Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Current & Upcoming Exhibitions

One of the main reasons to visit the Old Town is that you can see the very first houses that formed the settlement of San Diego. Most of the houses have been rebuilt, but are still just as interesting. Admission is free to all the houses.

• Casa de Estudillo. The main building overlooking the Old Town square was the home of the Spanish aristocrat Antonio de Estudillo. Built in 1825, it became a refuge for women and children during the American occupation in 1846. Although the building is the original house, in 1887 the caretaker who managed it sold all the tiles, doors, and windows, so part of what we see today is the result of renovations made in 1910 by architect Hazel W. Waterman with funds from the Spreckels family. The rooms are furnished with period furniture and objects and overlook the inner courtyard.
• Robinson Rose House. The Visitor Center itself is a house museum. It is located in one of the oldest buildings in the city. Built in 1853, this house functioned as a court, an operating room, a prison, a school, a newsroom, a shop, and a private home. James Robinson, who built the house, was a member of the first Masonic Lodge in San Diego, and the symbols and curiosities related to the Freemasons fill the house with intrigue.
• James McCoy House. Behind the Visitor Center, slightly isolated from the rest of the village, is one of the best-preserved house museums. The James McCoy House dates back to 1869 and is the home of California’s first sheriff. It is not actually the original building; in fact, it is just a reconstruction. However, everything has been reproduced in great detail and you’ll also find volunteers in period clothing to entertain you during your visit.
• Casa Machado Silvas and Casa Machado y Stewart. Two of the oldest houses in Old Town were owned by the Machado family. The roofs have been rebuilt, but the walls are the original ones. The two houses have early 19th century furniture and some replicas. The Machado y Stewart House dates back to 1836, while the Machado Silvas House was built a few years later for Jose Manuel Machado’s daughter.
• Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant. The building that houses the Cosmopolitan Hotel dates back to 1827. This is the oldest hotel in San Diego. Over the years it has changed use several times, but has now returned to its original function. Although you may not be staying at this hotel, it is certainly one of the most interesting buildings to see outside.
• Wells Fargo Museum. The small but interesting museum revolves around an old stagecoach for transporting valuables and tells a piece of the history of the economic development in California during the 19th century.
• First San Diego Courthouse and Jail. The First San Diego Courthouse and Jail is a 1992 reconstruction of the original building.
• Whaley House. Apparently, this house is haunted. In fact, according to Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted, it’s the most haunted house in the United States. It was transformed into a museum in 1960, since then there have been many publications about paranormal phenomena within these walls.
• Casa de Wrightington. Built in 1840, this house that overlooks the square belonged to Thomas Wrightington and his wife, Juana. After his death in 1853, his widow lived in the house until 1890 and rented the house to Dr. George McKinstry Jr. for a long time. For thirty years, the doctor provided medical assistance to Native Americans with the help of Juana Wrightington, who spoke three languages and was able to interpret for him.
• Casa de San Diego. Dating back to 1830, it was originally a shop run by Richard Freeman and Allen Light, the first two African Americans to settle in Old Town. It is one of the houses that were reconstructed according to photos of the original one.
• Casa de Lopez. Juan Francisco Lopez, one of the first Spanish settlers in San Diego, built this house in 1835, then known as the Long House for its size. In 1846, it became the residence of Juan Matias Moreno, secretary to Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of California. Since then it has been rebuilt and today it houses a restaurant.
• Mason Street School. Built in 1865, this was the first school in San Diego. It only has a single classroom and it is without doubt one of the most interesting buildings in Old Town.