Taste the Flavors of California’s First Town
- The Birthplace of California
- Learn about the early Spanish missionaries
- Get your Fiesta on!
- Mexican tastes at 4 local restaurants
- Haunted tales, mariachi music, lots of food, and fun!
$45 per person – 2.5 hours
The first visitors to San Diego were Spanish explorers in 1542, but settlement did not start until much later in 1769 when Spain realized that their claimed land was being threatened by Russian hunters arriving from the north end of the continent. The brave Spanish missionaries and military men came by land and sea to stand strong for their beloved flag, culture and religion. Learn about their story, and the beginning of the nation’s 9th largest city.
Travel into a world of new opportunity, colorful customs, and ruthless pride as you walk the streets of San Diego’s Old Town; a neighborhood known as the very first town of California, and represents the life between the years of 1820-1870′s. Check out the original buildings that were built of some of the only natural resources the land has to offer, and learn how and why the natives thrived in their dry and warm environment.
Bull fights, horse races, pistol shooting matches, dances, and political events were carried out in the town plaza during the Mexican period and then later during American/Gold Rush period. Learn about the difference between the two, and the marriage between the cultures.
As one of the nation’s most haunted neighborhoods, the ghost stories of the Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones tour will have you looking over your shoulder for spirits that linger in the town. Visit the oldest cemetery in San Diego, and meet some of the notorious people who still haunt the streets of the eery neighborhood at night. Walk by America’s most haunted house: the Whaley House, and end up at the most luxurious and historic hotel in Old Town.
Food Tasting!!
Old Town is known for its authentic Mexican food, and has about 25 restaurants in the neighborhood. The Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones will have you tasting our favorite dishes AND samples of popular cocktails in the area (not all of the samples are tequila).
Participating Restaurants:
El Fandango: Look out onto the Plaza de las Armas on the patio of this Old Town favorite. Taste home-made Mexican treats and sample one of their specialty cocktails.
Old Town Mining Company: Known to be one of San Diego’s best casual steak houses, you will taste delicious BBQ beef sliders and locally brewed Karl Strauss Red Trolley Ale.
The Cosmopolitan Hotel: A beautifully renovated historic hotel, formally known as Casa de Bandini. We end the tour here with one-of-a-kind churros with Ibarra chocolate dipping sauce and a surprise cocktail.
Cafe Coyote: For over 20 years Cafe Coyote has been heralded as one of San Diego’s Landmark restaurants. Enjoy traditional Mexican food and the festive atmosphere of a restaurant that has been voted Best Mexican restaurant for six years running!
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When: Wednesday – Friday @ 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Price: $45 per person
How Long: 2.5 hours
Walking Path: The tour covers about 1-1/4 miles of flat terrain.
What to wear: Comfortable clothing and shoes. Check weather.
Who: All ages are welcome, but we suggest that guests are 21 years of age, or older.
What: This is a historic tour with food and drink samples. Drinks are served “sample-sized”, and are not served at each stop. The cumulative food tastes should be enough for a full meal. Restaurants are subject to change without notice.
Where to meet:
