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La Casa de Estudillo: A Window into Old San Diego

Explore La Casa de Estudillo in Old Town San Diego: a captivating journey into California's Spanish-Mexican heritage and a glimpse into early settlement life.

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Step back in time at La Casa de Estudillo, a meticulously preserved adobe home in Old Town San Diego. Built in 1827, this National Historic Landmark offers a glimpse into California's Spanish-Mexican past and the life of a prominent early San Diego family.

A brief summary to La Casa de Estudillo

  • 4000 Mason St, San Diego, Old Town, California, 92110, US
  • +1619-220-5422
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful exploration of the house and grounds.
  • Take a self-guided tour to explore the rooms at your own pace and discover the stories behind each space.
  • Check out the courtyard garden for a tranquil escape and a glimpse into the domestic life of the Estudillo family.
  • Combine your visit with other attractions in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park for a comprehensive historical experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    La Casa de Estudillo is located within Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. From most points within the park, it's a short walk to the house at 4000 Mason St. Look for signs directing you towards the main plaza; the Casa is located on the north side of the plaza. Admission to both the park and the Casa is free.

  • Public Transport

    Old Town San Diego is easily accessible via public transportation. The Old Town Transit Center, a hub for buses, trolleys, and the Coaster train, is a short walk from the park entrance. From the Transit Center, walk south towards the main entrance of Old Town State Historic Park. Follow signs towards the central plaza, where you'll find La Casa de Estudillo. A one-way fare on the San Diego Trolley or a local bus costs $2.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    If arriving by taxi or ride-sharing service, request a drop-off at the entrance to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park on San Diego Avenue. From there, it is a short walk to La Casa de Estudillo. Expect to pay around $10-15 for a ride from downtown San Diego to Old Town.

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Discover more about La Casa de Estudillo

La Casa de Estudillo, nestled in the heart of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, stands as a remarkable testament to California's rich history. Constructed between 1827 and 1829 by José María Estudillo and his son, José Antonio, this adobe house offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of early settlers during the Mexican period. As one of the oldest surviving examples of Spanish architecture in California, La Casa de Estudillo has served as a residence, town hall, chapel, and even a tourist attraction. The U-shaped, one-story structure originally comprised thirteen rooms connected by an external veranda, surrounding a large patio. The thick adobe walls, coated in white plaster, provided insulation from the elements. A distinctive cupola once graced the rooftop, offering views of the plaza below. The house became a social hub, hosting gatherings, religious services, and community events. La Casa de Estudillo's fame grew with its association with Helen Hunt Jackson's 1884 novel, *Ramona*, a romanticized depiction of Mexican California. Although the novel was fictional and Jackson never visited the house, tourists flocked to Old Town, believing it to be the setting of Ramona's marriage. This association led to the house being marketed as "Ramona's Marriage Place". In 1906, the San Diego Electric Railway Company purchased the dilapidated building and restored it under the supervision of architect Hazel Wood Waterman. Today, La Casa de Estudillo is a house museum, furnished to reflect the Estudillo family's life in the early 1800s. Visitors can explore the living room, bedrooms, kitchen, chapel, and courtyard, experiencing the atmosphere of a bygone era.

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