This park has an excellent history museum in the Robinson-Rose House at the southern end of the plaza. You’ll also find a diorama depicting the original pueblo and the park’s visitors center , where you can pick up a copy of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Tour Guide & Brief History ($3), or take a guided tour (free) at 11am and 2pm daily.
Across from the visitors center, the restored Casa de Estudillo is filled with authentic period furniture. Other buildings around the plaza include a blacksmith shop, print shop and a candle-dipping shop (hours vary).
Fiesta de Reyes , just off the plaza’s northwestern corner, is a colorful collection of import shops and restaurants – great for Mexican souvenirs without the trip to Tijuana. Along San Diego Ave, on the southern side of the plaza, small, historical-looking buildings (only one is authentic) house more souvenir and gift shops.
