Five original adobes are part of the complex, which includes shops, restaurants and a museum. Other historic buildings include a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, San Diego's first newspaper office, and a stable with a carriage collection. Plaza del Pasado, a four-acre plaza that sits inside the park features shops, an activity center for students and school groups, and local artisans demonstrating their craft.
The Historic Park and surrounding area are a popular tourist destination, known especially for its authentic Mexican restaurants. The park itself hosts four eating establishments: The Cosmopolitan Restaurant, which is currently closed for renovations, The Jolly Boy Restaurant and Saloon, Casa de Reyes, and El Fandango.
Transportation
The Old Town Transit Center serves the area with trolley, bus, Coaster, and occasional Amtrak service.
In the Spring of 2005, the Department of Parks and Recreation along with Plaza del Pasado transformed the park, its cultural center and marketplace to connect its visitors with a better understanding and appreciation of life and commerce in San Diego as it was from 1821 to 1872. Strolling storytellers in period costume, live music, shopping and restaurants inspired by 19th century San Diego life make the history of San Diego's oldest non-native neighborhood accessible and real to both tourists and locals who visit the park. The park also offers educational programs and an activity center to inspire children of San Diego to learn about the region's early history.
