From Highway 8, take Taylor Street exit. It only looks that way. The freeways came much later. Old Town isn't just for tourists, although locals will tell you they avoid it. Do avoid Old Town on weekends, however, and especially summer weekends.
Parking is much easier and crowds are thinner on the off-season.
The restored and relocated Victorian buildings just above Old Town, known as Heritage Park . California's first synagogue is among them. It is the oldest brick building in Southern California. Among the ghosts are Thomas, his wife, his daughter, his dog and his daughter's friend. The heart of Old Town is actually a state historic park.