San Diego celebrates Mexican and Spanish Colonial history

On the hilltop overlooking Old Town is the site where, in 1769, Padre Junípero Serra established Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá. In 1774, Serra’s mission was moved to a location six miles east, but a colony of residents remained and the area became known as California’s first permanent European settlement. Today, a museum honoring Padre Serra stands on that same hill, overlooking the festive neighborhood now called Old Town San Diego.

Living History and Culture
Old Town State Historic Park, a pedestrian-only area spanning six blocks, is home to more than a dozen of San Diego’s earliest buildings—some original, others reproductions—including a general store, Wells Fargo Bank, adobe homes and the first office of the San Diego Union, the city’s first newspaper. Adjacent Plaza del Pasado (2754 Calhoun St.) is filled with restaurants and shops that celebrate Mexican and American histories. Costumed storytellers and artisans add to the ambiance.

great find
Fine Print
This being WHERE's arts and literary issue, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention Libros, the bookshop at Bazaar Del Mundo. One of several boutiques in the colorful market just around the corner from Old Town State Historic Park, Libros specializes in books on San Diego and California history, as well as Mexican, Latin and Native American arts, culture and crafts. The shop also carries an array of travel and design titles, children’s books, world music CDs, specialty cookbooks, greeting cards and loads of literature for home and garden buffs. Feed the mind, then feed your sweet tooth with a box of hard-to-resist chocolate truffles. While browsing the Bazaar, check out its newly expanded Kitchen Shop, which promises to make a gourmet out of even the most hapless home cook. 4133 Taylor St., Old Town, 619.296.3161.

Up the hill on Harney and Juan streets sits Heritage Park, the site of seven restored Victorian buildings. Here, you will find a tea room, a lingerie boutique, a doll shop and a bed & breakfast. The structures were moved to this site from downtown San Diego after World War II to escape demolition due to modern development. The park is also the site of Southern California’s first synagogue, Temple Beth Israel, built in 1889.

You can also tour the Whaley House (2482 San Diego Ave.), built in 1856 as San Diego’s first courthouse. It has been designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce as being certifiably haunted. Neighboring Whaley House Gift Shop has a variety of gifts and books about California and San Diego history. Two blocks up San Diego Avenue, behind an adobe wall, is El Campo Santo, the city’s first cemetery, established in 1850.

The San Diego Sheriff's Museum and Educational Center (2384 San Diego Ave.), built 100 feet from where San Diego’s original cobblestone jail once stood, features exhibits displaying weapons and equipment used by the county’s 28 sheriffs over the past 150 years. The Casa del Rey Moro Museum (2471 Congress St.) is a small house transformed into a scholarly treasure of African world history, with a focus on the Afro-Spanish, Afro-Mexican and African-American heritage in Old Town and California.

Shopping
Old Town’s many shops offer everything from authentic goods to touristy tchotchkes. Begin your shopping tour on San Diego Avenue and its side streets. For Native American–style accessories, check out Apache (2425 San Diego Ave.). Del Sol (2448-A San Diego Ave.) carries T-shirts and other items that change color when exposed to sunlight. Chuck Jones’ Studio Gallery Old Town (2501 San Diego Ave.) features art by Dr. Seuss, Charles Schulz and animator Chuck Jones. Miranda's Courtyard (2548 Congress St.) has a large collection of Mexican folk art. Watch artisans in action at Lowery’s Hot Glass (3985 Harney St.) as they create custom-made objets d’art. Old Town San Diego Market (4010 Twiggs St.) is a marketplace and museum featuring souvenirs and snacks, and Bazaar Del Mundo (4133 Taylor St.) is a two-story emporium filled with ­international folk arts, fashion, jewelry and home decor. Among the favorites is Viva Colores, featuring colorful kitchen and dinnerware.

Click HERE for a detailed map of Oldtown.