The image shows a well-maintained hotel entrance with palm trees, modern architecture, outdoor art installations, and a vibrant sunset mural.

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A San Diego Icon since 1953

Originally built in 1953 as a meager 40-room roadside lodge, Town and Country helped set the stage for the evolution of Mission Valley. It was the first hotel in Hotel Circle and the first convention center in San Diego. Throughout its history, the resort has played a significant role hosting thousands of important civic events, as well as mayors, heads of state, presidential candidates, cabinet members and industry leaders.

An aerial view of a developing area with partially constructed buildings, roads, and patches of undeveloped land.

1850S-1940S PRE-DEVELOPMENT

San Diego’s Mission Valley was once a thriving agricultural region, home to pastures, ranches and dairy farms.

Black and white photo of a vintage car parked in front of the Town and Country Hotel, with a person standing nearby and palm trees around.

1953

San Diego businessman Charlie Brown founded Atlas Hotels and opened Town and Country, Mission Valley’s first hotel. The resort was aptly named for a “town” in the middle of the “country.”

An outdoor scene with people playing table tennis, lounging under umbrellas, and swimming, near a building labeled "The Gourmet Room."

1968

Town and Country expanded to 278 rooms and added a coffee shop and pool.

The image depicts a luxurious and spacious indoor setting with people gathered, ornate chandeliers, and vibrant red carpeting.

1969

The Brown family added a multi-million dollar, 68,000-square-foot convention center – the first in San Diego – to draw gatherings and meetings to the region. To give groups more lodging options, they also built the 10-story, 325-room main resort tower.

This image is a vintage fight poster promoting a training camp and headquarters at Le Baron Hotel, featuring boxers in training, including Hedgemon Lewis.

1973

Muhammad Ali trained for his 1973 fight with Ken Norton at Town and Country. He signed autographs and posed for pictures for three hours before the big fight.

A black-and-white photo sequence shows a man in an outdoor field practicing a swinging/batting motion toward a ball.

1973

Muhammad Ali teed it up at neighboring Stardust Country Club, now Riverwalk Golf Club, during his visits to Town and Country. While his swing wasn't as legendary as his left hook, seeing "The Greatest" on the course was a memorable chapter in the resort's history.

A man with a thick hairstyle and beard smiles while sitting in front of a microphone and vintage audio equipment, with a clock in the background.

1976

Town and Country acquired the neighboring Le Baron Hotel, home of the popular 9th floor penthouse Jabberwocky Night Club which regularly hosted a slew of celebrities. In fact, Wolfman Jack would sometimes guest DJ to a full house. Today, the tower is topped by the fitness center.

Blurry TV news scene of a crowd at an arena, with a person in a blue-and-orange top in view.

1977

Crystal T's Emporium was Town and Country's iconic disco-era restaurant and nightclub. Opening in 1977, it dazzled guests with sparkling décor, live entertainment, and a lively dance floor, capturing the playful spirit that made the resort a San Diego favorite. Watch news clip here.

A “Town & Country Hotel” sign reads: “OMG, we are finally renovating,” with palm trees and a blue sky behind it.

1997

Town and Country’s marquee along Fashion Valley Road became a roadside comedy show in 1997 with lines like, “Welcome to the archery conference, free ear piercing.” The playful messages captured the resort’s cheeky spirit and even caught the New York Times California edition's attention. Today, the tradition lives on with a new sign in the lobby, still spreading smiles.

2021

Town and Country Resort completed a transformative renovation in 2021, introducing redesigned guestrooms, a 10,000-square-foot pool deck with a four-story waterslide, new restaurants and lounges, expanded outdoor event space, and a reimagined lobby. The resort's refreshed mid-century modern design pays tribute to its nearly 70-year history with original artwork by local San Diego artists.