If you’re interested in San Diego history, there are countless historical places worth seeing. Some are more historic than others but all offer insight into its past.
Old Town Cemetery dates back to 1849 with burials taking place through 1880s. As one of the city’s oldest graveyards, this location underwent restoration work and boundary shifts over time.
The Gaslamp Quarter
This historic district in Downtown San Diego is famed for its lively nightlife scene and superb dining establishments. Its charming Victorian-style buildings make this destination one of the must-visit spots in San Diego.
The Gaslamp Quarter derives its name from the historic gas lamps that illuminated its streets in the 19th century, and this 16-square block area now contains hotels, bars, restaurants and shops.
Take a guided tour to gain more insight into the history of San Diego. See a prefabricated saltbox house transported from Maine by William Heath Davis in 1850; pass by former gambling halls and brothels; explore old cemeteries; all this can be done from Davis-Horton House or Gaslamp Museum tours that cover both walking and bus options in downtown San Diego’s historic core.
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument stands as one of San Diego’s premier historical landmarks, commemorating explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s initial steps on what is now considered West Coast United States. Comprising 144 acres, this park houses the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, Cabrillo statue and beautiful coastal views.
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse was built in 1855 and served as a beacon for ships entering San Diego Bay until the 1890s. Today it serves as a museum where visitors can learn about life as a lighthouse keeper.
The Junipero Serra Museum nearby displays artifacts relating to Mexican and Spanish heritage, colonization, and customs in California. Furthermore, Presidio Park houses a historic cistern that dates back centuries as well as military facilities built during early 20th-century harbor defense efforts.
Immaculate Conception Church
Old Town San Diego’s Immaculate Conception Church is an important historical landmark, built between 1868 and 1917 to serve the growing Catholic population in Old Town.
At the time of city founding, Mexican settlers began building houses from adobe bricks which gave their unique brownish-red color. Today, some of these adobe houses have become museums recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.
The Mormon Battalion Historic Site stands as a tribute to this unique religiously-based unit that served with regular US military officers during the Mexican-American War. This museum offers interactive exhibits to teach visitors more about this special military unit’s place in advancing American westward expansion.
Belmont Park
Belmont Park is an intriguing attraction of San Diego’s Mission Beach, situated mere steps from both surf and sand. Boasting many rides with an amusing flair – like its signature Giant Dipper roller coaster – Belmont Park makes an impressive stopover in Mission Beach.
John D. Spreckels established the Mission Beach Amusement Center to attract people to an up-and-coming area and stimulate real estate sales. Though popular during its initial years of operation in 1925-1940, disrepair set in during early 1960s before it finally closed down in 1976.
Visionaries came forward and revitalized this landmark attraction, now making it an attractive shopping and entertainment center for locals and visitors alike. Visitors can either pay as they go or purchase all-day passes with unlimited rides and games for maximum convenience.
Old Town Cemetery
Old Town Cemetery in San Diego offers one of the most captivating destinations. Boasting white wooden crosses, picket fences and low brick walls that form an enchanting memorial that gives visitors an idea of life during 18th Century San Diego, this small burial site can make for an intriguing visit.
Graveyard of El Campo Santo is home to numerous prominent Catholic families such as Bandini, Estudillo & Alcalde. Additionally, some believe James “Yankee Jim” Robinson haunts El Campo Santo. Apparently he was hanged two blocks away at Whaley House and may still wander this historic cemetery grounds.
Some of the original grave sites have been relocated and marked by circular brass medallions along San Diego Avenue, while some others may even have been discovered using ground penetrating radar.
