Discovering History, One Sweet Treat and Haunted House at a Time.

Visiting Old Town State Historic Park was an adventurous way to learn about the history of San Diego and experience how people lived more than 150 years ago. With numerous historical homes, museums, shops, and restaurants, there was plenty to keep my kids—ages 8 and 11—engaged. The highlights of our afternoon were the Blacksmith Shop, Fiesta de Reyes, Cousin’s Candy Shop, and the Whaley House Museum.

Starting at the Robinson-Rose Building

We began our free self-guided tour at the Robinson-Rose Building (1853), located in the heart of the plaza. Here, we picked up a map and learned what was open that day. My kids loved the diorama of the park and hearing about how Spanish settlers arrived on the ancestral land of the Kumeyaay in 1769, followed by Mexican rule, and later California statehood after the Mexican-American War in 1850.

Fiesta de Reyes

Next door, Fiesta de Reyes burst with color and energy, instantly drawing us in with its festive atmosphere. The courtyard is filled with whimsical skeleton sculptures, vibrant murals, and blooming gardens, making it a fun place just to stroll and take photos. Shops overflow with unique souvenirs—from hand-crafted jewelry to Mexican folk art—while the scent of sizzling food drifts from the nearby restaurants.

Exploring the Courthouse, Schoolhouse, and Homes

We continued to the First San Diego Courthouse Museum, where the kids were instantly intrigued by what they called the “smallest jail ever.” The one-room structure gave us a peek at what justice looked like in early San Diego—simple, stark, and nothing like modern courtrooms. It was fascinating to see where legal proceedings and community decisions once took place in such a modest building.

Behind the courthouse, we discovered the Mason Street Schoolhouse Museum, a reconstructed 1865 one-room school. My kids were amazed at how all grades, from the youngest children to teenagers, once learned together in a single classroom with wooden benches and chalkboards. They couldn’t imagine life without computers, projectors, or even proper desks! It really drove home how different education was just over a century ago.

Next, we stepped into La Casa de Machado y Stewart (1835), one of the oldest adobe homes in Old Town. With its simple furnishings, tiny rooms, and earthen floors, it showed how early Californio families lived day-to-day. The kids were surprised to learn that cooking often happened outside over open fires and that families shared small spaces with very few possessions compared to what we consider essential today.

These sites gave us not only a history lesson but also a chance to reflect on how much daily life has changed—from justice to schooling to home life—since the 1800s.

Candy Shop & Blacksmith Fun

No surprise—Cousin’s Candy Shop was an instant hit! Packed with old-fashioned sweets, it was tough for the kids to pick just one treat. On the way to the Blacksmith Shop (Blackhawk Livery Stables), they loved climbing on the covered wagon and pretending to be early pioneers. Inside, a docent hammered away at metal tools, bringing history to life.

Nearby, the Seeley Stable transported us straight back to the days of stagecoaches and early travel in San Diego. The large wooden barn is packed with authentic stagecoaches, wagons, and carriages that once carried passengers, mail, and goods across the region. My kids were amazed to learn that what looked like something out of an old Western movie was actually how people really traveled before cars and trains became common.

The displays show just how rugged and uncomfortable those long journeys could be—bumpy wooden benches, little room to stretch, and dust everywhere. Yet for pioneers, this was the height of mobility and adventure. We also saw freight wagons stacked high with goods and read about how these vehicles connected San Diego to the rest of California during its earliest years of growth.

The Whaley House Museum

Our last stop was just outside the park at the Whaley House Museum (1856), famously known as one of the most haunted homes in America. From the moment we stepped inside, it was clear this wasn’t just a spooky attraction—it was also a window into San Diego’s early history. My kids found the stories fascinating rather than frightening, which made it a fun and approachable experience for younger visitors.

We learned about Thomas Whaley’s many ventures inside the home—a courthouse, a general store, and even a beautiful upstairs theater. In the theater, we spotted what looked like an “eerie figure” floating above the stage, a playful reminder of the house’s paranormal reputation. Beyond the ghost stories, it was impressive to realize how entrepreneurial Mr. Whaley was, turning his family home into a true multipurpose hub of community life.

The docents were excellent, giving us a family-friendly version of the house’s haunted history. They balanced the storytelling with historical context, so the kids walked away entertained but also better informed about San Diego’s past.

For families with older children—or those seeking more thrills—there are additional tour options to choose from:

• Daytime Self-Guided Tours: Great for families with younger kids. You can wander at your own pace with docents available to answer questions and keep the storytelling light.

• Evening Tours: Best for brave tweens, teens, and adults. These highlight the paranormal side of the house and share more of the ghostly encounters reported over the years.

• After-Hours Ghost Hunts: For serious ghost enthusiasts, late-night tours allow small groups to explore with EMF meters and other investigative tools.

Whether you come for the history or the haunts, the Whaley House delivers a unique experience. For our family, it was the perfect mix of spooky fun and educational storytelling.

Tips for Visiting Old Town

Here are some visitor tips to help you prepare for your adventure in Old Town:

• Start at the Robinson-Rose Visitor Center to pick up a map and get the latest on open museums and activities.

• Admission: Old Town State Historic Park is free to explore, but some museums (like the Whaley House) require paid admission. Adult tickets for the Whaley House range from $15–$20 depending on the time of day, with discounts for children, seniors, and military.

• Hours: Old Town State Historic Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Whaley House offers both daytime and evening tours.

• Parking: Free but limited—arrive early or use public transportation. The Old Town Transit Center is just steps away, with access to the trolley, Coaster, and buses.

• Food: There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the park, from quick snacks to sit-down dining, many with live music or entertainment.

• Shopping: Don’t miss the gift shops for unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, and treats.

• Events: Old Town often hosts special cultural festivals and reenactments, so check the calendar for extra fun experiences.

Plan Your Visit

📍 Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Official Website

📍 The Whaley House Museum
Buy Tickets & Visitor Info

Written by Danielle Deery
Danielle Deery lives in the Encinitas area of San Diego’s North County with her husband, two kids who are 10 and 7 years old, and a dog. One of her favorite things to do is take her kids on museum adventures around San Diego. You may see Danielle at the New Pacific View Arts Center in Encinitas. She is a Freelance Curator, former President of the San Diego Museum Council, and former Director of Exhibitions at Oceanside Museum of Art.