San Diego’s history can be found everywhere you turn – from Hotel del Coronado’s red-roofed turret and Whaley House’s brick facade, which stands as an emblematic reminder of a simpler era and its role in shaping California and America alike. Discover San Diego’s historic landmarks that act as reminders to this historic past!
Start at Old Town State Park, the birthplace of California, for 17 museums and historic sites to discover. Additionally, Iipay Tipai Kumeyaay Mut Niihepok (Land of the First People) Area displays the culture of pre-European inhabitants who once inhabited this region.
Presidio Park
Presidio Park, now designated a National Historic Landmark, was home to Alta California’s inaugural Mission and then led to the development of Old Town and Port San Diego. After its demilitarization in 1994, Presidio Park offered forests, trails, views and architecture for visitors today.
Junipero Serra Museum provides an interpretation of the park’s multilayered history, from Spanish/Mexican heritage and colonization, military aviation, World Fairs and architectural styles such as Art Deco to modern. Additionally, this site marks where California began and holds significant links to Mormon Battalion which helped develop numerous towns in California including San Diego.
William Heath Davis House
William Heath Davis House Museum offers visitors a chance to gain an understanding of life during early San Diego. Once home to pre-civil war soldiers, German spies, and Alonzo Horton (known as “the founder of Downtown San Diego”) – this home now serves as an exhibition.
This house stands out as one of the most unique structures in America due to being constructed out of prefabricated lumber “salt box” homes shipped piecemeal from Portland, Maine around Cape Horn.
Home to an alleged ghostly presence of a Victorian woman said to roam freely through its second floor, it’s open for self-guided tours from visitors.
Whaley House
The Whaley House in Old Town San Diego is both a museum and landmark that attracts ghost enthusiasts, as well as being haunted by the ghost of Yankee Jim Robinson, who was executed there for theft years before Thomas Whaley built his house there. According to legend, Yankee Jim may still haunt this home today!
Home of Thomas Whaley’s General Store. Granary. County Courthouse. First Theatre in San Diego and much more. Tragic events occurred here as their 18-month old son passed away due to scarlet fever, while their home burned down with fire, completely destroying Thomas’ General Store.
Violet Whaley tragically committed suicide in 1885; since then, her home has been renovated and opened up to tours by the public.
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument is the sole unit of the National Park System located within San Diego County and commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s first encounter with California’s west coast.
The monument features a statue of Cabrillo standing atop an exhilarating overlook, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and coastal sage scrub habitat, exhibits on the Age of Exploration as well as ranger-guided programs; annually the largest annual reenactment of Cabrillo’s arrival into San Diego harbor takes place here; additionally a full-time custodian is responsible for overseeing its operations and maintenance as well as serving as a resource to visitors and local history enthusiasts alike.
Immaculate Conception Church
Since 1849, Melrose Church has long been the focal point for culture and community within Melrose. Newcomers to Melrose are always welcomed with open arms by this church; its welcoming tradition still stands today.
Presidio Park was created with the goal of preserving San Diego’s historical and cultural legacy. The park features several buildings that represent life during 1890s San Diego.
William Heath Davis House is one of these structures. It contains many interesting details about early San Diego development and serves as an illuminating account of how San Diego became what it is today.
Belmont Park
Belmont Park in Mission Beach has been delighting locals and visitors for more than 100 years. An institution, it boasts several spectacular oceanside acres that make an ideal picnic spot during racing meets.
All of horse racing’s great names, including Ruffian, Bold Forbes, Man o’ War, Seabiscuit and Cigar have raced at this legendary venue, such as Ruffian. Near the infield flagpole there is also a white gazebo which holds wooden cutouts of jockey silks belonging to owners who won this year’s Belmont Stakes race.
John D. Spreckels built this significant piece of San Diego history as part of his real estate and electric railway enterprise, to promote himself and attract clients. To this day, it remains one of the city’s major draws.
