How stupid are we? We work in the California travel industry, yet underestimate just how well tourism is doing. Among our blunders in recent times have been:

• 1. Going to the Los Angeles County Fair on opening day when it’s free–couldn’t get in the parking lot and finally gave up
• 2. Trying to find parking during Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific festivals–double whammy when there are several events going on
• 3. Arriving at San Diego’s Old Town on a Saturday or Sunday around 11 a.m.

This past weekend we took a two hour drive south on the I-5 Freeway to San Diego, arriving at Old Town around lunch time. Anticipating a delicious Mexican meal with crispy chips, hot salsa, and plenty of live mariachi music, after 20 minutes of circling back and forth, following dozens of cars around parking lots, getting stuck in traffic jams and finding absolutely no place to park, we left.

OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO STATE HISTORIC PARK is a tourist favorite. The #1 most visited state park features dozens of free admission museums, great Mexican restaurants, and shops selling items you can’t find elsewhere. It’s a gem among the State Parks system and you definitely should see this free admission destination. However, parking is a bear–go early on weekends, like 9 a.m. instead of 11. If you can visit on weekdays, better yet!