This is the info center for Old Town Park. I wish more rooms were open for viewing. There is a wonderful miniature old San Diego model.
Wonderful! Take a step back in time and imagine life living here.
Wonderful 170 year old home in its original section. The additions are even mid-1800s and earlier.
This museum was a huge surprise! Can't believe how much time I spent inside soaking up stagecoach and other history of the area.
If you happen to be in Old Town and love architecture, it's worth a very short walk up the hill. Beautiful and peaceful park. Most houses are not open for viewing. Open are synagogue, a tiny room in one home with info on moving the houses to this park, and a tea room at the end of the road, closed when I was there. Dogs on leash are allowed.
If you happen to be on Old Town and love history it's worth a short walk or a stop on your way in or out of the area. Many graves include a detailed account of the deceased' life.
Beautiful and lush! Be prepared to pay a stiff price. Lots of places to find shade. Polar bears & gorillas were great. Pandas were fun to see for their rarity and eating the bamboo. Spent 6 hours there including a relaxing lunch at Albert's. I saw about 65-70% but would have seen more with better mapping and trail signage!! Many people were as lost and confused as I was. And I'm a good map reader!!
There are no phone charging stations! After asking several staff & volunteers for ideas I just kept my eyes open and at the point my phone was almost dead I spied an option. Seek out the penguin indoor viewing area. The large center cement post has commercial covered outlets on at least 3 sides with benches.
Other things to note: Go in the morning to see the biggest gorilla with his troop of females. Afternoon is the smaller males. Panda's are visible at feeding time which is twice a day. Afternoon time was 3:30-4pm. Twice a day for abt 30-40 min. orangutans on the Fern Canyon Trail / Orangutan Trail hoot & holler like crazy! I heard them from 3:30-4 pm on FCT, couldn't see them though.
Neighborhood park popular with locals. Great view in one area looking down a huge ravine, extra pretty at night!! View is to the north or northeast. There is a tribute to the old trolley barn with location markers. Well lit at night and active. Did see one homeless person. If you are staying nearby and want to take a walk, this is a good option day or evening. But don't go out of your way unless you want the view or are a trolley history buff.
We drove here after sunset at Sunset Cliffs. Couldn't get to lighthouse after 5pm but the views of the ocean and city and surprise military cemeteries were well worth the drive. We were surprised the navel gate was open so late allowing us to drive right in without a check point. There is a $10 charge (per vehicle) if you want to go to the end of the road.
Don't miss this view even if you can't be there for a sunset. Park in the lot at the end of the road or on the street near the end so you can walk through the trail to the main viewing area. Doing so you get the best cliff views and see some surfing.