Overview
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park recreates life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872. Five original adobes are part of the park, which includes shops, restaurants, and a museum. The park is located on San Diego Avenue at Twiggs Street. The main park phone number is 619-220-5422.
The park encompasses seven city blocks and all streets are closed to private vehicles. Due to its historic nature, some people with mobility disabilities may have difficulty navigating roads and pathways throughout the park. To assist visitors, guide maps showing generally accessible routes of travel will soon be provided at all orientation panels located throughout the park and at the Robinson Rose Visitor Information Center. This Accessible Guide to Old Town San Diego is also available by clicking here.
Exhibits/Programs
There are several historic structures in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Some entries have uneven brick walkways, stairs, narrow doors, and high thresholds that may require assistance. Work to improve these conditions is underway and vendors or park staff is available to provide assistance. For the most up-to-date information on access improvements check the parks’ “New in Old Town” project updates webpage.
Commercial Buildings. The ground floors of many of the shops and restaurants are accessible to wheelchair users, but aisles may be narrow and merchandise unreachable for some. Staff is available to lend assistance when requested. The Old Town Theatre and the recently restored Cosmopolitan Hotel are fully accessible.
Exhibits and Visitor Centers. The Robinson Rose House Visitor Information Center is generally accessible, including the store. The McCoy House Interpretive Center, located on the west end of Garden Street, is fully accessible. Other generally accessible facilities include the Seeley Stable Museum, La Casa de Estudillo and its garden, the Courthouse Jail exhibit, and La Casa de Machado y Silvas.
Other Information
Restrooms. A fully accessible restroom is located on Calhoun Street across from the Seeley Stables. Other restrooms throughout the park are useable with the exception of those at the Fiesta de Reyes which are not accessible to people who use wheelchairs. See the Accessible Guide to Old Town San Diego for the locations of the most useable restrooms.
Parking. Seven parking lots serve Old Town. All lots have designated accessible parking, although in Lot C excessive cross slopes in the accessible parking spaces may present barriers for some users.
Definitions & Terms
Accessible
Meets all or most of the current accessibility standards; most visitors with disabilities will not need assistance.
Generally accessible
Meets many current codes and has few barriers, but some visitors with disabilities may need assistance.
Usable
Meets some current codes but has some barriers; many visitors with disabilities may require assistance.
Designated accessible
Describes facilities that have been set aside and usually signed or “designated” accessible because they met accessibility codes when built. Such facilities may vary from newer suggested guidelines in specified ways, and improvements may be planned or ongoing. Minor variations from guidelines are not usually described. This term is often used for parking spaces that are reserved for visitors with disabilities even though there may be minor issues with slope, signage, or size.
