Captain Fitch’s Mercantile

I love this store and visit whenever I am in San Diego. I was hoping to go again today but my husband took ill sidelining us. This is such an interesting, thoughtful shop that’s one of a kind. I’ve bought great books on a number of topics (ghosts, pirate lore, a book on manners, clothing from the 17^th and 18^th century Europe, children’s books, etc.), a beautiful porcelain teapot set for my mom and matching plate, and other interesting curios and gifts here over the years. Will definitely go again when I’m in town.

While Old Town is not the best place to shop for anything, if you’re in the mode for a gift, Captain Fitch’s is probably your best bet. A good variety of semi-​unique items that are of good value for the dollar. It’s a fun store to browse around and the clerk (While we were there) was helpful and efficient.

Enjoyed the selection of books and children’s literacy activities available but beyond that its just a tricket store of «stuff.» They do have some unique gifts if you don’t have anything in particular in mind– so I would say give it a 1 time try for yourself!

This is not exactly the most exciting of the shops in/​near Old Town. They have lots of touristy stuff like postcards and trinkets, along with some nautically themed souvenirs, and lots of books. Your kids might like the books (most of which you can probably find for less money online) but they’d probably like some of the cheap trinkets from the surrounding stores or some candy from Cousin’s instead.

Don’t be fooled by the ROTD and believe that this is a great place.
It’s not.
Captain Fitch’s Mercantile is one of several mercantiles in Old Town. Fitch’s is nautical themed with a nice selection of model ships and pirate trinkets. Much of the sundries and other «stuff» can be found at all the other stores.
What Fitch’s really is, and what the previous caller mentioned, is that it’s a bookstore. There are many history and learning booklets to be found here. I guess this does provide tourists a good educational «treat» in lieu of a Lucha Libre Masks and Corana Beer Ponchos.
Also, if you’re a parent and don’t want your kid to grow up to be a teacher keep on walking…

Do you remember those pivotal moments that showed you what you wanted to do with the rest of your life?
I do, and on of those first memories is at Captain Fitch’s. As an eight year old on a day trip with my family down to San Diego, we stopped in the perpetual amusement of Old Town for some recreated old-​timey fun. Captain Fitch’s is an old storefront filled with old teas, pottery, language books, ghost stories, and even odder… historically accurate coloring books.
And that’s when my mom bought 8 year old me «Monarchs of England Coloring Book.» That’s right. Every ruler of England/​Great Britain since Canute in 1016 AD through Elizabeth II is there, FOR YOU TO COLOR!
Perhaps I’m the only one that thinks that’s cool. If so, that’s fine, I don’t care. I love me some Old-​School Anglophilic arts and crafts. Anyhow, that’s when I knew I was destined to become some sort of bizarre history instructor. Shrug. There are worse fates :)
Captain Fitch’s is a beautiful, old store filled with tons of charm and character. I like it quite a bit. The store employees, who often look a little displeased with the whole «having to wear pseudo-​Victorian clothing» requirement, have been nothing but helpful; one woman actually counseled me through whether or not I should study abroad in South Africa. Cheesy trinkets, historical pieces, and life coaching workers in period clothing – totally the reasons to visit Captain Fitch’s.
ANd if you’re wondering, I still have that coloring book. Don’t be jealous.