Holiday Inn Express Old Town - San Diego California Hotels

Enjoy old-world charm and modern comfort at the Holiday Inn Express Old Town San Diego. Whether you're there for work or pleasure, this convenient Old Town San Diego hotel offers spacious accommodations in a landmark location, brimming with timeless charm. Once you've settled in and unpacked, explore the historic landmarks, specialty shops, and restaurants that surround this popular San Diego Old Town hotel. Stroll among the swaying palms and striking architecture of nearby Balboa Park - best known as the home of the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Play with a bottlenose dolphin or dine with Shamu at Sea World. This comfortable lodging destination provides access to numerous attractions from an exceptional setting. The hotel is nestled in the heart of Old Town San Diego, California, just four blocks to the San Diego Trolley, for easy transit and four-and-a-half miles from San Diego Airport (SAN), only five miles from downtown and the Gas lamp Quarter and 10 minutes from Mission Beach and Belmont Park.

Holiday Inn Express Old Town Property Information:

Rooms: 125
Floors: 3

Holiday Inn Express Old Town Service

Free breakfast
Economy
Shuttle
Car rental desk
Family rooms
Meals
Free local calls
Data port
Nonsmoking
Meeting room
Business center
Wheel chair access
Swimming pool
Golf

Holiday Inn Express Old Town Reservation Policies:

Check-In: 1600
Check-Out: 1200

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San Diego Events & Entertainment

Events

January

Annual Penguin Day Ski Fest

Held in early January

Location: De Anza Cove in Mission Bay

858-270-0840

Hours: 9am - noon

Brave the cold water at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay and water-ski without a wetsuit to earn a Penguin Patch.

Mainly Mozart Spotlight

Location: Neuro Science Institute La Jolla

Held January – April

619-239-0100

The annual spotlight concert series highlights chamber music.

San Diego New Year's Day Race

Held on New Year’s Day

Location: Shelter Island Yacht Club

619-221-8400

Traditional regatta with all classes and multi-hull boats.

February

Mainly Mozart Spotlight Series

Held thru April

Location: Neuro Science Institute La Jolla

619-239-0100

The annual spotlight concert series highlights chamber music.

Whale Watching

Season is mid December – mid March

Location: Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises

619-557-5450

Annual migration of California gray whales to the warm breeding grounds off the coast of Baja California.

Buick Invitational

Held in early February

Location: Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla

800-888-BUICK

Annual PGA Tour men's golf tournament. Buick Invitational Pro-Am with local and national professionals.

Wildflowers Bloom

Takes place in February, depending on weather conditions

760-767-4684

Call for additional information

In the desert depending on rainfall in winter, the natural beauty of the Anza Borrego Desert State Park is enhanced by the almost magical appearance of desert wildflowers in the spring.

Kumba Fest

Held in early February

Location: Lyceum Theatre, Horton Plaza, downtown San Diego

619-544-1000

A black history month celebration of African-American arts, creativity and cultural heritage. Co-produced with the San Diego Repertory Theatre's African-American Council. Showcases African American art and cultural heritage, with a variety of drama, song and poetry.

San Diego Brazil Carnival

Held in February

Location: Downtown San Diego

619-224-4684

The annual Gala Event will be held at a downtown location. The Brazilian 'Mardi Gras' Ball features a samba show, Mardi Gras Beads, Cappeira (exhibit of dance with martial arts), carnival bands, parades and a costume contest with the first prize winner receiving a trip to Brazil.

San Diego International Auto Show

Held in mid February

Location: San Diego Convention Center

619-525-5000

Features foreign and domestic cars, futuristic concept cars, never-before seen models and many others.

World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship
Held in late February

Location: La Costa Resort

800-918-GOLF

The Accenture Match Play Championship returns to the La Costa Resort and Spa. The prestigious event features the world's top 64 players from the Official World Golf ranking in dramatic head-to-head, single elimination match play competition. Mon and Tues: practice rounds, Wed-Sat am: competition rounds, Sat pm: Semifinal Match and Sun: Championship

March

Annual America's Schooner Cup Charity Regatta

Held most of March and April

Location: San Diego Harbor

619-223-3138

Schooners compete in San Diego Harbor.

San Diego International Film Festival

Held most of March

Location: Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD, La Jolla and Hazard Center

858-459-8707

Premieres of feature films from around the world. Also includes "Celebrating Animating" and the "The Short Night" featuring short subject films.

April

Butterflies & Orchids

Held early – mid April

Location: San Diego Wild Animal Park's Hidden Jungle exhibit

619-234-6541

Thousands of butterflies from around the world swarm the San Diego Wild Animal Park's Hidden Jungle exhibit. The Crevasse, adjacent to Hidden Jungle, features stick insects, leaf bugs and leaf cutters ants. More than 300 orchids are displayed during this two week spring fling and the horticulture staff gives daily presentations on orchid care and cultivation during park hours.

Annual Jewish Film Festival

Held the first two weeks of April

Location: AMC Theaters at La Jolla and Hazard Center

858-457-3161

Annual presentation of American and International features, documentaries and short subjects that explore the Jewish experience.

Annual Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair/Parade

Held in late April

Location: San Diego

858-560-0871

Call for exact location and further information

Parade route travels from Levant to Comstock on Linda Vista Road. Fair is located at Linda Vista Road, between Comstock and Ulrich Streets, and features ethnic food and entertainment.

Annual San Diego Adams Avenue Roots Festival

Held in late April

Location: San Diego

619-282-7329

Free vintage blues, folk, jazz, country and international music on 6 stages.

Annual Union-Tribune San Diego A La Carte Festival

Held in late April

Location: Presidents Way & Park Blvd, Balboa Park

619-338-1726

Food from San Diego's best restaurants, unique micro beers, live music, entertainment, special activities for kids and celebrity chef demonstrations.

Art Walk

Held in late April

Location: Little Italy, downtown San Diego

619-615-1090

The two day festival showcases visual and performing artists in their work environment and in stage areas.

May

Buds 'n Blooms

Held all of May

Location: Balboa Park

619-235-1100

The magnificent horticulture of Balboa Park is the centerpiece for this annual spring celebration. Features floral-themed activities, museum exhibits, tours, performances and free outdoor family activities.

June

Score Baja 500

Usually held in early May

Location: Ensenada

818-225-8402

Admission Free

Annual off-road car, motorcycle, truck loop race in Baja California, Mexico. Starts and ends in Ensenada.

Annual Fiesta Del Sol

Held in June

Location: Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach

858-755-4775

Celebrate the beginning of summer with music, entertainment, children's games, arts and crafts.

Del Mar Fair

Usually held in mid June

Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds

858-755-1161

San Diego's annual county fair.

Annual Mainly Mozart Festival

Usually held in June

Locations: San Diego Baja California, Mexico

619-239-0100

An all-star orchestra performs the works of Mozart and other baroque, classical and romantic composers.

Annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival

Usually held in mid - late June

Location: Lake Skinner

909-676-6713

This festival features food, entertainment, wine-tasting, exhibits, kids fair and balloon launches. The balloons are launched at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Lake Skinner, weather permitting.

Old Town State Park Fourth of July Celebration

Held on the fourth of July

Location: Old Town State Park Plaza

619-220-5422

Free old fashioned 4th of July celebration with flag raising event, pony rides, hay rides, stage entertainment and family games.

San Diego Balloon Association Hot Air Balloon Classic

Held on the fourth of July

Location: Del Mar Racetrack Grandstand

858-481-6800

Balloon Race begins at 6 p.m. Viewing is included in Del Mar Fair admission.

Annual San Diego Lesbian and Gay Parade, Rally and Festival
Held in late July

Location: Balboa Park

619-297-7683

Annual San Diego Lesbian and Gay Parade, Rally and Festival include a rally, parade, 5k run, and a 1.5 mile walk.

Annual US Open Sandcastle Competition
Usually held in mid July

Location: Imperial Beach Pier

619-424-6663

Saturday events include parade at 10am and children's sandcastle contest at 2pm with a fireworks display at dusk. Sandcastle competition is Sunday starting at 7:30am-12:30pm, with awards following the contest.

Annual World Championship Over-The-Line Tournament
Held in mid July

Location: Fiesta Island, Mission Bay

Over-the-line softball is played on a small field and is unique to San Diego. There is free viewing of San Diego's original beach softball event at Fiesta Island, Mission Bay.

California State Summer Games

Held in mid July

Location: Vary throughout San Diego County including Qualcomm Stadium, Balboa Stadium and University of San Diego

619-682-3436
California State Games create an Olympic style competition for amateur athletes of all age ranges and abilities to challenge themselves and excel their individual past performances. The athletes, from youth to adult will participate in twenty different sports ranging from archery to track & field.

August

Acura Classic

Held in early August

Location: La Costa Resort and Spa, Carlsbad
A WTA Tour event featuring world famous tennis.

Annual World Body Surfing Championships
Held the entire month of August

Location: Oceanside Pier and Beach

International and U.S. bodysurfers, equipped with swim fins, ride and perform on ocean waves. Open to all ages 12 and up.

November

San Diego Historical Society Holiday Home Tours

Held November – early January

Location: Varies

619-232-6203

View the period style decorations that adorn the ornate, historic Villa Montezuma & the historic Marston House. Tours are given Thursday through Sunday.

December

San Diego Historical Society Holiday Home Tours

Held November – early January

Location: Varies

619-232-6203

View the period style decorations that adorn the ornate, historic Villa Montezuma & the historic Marston House. Tours are given Thursday through Sunday.

Whale Watching

Usually the entire month

Location: Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises

619-557-5450

Annual migration of California gray whales to the warm breeding grounds off the coast of Baja California. Glimpse these peaceful "giants of the sea" from Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises.

Arts and Entertainment:

San Diego Opera
Civic Center Plaza
1200 Third Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

619-232-7636

Call for schedule of performances

San Diego Opera, ranked by Opera America as one of the top 10 opera companies in the United States, is a widely respected member of the international opera community and an invaluable cultural resource to the San Diego community.

San Diego Ballet

5304 Metro Street, Suite B
San Diego, CA 92110

619-294-7378

Call for performance schedule

Each year since 1996, the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture has awarded the San Diego Ballet an arts-organization rating of "excellent". San Diego Ballet continues to enjoy growth and critical acclaim with original pieces.

San Diego Symphony

1245 Seventh Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-235-0800

Call for schedule of performances

The San Diego Symphony has become one of the leading orchestras in the United States. It is committed to providing musical experiences of superior quality for the greater San Diego community and beyond. Through a rich mixture of innovative and educational programming designed to appeal to all ages and cultures, the Symphony makes music an integral part of the cultural and intellectual fabric of the San Diego Region. The Symphony offers wide range of concert experiences and performs over 100 concerts each season.

Broadway/San Diego
401 B St.

San Diego, CA 92101
619-231-8995

Touring Broadway musicals.

La Jolla Playhouse
2910 La Jolla Village Dr
La Jolla, CA 92093
858-550-1070
This Tony Award-winning San Diego theater presents musicals, comedies, world premieres and classics. Located on UCSD campus, La Jolla.

San Diego Civic Theatre
1100 Third Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-615-4000
Premiere venue for productions, presentations of San Diego Opera, California Ballet, La Jolla Music Society and Broadway/San Diego.

San Diego Junior Theatre
Casa del Prado, Balboa Park
1650 El Prado, Suite 208
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-1311
Provides engaging, innovative, high-quality theater education and productions for children of all cultural heritages, ages, abilities and levels of interest.

San Diego Repertory Theatre
79 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
619-231-3586

An established professional theater presenting a six play season. Dramas, musicals and four annual festivals.

Season run September - June.

Spreckels Theatre
121 Broadway, #600
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-8397

1,466 seat, historic theater, reminiscent of a London opera house, in the heart of Downtown San Diego.

Starlight Theatre, San Diego Civic Light Opera
1549 el Prado Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101
619-544-7827

An established professional musical theater company producing large-scale Broadway- quality musicals at Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park under the stars.

The Old Globe
1363 Old Globe Way
San Diego, CA 92101-1696
619-23-GLOBE
This Tony Award(r)-winning Theatre produces 15 works annually, from Shakespeare to Stoppard to Sondheim, at a 3-venue complex in Balboa Park.

Theatre in Old Town
4040 Twiggs St.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-688-2494
Operated by Miracle Theatre Productions, intimate theater in the heart of Old Town that offers innovative and award-winning productions year-round.

Triple Espresso...a highly caffeinated comedy
444 Fourth Ave. Horton Grand Theatre
San Diego, A 92101
619-234-9583
Every Wednesday through Sunday, this family-friendly comedy keeps audiences of all ages laughing from start to finish. Absolutely hilarious!

Sports

San Diego Padres

Professional Baseball

Games played at PETCO Park, San Diego
San Diego, CA 92112

877- 374-2784

Season runs April – October

San Diego Chargers

Professional Football (NFL)

Games played at Qualcom Stadium

4020 Murphy Canyon Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123
858-874-4500

Season runs September – January

San Diego Gulls

Ice Hockey

3500 Sports Arena Boulevard
San Diego, California 92110

619-224-GOAL

Call for schedule and additional information

Games played at the Sports Arena

San Diego Sockers
Indoor MISL soccer team

9606 Aero Drive

San Diego, CA 92123
858-836-GOAL

Call for schedule and additional information

San Diego Destination Overview

From its world-famous zoo and aquarium to its bountiful beaches, San Diego's vibrant and exciting lifestyle has plenty to offer visitors and their whole families. It's the kind of city where every day is a beach day, and where everyone is busy having as much fun as possible. A relaxed atmosphere pervades the city, probably one of the reasons that draw more than 30 million visitors a year to San Diego. Given the beautiful weather and outdoor activities abound, San Diego is probably one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in America. Families walk, skate, and bike their way to over 70 miles of beaches or any one of San Diego's numerous attractions.

San Diego's natural beauty is one of the city's greatest attractions. An officially designated 52-mile long Scenic Drive brings visitors through the city and its many neighborhoods. From the Harbor Islands through Old Town and Balboa Park all the way to La Jolla, the Scenic Drive is a great way to see all of the city's beautiful districts and neighborhoods. Balboa Park itself is the 1,200 acre home to the world-famous Zoo and museums. This park is the cultural center of the city.

The Rose Garden has more than 2,000 rosebushes, and the entire park is really one giant botanical garden full of beautiful flowers and trees. The Zoo, one of the best in the world, holds nearly 4,000 animals representing more than 800 species. The animal habitats are designed to replicate each animal's original ecosystem as closely as possible, down to the type of grass used. Birds, gorillas, tigers, bears, hippos and other animals have helped make this one of the most admired zoos in the world. In addition to the zoo, Balboa Park is home to over a dozen museums dedicated to history, science, art, cars, railroads, mankind, and of course, San Diego itself.

Visitors who want to spend as much time as possible near the glittering Pacific Ocean will love the Mission Bay area and its greatest attraction: Sea World. The Mission Bay aquatic park covers 4,600 acres, and includes 27 miles of bay shore beaches and 17 miles of ocean front beaches. Admission to the beaches is free, and swimming, sunning, and windsurfing are the preferred activities. Playgrounds and picnic spots are found throughout the park, but the best place for kids has to be Sea World. Covering over 100 bay-front acres, this park features the world famous killer whale Shamu, as well as hundreds of other water animals, like penguins, fish, and sharks.

Sea World is one of the most famous aquatic parks in the world, and kids and adults alike will love it. San Diego has it all: sunny weather, great beaches, wonderful museums, zoos, and aquariums, and history too. Old Town is the historical heart of San Diego, and a great place to finish up a visit to the city. The Spanish and Mexican heritage of the city is celebrated here, amidst the famous Presidio fortress, the historical park, and the adobe houses with Spanish tile roofs. San Diego has evolved immeasurably since those early days as a Spanish settlement on the Pacific, and that evolution has produced one of the most beautiful and happy cities in the world.