Photo Credits: Krista

When you visit San Diego’s Old Town, it is like stepping back in time to the early 1800s. A simpler time when Californios were settling small towns, also known as pueblos, and shaping California’s future. From the historic buildings and open central plaza to the charming shops and tasty restaurants, there is something for everyone. Old Town State Historical Park in San Diego is a must-see experience for locals and visitors alike.

One of the reasons I enjoy visiting Old Town San Diego is the variety of shops and restaurants that are locally and, in many cases, family owned. Here are a few examples of these locally owned shops:

Toby’s Candle & Soap Shop – Looking for a unique gift or hands-on history keepsake? Located at 2645 San Diego Avenue in the heart of Old Town’s Plaza area, Toby’s Candle & Soap Shop offers handmade candles and soaps. You can dip your own candles, watch wax artisans at work carving candles, or create a wax dip of your hand. In addition to the candles, Toby’s offers a variety of soaps and sugar scrubs. Many of the soaps and candles are handmade on-site at the shop in Old Town. Some of the candles feature seashells – bringing one of these home is a perfect keepsake for a trip to San Diego. My favorite product line at Toby’s is the whipped sugar scrub soaps. With fun names like “So Cal Beachcomber” and “California Dreamin’” and fresh scents, these creamy, nutrient-rich, whipped sugar scrubs are gentle enough for daily use. Toby’s Candle & Soap Shop has been family owned and operated since 1981. Several generations of Toby’s family members work at Toby’s and the Old Town location has been open since 1992.

Toby’s Candle & Soap Shop | Old Town San Diego | Photo Credit: Krista

The history of the building where Toby’s is located. Photo credit: Krista

You can dip your own candles at Toby’s. Photo credit: Krista

The inside of the candle and soap shop is open and welcoming. Photo credit: Krista

One of my favorite whipped sugar scrub soaps from Toby’s. Photo credit: Krista

Another one of my favorites at Toby’s. These make great gifts! Photo credit: Krista

Toby’s Story is proudly displayed inside the shop. Photo credit: Krista

Toby’s offers several types of candles with seashells. Photo credit: Krista

Hand-Dipped Taper Candles available at Toby’s. Photo credit: Krista

Toby’s Candle & Soap Shop – Family Owned & Operated Since 1981. Photo credit: Krista

Cousin’s Candy Shop – Craving some pulled saltwater taffy, fresh fudge, or San Diego inspired sweets? Located at 2711 San Diego Avenue, Cousin’s Candy Shop may not look like much from the outside, but be sure to step inside into a candy wonderland. Cousin’s Candy Shop features saltwater taffy in several flavors, delectable handmade fudge, and a wide-assortment of candies and sweets. If you want to create a San Diego themed gift basket, Cousin’s has many San Diego and California inspired sweets and jams. You will definitely feel like a kid in a candy shop when you visit Cousin’s Candy Shop. There is more information about Cousin’s Candy in this post.

Cousin’s Candy Shop – May not look like much from the outside, but it is a candy wonderland inside! Photo credit: Krista

Inside Cousin’s Candy Shop. Photo credit: Krista

Unique San Diego inspired candies and sweets available at Cousin’s Candy. Photo credit: Krista

Jalapeno flavored treats at Cousin’s Candy. Photo credit: Krista

Many options of candies and sweets — including a wall of Jelly Belly treats. Photo credit: Krista

More San Diego inspired treats. Photo credit: Krista

Chocolates for the cowboy or cowgirl in your life. Photo credit: Krista

I didn’t realize there are huckleberries in San Diego County, but I guess there are since Cousin’s Candy features wild huckleberry jams and honey. Photo credit: Krista

One of the popular sweets at Cousin’s Candy is saltwater taffy. Photo credit: Krista

Photo credit: Krista

Old Town Jerky & Root Beer – Thirsting for a classic root beer float or wanting to chomp on some jerky? Located at 2754 Calhoun Street inside Fiesta de Reyes is Old Town Jerky & Root Beer. This locally owned shop offers buy one, get one free root beer floats every day, along with a wide-selection of jerky. I am not a big fan of jerky, but I have enjoyed a refreshing root beer float from Old Town Jerky & Root Beer while sitting on the patio and enjoying the view overlooking Old Town’s Plaza.

Old Town Jerky & Root Beer has entrances from the Old Town Plaza and from inside Fiesta de Reyes. Photo credit: Krista

Jerky and Root Beer anyone? Photo credit: Krista

Bottle cap art at Old Town Jerky & Root Beer. Photo credit: Krista

Wide assortment of jerky at Old Town Jerky & Root Beer. Photo credit: Krista

This is the entrance to Old Town Jerky & Root Beer from the Old Town Plaza. There is a small patio with tables and chairs where you can enjoy a root beer float or other snack purchased inside. Photo credit: Krista

Temecula Olive Oil Company – Desiring to bring home some locally grown olive oil? Located at 2754 Calhoun Street, also inside Fiesta de Reyes, is the Temecula Olive Oil Company. This location in Old Town is one of four tasting rooms for the Temecula Olive Oil Company. In addition to the tasting room, you can buy extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, artisan foods, and bath & body products at this shop. Items for the home and gift baskets are also available. When you purchase your olive oil from Temecula Olive Oil Company, you are buying from the growers. The friendly staff is very knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions about olive oil. If you aren’t able to visit one of the tasting rooms, be sure to visit the Temecula Olive Oil Co. website to shop online.

The Temecula Olive Oil Co. Tasting Room and Shop is located to the left of the entrance to Fiesta de Reyes from the Old Town Plaza area. Photo credit: Krista

I love the vaulted ceilings and décor of this Temecula Olive Oil Shop. Photo credit: Krista

Whether for yourself or for a gift, Temecula Olive Oil Company has many items to choose from. Photo credit: Krista

Soaps and other home care items featured at Temecula Olive Oil Company. Photo credit: Krista

Olive Oil Tasting offered daily. Photo credit: Krista

Temecula Olive Oil Company – where they are the growers. Photo credit: Krista

Foods made with olives and olive oil. Photo credit: Krista

The Tasting Room and Temecula Olive Oil Shop are spacious with lots to see. Photo credit: Krista

Temecula Olive Oil Company. Photo credit: Krista

The Tasting Room and Shop in Old Town is one of four locations in southern California. Photo credit: Krista

Of course, there are many more examples of locally and family owned stores and restaurants located at Old Town San Diego. The ones I have featured here are some of my favorites and I highly recommend them for your next visit to Old Town. Most of the shops in Old Town are open daily, generally from 10:00 a.m. and into the evening, with closing times between 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Have you visited any of these shops for yourself? If so, what did you think?

What are some of your favorite locally owned shops at Old Town San Diego?

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”