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Old Town San Diego Historic District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic District
View of Old Town
Location:	San Diego, California
Coordinates:	32°45′16.77″N 117°11′50.42″W / 32.7546583°N 117.1973389°W / 32.7546583; -117.1973389Coordinates: 32°45′16.77″N 117°11′50.42″W / 32.7546583°N 117.1973389°W / 32.7546583; -117.1973389
Area:	29.08 acres
Built/Founded:	1825
Architect:	Multiple
Architectural style(s):	Colonial, Other
Governing body:	California State Parks
Added to NRHP:	September 3, 1971
NRHP Reference#:	71000182 [1]

Old Town, San Diego

Old Town, San Diego

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, located in the Old Town neighborhood of San Diego, California, is a state protected historical park in San Diego. The park preserves and recreates the old town of the city, from shortly after the Mexican War of Independence during its pueblo Alta California period beginning in 1821, through the Bear Flag Revolt, the American period, and ending in 1872, 22 years after statehood (about the time the central focus of the city shifted to the current Downtown area). Between 2005 and 2006, California State Parks listed Old Town San Diego as the most visited state park in California.

On September 3, 1971, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as Old Town San Diego Historic District.

Facilities

Five original adobes are part of the complex, which includes shops, restaurants and museums. Other historic buildings include a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, San Diego's first newspaper office, a cigar and pipe store, houses and gardens, and a stable with a carriage collection. There are also stores, with local artisans demonstrating their craft.

Attractions

• Casa de Estudillo, a National Historic Landmark
• The Whaley House, a museum and historic landmark, believed by some to be haunted
• The 1889 building of Temple Beth Israel, one of the oldest synagogues buildings in the United States. Open to tourists, it is used for exhibitions and is available for weddings and other occasions.
• Living history demonstrations and free tours are regularly scheduled.

Dining

The Historic Park and surrounding area are a popular tourist destination, known especially for its Mexican restaurants. The state park itself hosts several eating establishments, with more in the city managed park that surrounds the area.

Transportation

The Old Town Transit Center serves the area with trolley, bus, Coaster, and occasional Amtrak service. There are free parking lots for the state park.

Recent Changes

Starting in 2005 the lease of the Mexican commercial corner in Old Town was managed by Plaza del Pasado in an attempt to connect its visitors with a better understanding and appreciation of life and commerce in San Diego as it was from 1821 to 1872. In spring 2009 management of several stores in Old Town located in the Mexican Commercial Corner changed hands. Historical interpretation is primarily carried out by park employees and volunteers, and the Mexican Commercial corner is host to several locally based small businesses and artists.

Restaurant in Old Town, San Diego

See also

• Oldest synagogues in the United States‎

References

External links

• Old Town Information Hotels, Maps, Weather and Activities
• Official site
• San Diego Historical Society: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park - full list of sights and museums
• The San Diego Union Tribune Casa de Reyes: A Familiar Taste of Old Town
• San Diego Metropolitan Magazine Historic Accuracy Highlights The Newest Old Town Menus

U.S. National Register of Historic Places Keeper of the Register · History of the National Register of Historic Places · Property types · Historic district · Contributing property List of entries National Park Service · National Historic Landmarks · National Battlefields · National Historic Sites · National Historical Parks · National Memorials · National Monuments