• Immaculate Conception Church - In Old Town, Saint Junípero Serra held his First Holy Mass in California on July 2, 1769, near the current site of the Immaculate Conception Church.
• Adobe Chapel Museum - This humble building is California Historic Landmark number 49 and boasts one of the most intricate histories on this tour!
• El Campo Santo Cemetery - Visit one of San Diego’s oldest cemeteries, where 19th-century graves and adobe walls tell the tales of early settlers, outlaws, and soldiers. El Campo Santo is a serene, hauntingly beautiful stop that offers insight into the city’s frontier history. Be alert, as some believe not all its residents rest peacefully.
• Whaley House Museum - Before the Whaley House was built, this land hosted San Diego’s public gallows. Today, the tranquil lawn and shaded tree reveal little of its darker history, where Yankee Jim Robinson was famously executed before the house’s construction. It’s a hauntingly historic stop that adds a chilling dimension to Old Town’s narrative.
• Save Our Heritage Organisation - This impressive white home has traveled extensively—it was prefabricated in Maine, shipped around Cape Horn, and reassembled in San Diego in the 1850s. Once the residence of early U.S. Army engineer George Derby and later County Recorder George Pendleton, the house provides a rare view into Old Town’s early urban development efforts. It stands today as a symbol of preservation, ingenuity, and a few ambitious plans that didn’t quite succeed.
• Heritage Park - Heritage Park is a delightful collection of restored Victorian homes and cottages, each relocated here in the 1970s to prevent demolition. As you explore the park, you’ll encounter beautifully preserved structures like the Sherman-Gilbert House, Bushyhead House, and Senlis Cottage—each with its own connection to San Diego’s history. It’s a peaceful, walkable glimpse into the city’s architectural and cultural heritage, revived through grassroots preservation efforts.
• Mormon Battalion Historic Site - This complimentary museum narrates the extraordinary story of the Mormon Battalion, a group that marched over 2,000 miles west during the Mexican-American War and contributed to early San Diego’s development. Today, the Mormon Battalion Historic Site features hands-on exhibits, immersive storytelling, and interactive activities like gold panning and brick making. It’s an intriguing stop that combines local, military, and religious history in one captivating experience.
• 4010 Twiggs St - Originally constructed in 1908 as a rectory near downtown San Diego, this historic building was moved to Old Town in 1940 and later served as a convent during World War II. Today, it stands on the former site of the Casa de Aguirre—now preserved and recognized as a City of San Diego Historic Landmark. The building’s layered history reflects both the city’s evolving Catholic heritage and its dedication to preservation.
• Casa de Aguirre - Once the residence of one of Old Town’s most notable families, the Casa de Aguirre now functions as a small museum displaying artifacts from both the Aguirre household and its later use as a Catholic-run industrial school for Native American children in the late 1800s. Exhibits include luxury imports, household items, and tools from the era, offering a glimpse into two very different chapters of Old Town’s past. It’s a thought-provoking stop that reflects both prosperity and adversity in San Diego’s early history.

• Unlimited access with flexible usage
• Audio guide included
• App and tour available for download

• Smartphone (bring your own)

Embark on a journey through the fascinating history of California’s inaugural city with this self-guided audio tour of San Diego’s historic Old Town. This leisurely walking tour allows participants to wander through streets once frequented by Native, Spanish, Mexican, and early American settlers. With engaging GPS-triggered narration, delve into the tales and history that illustrate San Diego’s transformation from a humble pueblo to a bustling city. Simply download the app and explore at your own pace, uncovering the hidden history beyond the shops and eateries.

• Self-guided tour offers the freedom to explore at your leisure
• GPS-triggered narration provides insights into San Diego’s past
• Emphasis on locations outside Old Town State Historic Park
• Ideal for both residents and newcomers

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.