Old Town San Diego State Historical Park Shopping Tips by lmkluque

Bazaar del Mundo Shops/Fiesta de Reyes: They Have Relocated! Bazaar del Mundo Review

There are things from all over the world to buy here, of course you do know that "del mundo" means "of the world."

The court yard in Bazaar del Mundo is surrounded by at least sixteen shops selling, from exotic lands, items such as clothes, books, children's toys, cooking ware, chimes, garden accessories and here you'll find several good restaurants.

Unlike most of the shops and museums in the Park, closing at five, Bazaar del Mundo shops stay open until nine.

Update:

Bazaar del Mundo will no longer be located in Old Town San Diego State Historical Park. New plans are being made for this section of OTSDSHP and I'll add the information as these plans progress.

However, there are new plans for Bazaar del Mundo as well and the first phase will see these shops relocated to Taylor and Juan Streets-- just outside the park, but still in Old Town San Diego--behind Casa de Guadalajara restaurant.

Update:

Fiesta de Reyes also offers a variety of shops selling all kinds of things from kitchen gadgets, breads, olive oils, wines, silver, arts & crafts and all sorts of gifts.

What to buy: The merchandise sold in these shops are more than souvenir trinkets, they are unique items that aren't found in department stores. This makes them usually worth the price.

Address: Taylor & Juan Streets

Other Contact: http://www.bazaardelmundo.com/

Theme: Gifts

Website: http://www.fiestadereyes.com/

Miner's Gems & Minerals: Gems, Rocks and Fossils!

Miner's Gems and Minerals is housed in the historic home of Don Miguel de Pedrorena (Junior) built in 1869.

Now it is home to the Miner's Gems & Minerals shop. I am not particularly interested in rocks and such but know that many people are so I suggest a stop in this historic building. They offer samples from all over the world but also things that are native to San Diego as well.

I never heard of the Himalaya Mine here in San Diego, let alone did I know that it is the world's most famous tourmalline! I guess there is pink and green toumaline, colors I like. Nor did I know that here in San Diego we have black jade until I went to this place.

What to buy: The prices here might be a bit high for the avid collector who attends shows of this sort, but not too bad for the average person, casually interested.

Two of the things that I'd especially mention about this shop are Geode Cracking and the Mineral--including gold?--panning. The price for these activities isn't too high and it's not only educational and fun, it also can result in finding a beautiful specimen!

Address: 2616 San Diego Avenue

Phone: (619) 688-1178

Theme: Jewelry

Website: http://www.minersgemsandminerals.com/

The San Diego House: Coffee & Tea

Mr. Light and Mr. Freeman were freed slaves who bought this building, in 1846, from a Captain Fitch who had owned it from 1841 to 1846.

In 1974, Mr. Light's freedom papers were found under an old window sill by construction workers and copies are on display at the San Diego House for you to see. In 1985 the San Diego House was reconstructed. Today’s owners, Leroy Brown and his sons are friendly, informative and accommodating. They will offer to brew samples to help you make a decision!

The San Diego House is a great place to stop and buy coffees & teas.

What to buy: Coffee & Tea in bulk. Imported gourmet coffees, flavored coffees, special roasts, a variety of imported teas and their newest, red teas from South Africa, they also sell grinders and accessories.

Address: 2767 San Diego Avenue

Phone: (619) 683-2416

Theme: Food and Drink