I am a huge fan of what to me seems like a smaller town within a big city. That is what Old Town feels like to me. Old Town is off the 5 freeway between Mission Bay and Balboa Park. A place where you can enjoy the Mexican heritage of San Diego. We have stayed in Old Town many times. I have 4 hotels I’ve stayed at but really enjoy 2 of them for the scenery and the ability to walk to shops and restaurants.
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel www.bestwestern.com
- Hilton Garden Inn and Suites Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town Hotel/SeaWorld
The Best Western is up on a hill so it has a great view from most of the rooms facing the hotel entrance. The rooms are usually very clean but a little bit on the older side. They did redo some of the rooms but I haven’t stayed in that wing yet. They have a restaurant on site called www.oldtowntequilafactory.com The front desk gives you a welcome cocktail coupon when you check in. The restaurant is at the top of the property so the views are spectacular. We have gotten appetizers and breakfast there but would really like to try their dinners the next time we are in Old Town.
The Hilton Hotel is on the end of the park and has many great perks. They have a very nice pool and the rooms are clean and modern. The have a bar at the bottom of the hotel where if you are thirsty or hungry you can bring something up to your room or sit there and enjoy it. The walk to Old Town shops and restaurants is about 5 minutes.
I really enjoy going to eat at the Café Coyote www.cafecoyoteoldtown.com the food and drinks are very tasty. I usually get the Cadillac margarita and I’m never disappointed. For dinner they have many options but since I enjoy a little bit of everything I usually get a combination meal. I get the Cabo combo which includes a cheese enchilada and a shredded beef taco. I have also picked the Carne Asada burrito and loved every bite. For those people with kids they have a cheese quesadilla, chicken or beef taco, chicken nuggets and a bean and cheese burrito which my son enjoys immensely! My Husband gets the Pork Pozole soup as a starter and always likes that part of his dinner. For his meal he has enjoyed many different things at Café Coyote but his favorites are the shrimp tacos and the California burrito. If you are in Old Town for breakfast they have an amazing Huevos Con Chorizo plate with homemade flour or corn tortillas that they make on the patio in front of the restaurant.
The shopping in Old Town is just as much fun as eating there. They have a really great outdoor nursery that has tons of plants and pots and all decorative outdoor sculptures. They have a few shops for jewelry. They also have a place to buy different soaps and you can make your own. My son enjoys the candy store and the general store where you can find a little bit of everything. They have a big grassy field in the middle of the shops and restaurants that my son and Husband run around chasing each other (The problem of having an only child is that you have to sometimes be the older brother or older sister).
I hope you go visit and send me a message how it went and what you enjoyed while you were in Old Town San Diego!