Is Old Town a good place to stay in San Diego?

Old Town is a good base for families and anyone who wants good value close to the airport. The Old Town Transit Center has the Blue and Green trolley lines, Coaster and Amtrak trains, so downtown and UC San Diego are easy without a car, and SeaWorld and Mission Bay are a short drive west.

The area is where San Diego began. The State Historic Park preserves adobe homes, an old schoolhouse, museums and shops from the Mexican and early American years, and it's free to wander. San Diego Avenue is lined with Mexican restaurants, many with margaritas and mariachi, and Presidio Park rises on the hill behind.

The downside is that it's quiet in the evenings and a little touristy along the main street. Downtown and the beaches are a ride away, and many of the larger hotels are along the freeway rather than in the historic streets.

What makes Old Town worth considering is how easy it is. Hotels are often cheaper than downtown, there's history and good Mexican food on the doorstep, and the transit centre makes getting around simple. For a relaxed family trip, it's a very practical choice.