Old Town State Historic Park

Where: Old Town

When: Nov. 1 to 3

Price: Free

San Diego Avenue – Old Town San Diego

City Heights Día de los Muertos

You’ll have to be, uh…dead sexy to win the best catrina and catrin contest at this celebration in City Heights? Win or not, your consolation prize will be altar-viewing, face painting, and crafts, not ot mention entertainment from The Old Globe, Azteca Dancers, Fern Street Circus, and a parade featuring Drummers Without Borders.

Where: Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park

When: October 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price: Free

3795 Fairmount Ave

Encinitas Día de los Muertos Celebration

Mariachis and folkloric dancers will add ambience to this afternoon filled with food trucks, a lowrider car show, a community ofrenda, and artist demos.

Where: Encinitas Community Center

When: October 26, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Price: Free

1140 Oakcrest Park Drive

Día de los Muertos at Rancho Guajome Adobe

The festivities at the historic Rancho Guajome Adobe will include community offerings, performances by Ballet Folklorico, live traditional music, and food and craft vendors.

Where: Rancho Guajome Adobe

When: October 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Price: Free for children 3 and under, $2 ages 4 to 12, $4 ages 13 and older

2210 N Santa Fe Ave

19th Annual Día de los Muertos

At the historic Old Mission San Luis Rey, families will find the Por Siempre car show and live entertainment. There will be plenty of fun for little ones, too, with the mission’s all new kids’ zone.

Where: Old Mission San Luis Rey

When: October 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Price: $2

4050 Mission Ave.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Día de los Muertos

Spend el día with some desert critters when you board the tram tour (available in English and Spanish). Tasty treats like Mexican nitro coffee and skull cookies will be served. Mariachis, stilt walkers, and dancers will make rounds during the late afternoon.

Where: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

When: November 1 to 3, tours at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Price: Children 11 years old and younger are free when accompanied by a paid adult

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd

Carrera de los Muertos

Run along downtown’s San Diego Bay in a festive 5K or 10K. Afterwards, complement your runners high with mariachi music, dancers, face painting and food.

Where: Embarcadero Park South

When: November 3, 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Price: $39 to $74 (depending on age and package selection)

200 Marina Park Way

Day of the Dead Altar Viewings

The opening reception for this Centro Cultural de la Raza event commences on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. The next day at 4 p.m., learn flower-making, followed by a procession at 5 p.m. Community altars will be open for viewing from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. from Nov. 1 to 10, if you can’t make the earlier festivities.

Where: Balboa Park

When: November 1 to 10

Price: Free

2004 Park Blvd

What better time than Cinco de Mayo to indulge in tacos, tequila, music and Mexican culture? From a traditional fiesta in Old Town to family runs at Lake Poway, there is no shortage of ways to spend the day—or the entire weekend. Join in on the most colorful, most delicious, and most memorable ways to celebrate Mexican heritage.

Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo

Where: Old Town

When: May 4-6

Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Old Town for the biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration in San Diego. Bring your friends and family to this free weekend-long fiesta featuring live music, lucha libre wrestling, and lowrider car shows. Keep an eye out for food and drink specials at local restaurants. Danz Arts will provide Mexican and Spanish dance performances. Enjoy the sounds of traditional mariachi, salsa, and flamenco music as you sip margaritas and indulge in endless bites.

Cinco de Mayo Trail Run

Where: Lake Poway Trail

When: May 4

Looking to earn those tacos and burritos? Look no further than the 5K and 10K Cinco de Mayo Trail Run on the Lake Poway Trail. Compete or bring the whole family just to enjoy a beautiful morning in nature. Additionally, The Kathy Crafts Young Memorial Kids Race is a great fit for kids ages 7 and under who want to burn off some excess energy. Ticket prices range from $10-$40. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. All participants will receive a race shirt and virtual swag.

Cinco de Mayo: San Diego’s Premier Yacht Party

Where: Grape Street Pier

When: May 5

Party aboard the Hornblower Inspiration yacht’s three levels of music from hip-hop to Latin hits. DJ Esco will spin the tunes, so grab your pals and head over to the harbor. Ticket prices range from $45-$70. Event is from 4-8 p.m.

FOCUS Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Where: Coronado Community Center

When: May 5

Support this local nonprofit organization while you dine, dance and participate in silent and live auctions. FOCUS Cinco de Mayo Fiesta takes place at the Coronado Community Center from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and include appetizers and a buffet dinner as well as dancing. Proceeds go toward Friends of Children United Society (FOCUS), a nonprofit that supports battered, abused homeless, disadvantaged, and foster children in San Diego County. Tickets are $100 per person.

September is San Diego’s unofficial second summer—the crowds thin, the weather stays warm, and the city’s calendar somehow gets even busier. This month brings stadium-sized rock shows, Broadway’s buzziest comedy, a new anime convention, world-premiere theater, gallery openings, food festivals, and the first signs of spooky season. Whether you’re ready to lean into fall or determined to keep summer going, here are the best things to do in San Diego this September.

Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month

9/2 

As Guns N’ Roses storm into decade five, their appetite for destruction persists. During their Snapdragon Stadium concert, hear the hard rock anthems, new material and a set from The Black Crowes.

9/23

Kehlani is proof that the romance and earnest sensuality of old-school R&B will never go out of style. Hear her take it back to the aughts at Viejas Arena.

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Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month

9/6-10/11

From the silver screen to The Old Globe stage, John Carney will Begin Again (again) with a world premiere musical adaptation featuring new songs—courtesy of Train—and a story overflowing with hope. 

9/12-10/17 

The concept of work is a guiding principle for San Diego native and multidisciplinary creative noé olivas. Observe his community-informed approach via Tierra y Cielo (Earth and Sky) at Best Practice Gallery. 

9/18-10/25 

Two workers grapple with the weight of their roles at a temporary migrant shelter in Mario Vega’s world premiere play Our Lady of the San Diego Convention Center, set for citywide performances. 

9/26-2/28/2027

Luminous visions of peace and the Punjabi-American roots of Rupinder Kaloti inform The Gathering, a wondrous unification of family foretold via paintings at Oceanside Museum of Art. 

9/29-10/4 

It’s Mary Todd Lincoln’s world and we’re just living in it. See the presidential paramour barrel to her way to stardom at the Civic Theatre during Oh, Mary!, Cole Escola’s political spoof. 

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month

9/5 & 9/6

Pros and Con(vention)s: Anime San Diego will debut at the San Diego Convention Center with cosplayers, panels and more than 400 vendors well-versed in Japanese animation.

9/11-10/31 

Scaredy cats beware: SeaWorld San Diego’s Howl-O-Scream embraces frights forged in darkness. Enjoy an ominous lineup of live shows, scare zones and bloody bars ahead of Halloween. 

9/12

The best parts of Artivál and the Alley Cat Art Walk have united for the free Alley Cat Art Fest, an all-day outing for live music and immersive artwork in Downtown El Cajon.

9/12 & 9/13 

Take a Grecian vacation for a fraction of the price during the annual Cardiff Greek Festival, two days of immersive cuisine and culture—with plenty of dancing—on the Encinitas coast.

9/13-9/20

Step away from the stove! The California Restaurant Association has eight days of eating experiences with your name on it. During San Diego Restaurant Week, explore by meal, neighborhood or cuisine for your personal dining plan. 

9/16 

Nourish yourself with an all-inclusive spread of Pacific Beach eats and locally-crafted artwork during the HeArt of PB Restaurant Walk on Garnet Avenue.

9/19 

When it comes to stand-up comedy, Chelsea Handler is always ready to roast. See Handler tell anecdotes and skewer an assemblage of victims during her Balboa Theatre performance.