Plaza del Pasado

The Plaza del Pasado area in San Diego is filled with shops and restaurants and is located in the Old Town State Historic Park in the city. Visiting the area is like stepping back in time and experiencing a 19th century atmosphere. The area is located about a block from the Old Town trolley station. Visitors can browse the area and get a feel for what life was like in southern California during the Mexican and Early American period of the state. The buildings are a combination of Mexican pueblos and American settlement style architecture. The plaza area is still a gathering place for tourists, locals and members of the community. There are frequently community events held in the area. Five of the buildings are original adobes and house retail shops, museums and numerous restaurants. There are often kid's activities hosted in the area that are educational and cultural. The Visitor Center and area museums are open daily and offer free admission. There are also horse-drawn carriage rides that take visitors throughout the community. When there are no specific children's activities planned, the area may get a little boring for younger children, but adolescents and adults will find plenty to see and do in the area. It is a great place to grab an authentic Mexican meal and enjoy some shopping.