San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small Group Tour

4.9 (130 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

130 reviews

4.9

Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila in San Diego — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: San Diego Walks

Ages: Children (6–15 years) · Adults (16–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Chips and Salsa
Included: Professional Local Tour Guide
Included: 3 mouth watering delicious Street Tacos
Included: Handmade Tortilla Tasting
Included: One Tequila beverage for guests 21+ (or beer, wine or soda of your choice) at a local tequileria
Included: Souvenir Margarita Recipe

Not included

Not included: Guide Gratuity
Not included: Admission to paid museums

Itinerary

Old Town San Diego

one hour

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!
Adobe Chapel Museum

10 min Admission not included

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.
Whaley House Museum

5 min Admission not included

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.
Heritage County Park

Passing by

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.
Mormon Battalion Historic Site

Passing by

The longest infantry march in US history happened during the Mexican-American war in 1846-48 and this site commemorates it.
Presidio Park

Passing by

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.
Immaculate Conception Church

5 min

This is the descendant of the church at our meeting location and is over 100 years old.
El Campo Santo Cemetery

5 min

After the Presidio closed, this became the main Catholic cemetery in San Diego, and many of San Diego's early residents are interred here.
Stop 9

30 min Admission included

We've saved the best for last! We'll stop here for a refreshing beverage and some delish bites!
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Passing by

We’ll give you some tips on what to see here to explore on your own after the tour is over.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We will meet at the gate to the Adobe Chapel.

End point

Using your ticket

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Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

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.