San Diego Places

Old Town and Uptown

San Diego's Spanish and Mexican roots are most evident in Old Town and the surrounding hillside of Presidio Park. Visitors can experience settlement life in San Diego from Spanish and Mexican rule to the early days of U.S. statehood. Nearby, the vibrant neighborhoods within Uptown showcase their unique blend of historical charm and modern urban community.

As the first European settlement in Southern California, Old Town began to develop in the 1820s. However, its true beginnings took place on a nearby hillside in 1769 with the establishment of a Spanish military outpost and the first of California's missions, San Diego de Alcalá. In 1774 the hilltop was declared a presidio reál, a fortress built by the Spanish empire, and the mission was relocated along the San Diego River. Over time, settlers moved down from the presidio to establish Old Town. A central plaza was laid out, surrounded by adobe and, later, wooden, structures. San Diego became an incorporated U.S. city in 1850, with Old Town as its center. In the 1860s, however, the advent of Alonzo Horton's New Town to the southeast caused Old Town to wither. Efforts to preserve the area began early in the 20th century, and Old Town became a state historic park in 1968.

Today Old Town is a lively celebration of history and culture. The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park re-creates life during the early settlement, while San Diego Avenue buzzes with art galleries, gift shops, festive restaurants, and open-air stands selling inexpensive Mexican handicrafts.

Unconventional among San Diego's neighborhoods, Uptown encompasses the unique communities of Hillcrest, North Park, and University Heights, all pedestrian-friendly. In addition to its cultural diversity, Uptown is embraced for its urban boldness, retro style, upscale eateries, and artistic flair.

One of the city's most interesting neighborhoods, Hillcrest is San Diego's center for the gay community and artists of all types. Its streets are filled with cafés, thrift shops, boutiques, and a superb collection of restaurants. North Park, named for its location north of Balboa Park, is centered at the intersection of University Avenue and 30th Street. It has a thriving business district and, despite renovations upgrading the neighborhood, care has been taken to maintain North Park's vintage atmosphere. University Heights features a compact, but attractive, center. A stroll along Park Boulevard reveals a range of coffee shops, bars, and ethnic eateries.