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McCoy House: A Window to San Diego's Past

Explore San Diego's vibrant history at the McCoy House, a captivating museum in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

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The McCoy House, located in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, is a reconstructed 1869 home offering a glimpse into the lives of Sheriff James McCoy and early San Diegans. Through immersive exhibits, visitors explore the region's history from the Kumeyaay people to the American settlement.

A brief summary to McCoy House

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 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 relaxed experience.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to fully immerse yourself in the area's history.
  • Check the park's event calendar for live demonstrations, performances, and special events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already within Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the McCoy House is easily accessible by foot. From the main plaza, head north on San Diego Avenue, passing the Robinson Rose Visitor Center. Continue on San Diego Avenue until you reach Wallace Street, then turn left. The McCoy House will be on your left, a short walk from the main area of the park.

  • Public Transport

    The most convenient way to reach the McCoy House is via public transport to the Old Town Transit Center. From downtown San Diego, take the San Diego Trolley Green Line or various MTS bus routes (e.g., 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 83, 88, 105) to the Old Town Transit Center. From the Transit Center, walk north along San Diego Avenue, then turn left onto Wallace Street. The McCoy House is located at 4002 Wallace Street, a short walk from the Transit Center. A one-way trolley or bus fare is around $2.50, payable via the PRONTO app or card.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    If arriving by taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft), request a drop-off at the Old Town Transit Center or near the intersection of San Diego Avenue and Wallace Street. From there, it's a short walk to the McCoy House. A ride from downtown San Diego will typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park (4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110). Free parking is available in several lots near the park, but availability can be limited, especially during peak season. Consider arriving early or using alternative transportation. Parking at the 501 W Broadway Garage costs $20-$30 per day. From the parking lots, follow signs to the park entrance and the McCoy House.

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Discover more about McCoy House

Step back in time at the McCoy House, a reconstructed wood-frame residence nestled in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Built in 1869 for James McCoy, an Irish immigrant who became a prominent figure as county assessor, city sheriff, and state senator, the house offers a captivating journey through San Diego's multifaceted history. Unlike typical house museums, the McCoy House takes a broader approach, showcasing not only the domestic life of an upper-middle-class family in 19th-century San Diego but also the diverse communities that shaped the region. The front parlor is furnished with period artifacts, representing the lifestyle of the McCoy family. The rest of the house unfolds as a series of immersive exhibits, guiding visitors through different eras of San Diego's past. Discover the Kumeyaay, the indigenous people who inhabited the region for thousands of years, and their traditional way of life. Learn about their dome-shaped houses, their skills as horticulturists and their revolt against the Spanish missionaries in 1775. Explore the Spanish period, with its missions and presidios, and the Mexican era, when San Diego became a pueblo. The McCoy House also delves into the early American period, when San Diego transitioned from a small Mexican town to a bustling American city. Explore exhibits about the arrival of the first overland coach, the establishment of a courthouse and newspaper, and the growth of transportation. A recreated Old Town grog shop offers a glimpse into the social life of the time.

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