BRIANNA CRUZ
PRIDE STAFF WRITER

Now that the school year has started, students need to have places to go to forget about school and without worrying about spending a lot of money. Old Town San Diego is a great place for groups of friends to go any day of the week and enjoy different things that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.

Old Town San Diego has 24 full-service restaurants (some award winning) to choose from, a few choices are Rockin’ Baja Costal Cantina, home of the “Big” bucket for two; Pizza Bella featuring gourmet pizza with secret recipe homemade bread; Old Town Mexican Café, a Mexican landmark featuring a famous bar; Berta’s featuring popular South American recipes; and Harney Sushi featuring traditional style sushi.

Old Town San Diego has more than 100 shops to choose from, three historic parks and more than 30 historic sites, such as El Campo Cemetery, Seeley Stables, Mason Street School, Casa de Pedrorena, Alvarado House and a Blacksmith Shop.

Also, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., enjoy San Diego’s artisan market where you can browse through goods such as jewelry, photography, pottery, clothing, paintings, hand painted glass, glass blowing, woodworking and handmade works from local artists. There is also live music every weekend. The best part is that it’s free.

For more information about bus routes and upcoming events, visit Old Town San Diego’s website at www.oldtownsandiego.org. For more information about Saturday’s artisan market, visit www.oldtownsaturdaymarket.com.