features prominently within the Mission Bay
landscape. SeaWorld’s not-to-miss aquari-
um-based Ocean Explorer attraction—slated
to open in late spring 2017—promises plenty
of diversion. Four new rides will include a
submarine excursion and a chance to soar
above the park in the “wave swinger” chairs
hanging from giant tentacles.
When you’re ready to slow down and
enjoy a meal, great options in the Mission
Bay area include Draft, which offers casual
beachside dining and 69 brews on tap. At
Cannonball, sushi is served on a rooftop
deck with long communal tables, fire pits
and a poolside terrace. When it comes to
fresh seafood, the restaurant also offers a
raw bar and plenty of plated options.
OLD TOWN
The vibrant, historic quarter of Old Town
is where the city got its start. Presidio Park
40
marks the location where Europe established
its first permanent settlement on the Pacific
coast, and it once served as both the site
of San Diego’s first mission and a hillside
military outpost that overlooked the deep
waters of the bay. A small cluster of adobe
structures was built soon after the founding
that evolved into the present-day Old Town.
A thriving village and marketplace flourished
until a pivotal exodus of its inhabitants began
during the 1860s due to flooding, high tides
and the building of another settlement called
New Town, which quickly eclipsed Old
Town. Ruins of the original fort remain, and
the area’s Spanish and Mexican heritage and
culture are celebrated in the galleries and
museums found there today.
Make the Old Town Transit Center your
base for exploration. Enjoy a free tour of
the area that leaves from the visitor center,
or set out on your own along a path that
hits dozens of historic points of interest
such as the architectural gem of La Casa
de Estudillo, once the private dwelling of
an influential Old Town resident; the one-
room Mason Street School; a collection of
beautifully restored Victorian homes; and
the Old Adobe Chapel. There’s also a des-
ignated State Historic Park with ongoing
programs such as living history events that
allow visitors to view skilled craftspeople
and artisans demonstrating blacksmithing,
carpentry, sewing, weaving and quilting.
Ready for a spine-tingling chill or two?
Old Town is also the site of the 1850 El
Campo Santo Catholic cemetery, and the
old Whaley House—reputed to be the
most haunted house in the country. You can
recover later with some shopping therapy
at Plaza del Pasado, the Old Town Market
and Bazaar del Mundo, where selections
include beautiful handmade souvenirs. Most
FROM
Clockwise from top left: Belmont Park; sailing on Mission Bay; Noble Experiment speakeasy; Bazaar del Mundo; Broadway San Diego