San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small Group Tour
from $85.00
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Overview
Meet your guide and group at Old Adobe Chapel, which can be credited for saving Old Town San Diego thanks to a 1884 book. Continue on to one of the most haunted homes in Southern California, also unusual for its architecture and building materials.
After a view of some Victorian architecture we’ll pass by the original location of the Presidio and Mission when the Spanish first settled in California. Admire the oldest 18th-century structure in the area and learn about the indigenous tribes who lived here for thousands of years.
Back in town, we’ll see some authentic Mexican handcrafts (no bad souvenirs here!), visit a hundred year old Catholic church that is a descendant of the original Mission, followed by a stroll through a landmark cemetery with graves dating back to the 1850s. Our final stop is a local Tequileria to learn about the many different kinds of tequila. Enjoy a taste or select another beverage of your choice, plus gourmet tacos.
2 hours 30 minutes
Meet at the start point (no pickup)
We will meet at the gate to the Adobe Chapel.
Itinerary
- 1Old Town San Diego
Join us as we discover the full story of San Diego in the location where it all began – Old Town. We’ll learn about the indigenous people of the area, along with the Spanish and visit where they settled, and how this became a part of Mexico before becoming a US State. Along the way we’ll hear tales of the people who lived here and will end with some fantastic tacos and tequila!
- 2Adobe Chapel Museum
We start our tour at the Adobe Chapel, first built as a home in 1850. By 1858 it became a chapel after the Mission was closed and served in that capacity until 1919. We'll learn that it was the setting of the fictional character Ramona’s wedding from the 1884 novel, and how this building saved the neighborhood.
- 3Whaley House Museum
There are three historic buildings on this site and we'll talk about all of them, plus admire the century old Pepper Trees. Known mostly for its ghostly residents, the Whaley House is historically important beyond being haunted.
- 4Heritage County Park
These Victorian buildings were moved here to preserve them from the expanding city in the 1970s from downtown. All of these houses date to the end of the 19th century.
- 5Mormon Battalion Historic Site
The longest infantry march in US history happened during the Mexican-American war in 1846-48 and this site commemorates it.
- 6Presidio Park
Where modern San Diego began with the first Mission and first Presidio (fortress) established here in 1769. After this area was abandoned residents moved down the hill to what is now Old Town State Park.
- 7Immaculate Conception Church
This is the descendant of the church at our meeting location and is over 100 years old.
- 8El Campo Santo Cemetery
After the Presidio closed, this became the main Catholic cemetery in San Diego, and many of San Diego's early residents are interred here.
- 9Stop
We've saved the best for last! We'll stop here for a refreshing beverage and some delish bites!
- 10Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
We’ll give you some tips on what to see here to explore on your own after the tour is over.
What's included
- Chips and Salsa
- Professional Local Tour Guide
- 3 mouth watering delicious Street Tacos
- Handmade Tortilla Tasting
- One Tequila beverage for guests 21+ (or beer, wine or soda of your choice) at a local tequileria
- Souvenir Margarita Recipe
Not included
- Guide Gratuity
- Admission to paid museums
Good to know
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Guests should be comfortable walking 2 miles - comfortable shoes are a must!
- Water in reusable container, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses are all recommended.
- Our tortilla tasting happens at the beginning of the tour and our tacos and tequila are at the end (saving the best for last!). Please take that into consideration when planning pre-tour meals (have enough to fuel your walk but not enough to spoil your tacos!).
- There is plenty of free parking in Old Town but can be hard to find on weekends. Please plan ahead.
