Old Town's Historic Attractions

There are plenty of new and exciting things to see in a city as wonderfully diverse as San Diego. However, the historic neighborhood of Old Town offers tourists and locals a precisely painted portrait of our city’s past. Sites range from simple adobe houses to rebuilt churches, as well as large upscale Spanish Colonial style quarters that might remind you of a 19th century romance novel. Did I forget to mention Old Town is home to one of the most haunted houses in America? It’s always a day of exploration and a step back in time at Old Town.

Discover these Old Town attractions for a history lesson of San Diego’s past.

Whaley House

San Diego has one of the most haunted houses in the country and it’s conveniently located in the historic neighborhood of Old Town. The Whaley House was converted into a museum in 1960 so that visitors could investigate the undeniable paranormal activities for themselves. The house was built by Thomas Whaley and has undergone many major renovations since its original construction in 1856. The house was once called the "finest new brick block in Southern California" by the San Diego Herald; however the hauntings remain a mystery to most investigators. This house is neither for the skeptical nor the light hearted. Experience the Whaley House for yourself and see if you can solve a mystery that’s more than 100 years old. For more information, visit whaleyhouse.org.

Casa de Estudillo

The Casa de Estudillo is a very important piece of historic Old Town San Diego. It is one

of several Spanish Colonial style houses that still remain in Old Town and is considered the embodiment of Helen Hunt Jackson's incredibly popular 1884 novel “Ramona.” The house has seen a fair share of renovations throughout the last 120 years, including being a major tourist attraction for the Ramona novel from 1910 until 1970 when the property was purchased by the state of California. Since 1970, the house now reflects the original architecture that was a staple of early Californian life. And it’s still a hot spot for tourists and locals to get a taste of California’s history.

Cosmopolitan Hotel

The Cosmopolitan Hotel, also known as Casa de Bandin, is one of the oldest buildings in historic Old Town San Diego. The first structure was erected in 1827, but the structure didn’t gain notoriety until 1969 when Albert Seeley made the property a hotel, adding both a saloon and restaurant. The original one-story adobe has been rebuilt, restored and reconstructed over the years and was most recently the recipient of a $1.8 million public grant. Visitors can now enjoy a completely restored Cosmopolitan Hotel made up of 98 percent of the original materials. For more information, visit oldtowncosmopolitan.com.

Church of the Immaculate Conception

The Church of the Immaculate Conception has a long and storied history. Although the 

cornerstone for the Old Adobe Church was laid in 1851 by Father John C. Holbein, it was not until 1858 when Father Molinier dedicated the completed adobe church under the official name the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There have been many pastors and patrons that have contributed to this wonderful addition to historic Old Town San Diego. For more information, visit ic-sandiego.org.

Casa de Pedrorena

Casa de Pedrorna was the last adobe home built during the time of Old Town’s initial construction. It was built by Don Miguel de Padrorena, a well educated traveler from Madrid who eventually gifted the house to his sister and her husband where they raised their considerably large family from 1871 well into the 20th century. Don Padrorena served as a Captain in the American army during the Mexican-American War. The house itself procures its reputation from the famous Spanish gun known as “El Jupiter,” which was hidden in the front yard by Don Pedrorena. For more information, visit oldtownsandiegoguide.com/history.html.

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