Time to Explore: In-Person School Trips Return to Old Town San Diego!

Get ready to ignite the spark of curiosity and adventure in your students, because the much-awaited moment is finally here! We are thrilled to announce the triumphant return of in-person school field trips and educational tours at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, starting Fall 2023. The excitement is palpable as Park staff gears up to offer your students an immersive and unforgettable experience that transcends textbooks and classroom walls.

Booking Opens September 1st – Mark Your Calendars!

Mark your calendars for September 1st for the chance to secure your spot on an enchanting journey through history. The booking website link will be conveniently accessible on the official website, offering you a seamless way to plan an enriching day of learning for your students.

For any queries or clarifications regarding our school programs, feel free to send an email to [email protected]. They’re here to support you in every step of your educational journey.

California Time Travelers Program

  • Grade Level: 4th Grade
  • Program Capacity: Up to 50 Students per program
  • Duration:2 hours
  • Days & Times: Tuesday & Wednesday, 9:30-11:30, 12-2PM   
  • Pricing: $10 per student, $8 per adult, 1 free teacher per class

Minimum of one chaperone per 10 students, max 6 chaperones per program.

In this 2-hour field trip, students time travel throughout California’s history   to explore the different cultures present in Old Town, San Diego.  Students rotate through activities of  blacksmithing, adobe brick making, donkeys and native plant tours. Large groups email [email protected] for information about large group options.

They ask that you book a minimum of 2 weeks in advance to ensure staffing of your programs. In situations in which you cannot meet this requirement, please reach out to [email protected] to see if it is possible to accommodate your request.  

Educational Tour: “Explore the Past”

  • Grade Level: K-12
  • Program Capacity: Up to 20 participants per program (students & adults)
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Days & Times: Thursdays & Fridays; time varies
  • Pricing: $100 per 20 participants (students & adults)

Explore the history of San Diego with your students in this guided tour of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Depending on date & availability, we can run multiple tours simultaneously for large groups.

They ask that you book a minimum of 2 weeks in advance to ensure staffing of your programs. In situations in which you cannot meet this requirement, please reach out to [email protected] to see if it is possible to accommodate your request. 

Self-Guided School Visit

Want to visit the park and explore at your own pace? Then register for the self guided experience! Come anytime during park hours, 10AM-5PM, and explore the history of Old Town with your students. NO guided aspect, docent, or reserved parking for school buses is included in this registration. Parking is limited to 4 hours. The museums that are open vary by day and are subject to last minute change. Check out the State Historic Park What to Know Before You Go page to see the normal museum hours of operation: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24609 

Coming Soon Spring 2024: Self Guided Historical Backpack Program

  • Grade Level: K-12
  • Program Capacity: 15 students per backpack
  • Duration: At your own pace
  • Days & Times: Monday-Friday. Check out backpack as early as 10a.m & return no later than 3p.m.
  • Pricing: $20 deposit for each backpack (cash preferred); deposit given back to teacher when backpack is returned to park.

Enhance your self-guided experience with the Historical Backpack Program! Each backpack has supplies for 3 guided activities for you to do in the park exploring California’s history and culture.  Backpacks have the supplies for a group of 15 students. Reserve more than one backpack for larger groups. Teacher guide included.

Hours – Daily, 10am-5pm

Phone – (619) 220-5422

Address – 4098 Mason St, San Diego, CA 92110

Website www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31324