San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small-Group Walking Tour
by San Diego Walks
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$170Overview
This 2.5-hour walking tour covers key sites in San Diego's Old Town area, suited for those who can walk about 2 miles. The tour begins at the Old Adobe Chapel, built in 1850 and used as a chapel from 1858 to 1919, notable for its connection to the 1884 novel Ramona and credited with preserving Old Town San Diego. Next is a stop at the Whaley House, known both for its architecture and reputation as a haunted site, along with other historic buildings and century-old pepper trees nearby. The route then passes Victorian homes relocated in the 1970s to prevent demolition, all dating from the late 19th century. The tour continues past a monument commemorating the longest infantry march in US history during the Mexican-American War (1846-48), and the original site of the Presidio and Mission established in 1769, marking where modern San Diego began. Participants will also visit a Catholic church over 100 years old, descended from the original Mission church, and a historic cemetery used since the Presidio closed, containing graves from the 1850s. The final stop is at a local tequileria, where guests aged 21 and older can sample one tequila beverage or choose beer, wine, or soda. This stop also includes three street tacos, handmade tortilla tasting, chips and salsa, and a souvenir margarita recipe. The tour is led by a professional local guide and includes all tastings and beverages noted. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outdoor walking. Water, sun protection, and parking considerations are advised.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Old Town San Diego
The tour begins in Old Town San Diego, the city's original settlement site. Visitors learn about the indigenous peoples, Spanish colonists, and how the area transitioned from Mexico to US control. The stop includes stories about early residents and ends with food and drink offerings.
60 min
Old Adobe Chapel
This building was originally a home built in 1850, then converted into a chapel in 1858 after the Mission closed, serving until 1919. It is notable for being the wedding site of the fictional character Ramona from the 1884 novel and credited with helping preserve Old Town San Diego.
10 min
Whaley House
The Whaley House site has three historic buildings and century-old pepper trees. Known for its ghost stories, the house is also significant for its unique architecture and construction materials.
5 min
Victorian Buildings
Several Victorian houses were moved to this location in the 1970s to protect them from urban development. These homes date to the late 19th century and show typical architecture of that era.
Mexican-American War March Monument
This site commemorates the longest infantry march in US history, which took place during the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848.
Original Presidio and Mission Site
Here stands the location of San Diego's first Mission and Presidio fortress, established in 1769. After abandonment of this site, residents relocated to what is now Old Town State Park.
Historic Catholic Church
This over 100-year-old church descends from the original Mission church and is linked to the chapel where the tour began.
5 min
Old Town Cemetery
This cemetery became the main Catholic burial ground after the Presidio closed. It contains graves dating back to the 1850s of many early San Diego residents.
5 min
Final Refreshment Stop
The last stop is for a refreshing drink and some tasty snacks.
30 min
Meeting point
We will meet at the gate to the Adobe Chapel.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in San Diego
- Balboa Park 2-Hour Private Segway Tour in San Diego
- San Diego Bay 30-Minute Dual-Engine Jet Boat Ride
- San Diego Harbor 2.5-Hour Indoor Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink
- San Diego City Lights Night Tour with 20-Minute Stop at Coronado Ferry Landing
- Crossing Borders Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego with Lunch and Food Tasting
- Intro to Mexico Walking Tour Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego
San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small-Group Walking Tour
by San Diego Walks
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$170Overview
This 2.5-hour walking tour covers key sites in San Diego's Old Town area, suited for those who can walk about 2 miles. The tour begins at the Old Adobe Chapel, built in 1850 and used as a chapel from 1858 to 1919, notable for its connection to the 1884 novel Ramona and credited with preserving Old Town San Diego. Next is a stop at the Whaley House, known both for its architecture and reputation as a haunted site, along with other historic buildings and century-old pepper trees nearby. The route then passes Victorian homes relocated in the 1970s to prevent demolition, all dating from the late 19th century. The tour continues past a monument commemorating the longest infantry march in US history during the Mexican-American War (1846-48), and the original site of the Presidio and Mission established in 1769, marking where modern San Diego began. Participants will also visit a Catholic church over 100 years old, descended from the original Mission church, and a historic cemetery used since the Presidio closed, containing graves from the 1850s. The final stop is at a local tequileria, where guests aged 21 and older can sample one tequila beverage or choose beer, wine, or soda. This stop also includes three street tacos, handmade tortilla tasting, chips and salsa, and a souvenir margarita recipe. The tour is led by a professional local guide and includes all tastings and beverages noted. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outdoor walking. Water, sun protection, and parking considerations are advised.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Old Town San Diego
The tour begins in Old Town San Diego, the city's original settlement site. Visitors learn about the indigenous peoples, Spanish colonists, and how the area transitioned from Mexico to US control. The stop includes stories about early residents and ends with food and drink offerings.
60 min
Old Adobe Chapel
This building was originally a home built in 1850, then converted into a chapel in 1858 after the Mission closed, serving until 1919. It is notable for being the wedding site of the fictional character Ramona from the 1884 novel and credited with helping preserve Old Town San Diego.
10 min
Whaley House
The Whaley House site has three historic buildings and century-old pepper trees. Known for its ghost stories, the house is also significant for its unique architecture and construction materials.
5 min
Victorian Buildings
Several Victorian houses were moved to this location in the 1970s to protect them from urban development. These homes date to the late 19th century and show typical architecture of that era.
Mexican-American War March Monument
This site commemorates the longest infantry march in US history, which took place during the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848.
Original Presidio and Mission Site
Here stands the location of San Diego's first Mission and Presidio fortress, established in 1769. After abandonment of this site, residents relocated to what is now Old Town State Park.
Historic Catholic Church
This over 100-year-old church descends from the original Mission church and is linked to the chapel where the tour began.
5 min
Old Town Cemetery
This cemetery became the main Catholic burial ground after the Presidio closed. It contains graves dating back to the 1850s of many early San Diego residents.
5 min
Final Refreshment Stop
The last stop is for a refreshing drink and some tasty snacks.
30 min
Meeting point
We will meet at the gate to the Adobe Chapel.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in San Diego
- Balboa Park 2-Hour Private Segway Tour in San Diego
- San Diego Bay 30-Minute Dual-Engine Jet Boat Ride
- San Diego Harbor 2.5-Hour Indoor Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink
- San Diego City Lights Night Tour with 20-Minute Stop at Coronado Ferry Landing
- Crossing Borders Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego with Lunch and Food Tasting
- Intro to Mexico Walking Tour Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego