This tour combines food and history into a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience. Travel back in time to explore the birthplace of California and the events and people who have transformed Old Town San Diego into the cultural destination it is today.
As one of the most in-depth tours of Old Town, this tour will take you on a journey through multiple historical eras, from the early Spanish settlements to the establishment of Mexican independence to the California Gold Rush. Along the way, you'll enjoy authentic food tastings, traditional cocktail samplings, and fun.
Learning Objectives
- Consider the influence of early Californian, Mexican, and Spanish colonial architecture on the development of Old Town's streetscapes, including adobe construction, courtyard planning, and covered walkways.
- Review adaptive reuse strategies in Old Town, including how historic structures have been preserved and transformed into active, mixed-use culinary venues.
- Evaluate the role of cultural, site-specific design in the birthplace of California, including how the spatial layout of the State Historic Park impacts pedestrian experience and public social interaction.
- Experience the evolution of Old Town's culinary identity, including how regional ingredients and traditional techniques define the local food scene.