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No area of the country has better weather than Southern California, and San Diego, in particular. That’s why people enjoy visiting this city, but it certainly isn’t the only reason. There’s so much to see and do in San Diego that you’ll need several days to get everything in.

The first settlement

If you’re interested in history, a visit to San Diego must include Old Town. As the oldest settled area, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places along with adjacent Presidio Park. The Mission San Diego de Alcala at the Presidio was founded by Gaspar de Portola and Father Junipero Serra in 1769 but was later moved further along the San Diego River. Today you can visit Presidio Park, enjoy the beautiful view of the valley and river below and walk through  the Junipero Serra Museum. The area now called Old Town grew up at the base of the bluff. It was populated with some 650 residents in 1850 when California was admitted to the union.

The spooky Whaley House

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a visit to the Whaley House in Old Town should be on your to-do list. In 1856, Thomas Whaley built what he said would be “the handsomest, most comfortable and convenient place in town.” Whaley House served not only as a family home but also as a courthouse, a general store and San Diego’s first theater.

However, the house was constructed over the spot where in 1852 James Robinson was convicted of grand larceny and hanged. People claim to hear his footsteps around the house even today. Other ghosts include Mr. and Mrs. Whaley, a little girl and a dog. Some people have detected a sudden whiff of cigar smoke in the vicinity of the courtroom (and I am a member of this group). There have been so many unexplained events at the Whaley House that The Travel Channel has called it the country’s most supernatural home.

Dining ideas

There are several restaurants in Old Town, but you might enjoy outdoor dining at Fiesta de Reyes or the Old Town Mexican Café, a local favorite known for its corn and flour tortillas and delicious margaritas. You can also put Mexican fare on hold and have lunch or dinner at Sushi Tadokoro. Reservations are recommended but be aware that parking at this small but popular restaurant is limited. 

More to see

Old Town is a wonderful destination for families, and you’ll want to browse through the local shops, perhaps visit the blacksmith and take a tour of Ramona’s Marriage Place. But there’s more of San Diego to explore close at hand. Take a one- or two-hour harbor cruise and see the city, the Coronado Bridge, various Navy ships and more from a whole different perspective. Another fun way to take in the sights around town is the Hop On Hop Off Trolley.

Accommodations

Downtown San Diego offers many choices in the accommodations category. You’ll find familiar names: the Hampton Inn San Diego-Downtown, or Embassy Suites and Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Diego Downtown. If you like a bit of history in your lodging choice, look no further than the US Grant, an upscale hotel in the heart of the city that has served discriminating guests for more than 100 years. The Art Deco-designed Grant Grill offers AAA/CAA Four-Diamond cuisine.

Getting there

San Diego International Airport serves major airlines and is located mere minutes from downtown San Diego. If driving, you will likely come into town via Interstate 5. However, there is another fun way to arrive if you’re coming from the Los Angeles area: the train. Amtrak averages 9 departures per day between L.A. and San Diego, giving you a variety of options. The train leaves from Union Station, a historic destination in itself, and the trip to San Diego usually takes a little over three hours, although some of the faster Amtrak trains can pare an hour off the time.

Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check government advisories before scheduling trips.

Enjoy your visit as you travel into history!