San Diego is rich with history. From Native American roots and Spanish colonization to cultural milestones and military influence, its past is manifest in every corner of this city. Old Town offers visitors a wonderful glimpse of San Diego in 1880s–check out original buildings that depict that era’s atmosphere!
Transportation enthusiasts will enjoy discovering the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier or one of the city’s many moving memorials for America’s military veterans.
Casa de Pedrorena
The Casa de Pedrorena is one of San Diego’s most intriguing historical buildings, constructed out of adobe in 1869 as California Historical Landmark No. 70 and home to Miguel de Pedrorena since his arrival here from Madrid in 1838 as shipping agent working under Prefect Don Jose Antonio Estudillo; during Mexican-American War he supported American forces; his three daughters include Maria Victoria, Ysabel and Elena who all reside here today.
Pedrorena was a prominent merchant who represented San Diego at the California Constitutional Convention of 1849 before passing away shortly afterwards in 1850. His family continued living there until 1905, when it was bought by John D. Spreckles who undertook its restoration before it eventually became part of Old Town San Diego Historic State Park – featuring main plaza, museums, historic buildings as well as one-room schoolhouse and chapel among many other historic features.
Hotel del Coronado
Visit Hotel del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark founded in 1888, and you are experiencing one of America’s iconic beach resorts. A living legend since its establishment, The Del has hosted celebrities, royalty, and US presidents for generations – creating memories they will never forget!
Hotel guests have long spoken of Kate Morgan as the girl who mysteriously checked into and died shortly thereafter – her presence can still be felt throughout the property, with temperature changes occurring unexpectedly and footsteps echoing through hallways at night.
Hotel del Coronado holds another impressive distinction; they were the first building in California to use electricity! To power their new building they constructed a massive power plant on-site which still remains visible today and serves various functions within the hotel – even being used as a brothel during its time!
Whaley House Museum
The Whaley House Museum is an iconic home and museum that has earned itself an esteemed status among haunted locations in America. Once home to Thomas Whaley and Anna Whaley and their children Lillian, Violet, and Francis; its hauntedness now draws visitors from far and wide.
This house boasts an interesting past, serving as a general store, theatre and courthouse over time. Additionally, rumor has it that Yankee Jim Robinson may haunt its walls; he was hanged for stealing a boat years before this house was constructed on that spot.
This house is an exquisite example of mid-19th-century Greek Revival architecture, restored to reflect the lifestyle of the Whaley family and now open for tours by visitors. Additionally, the Museum houses a gift shop where visitors can purchase tools handcrafted in-house as well as learn about this historical landmark’s place in San Diego life and even witness live blacksmithing demonstrations!
George W. Marston House
At 3525 Seventh Avenue is an Arts and Crafts house built for George and Anna Gunn Marston in 1905 – one of California’s premier examples of Arts and Crafts architecture.
Design and furnishings reflect the Arts and Crafts Movement’s reaction against Victorian architecture and lifestyles, with Irving Gill known for later adopting an architectural style known for minimalism; one of his early works being this house.
This house is nestled within an idyllic woodland setting – including century-old eucalyptus trees – far removed from downtown San Diego’s hustle and bustle. Each room is warm and functional, boasting built-in book shelves and storage nooks; additionally, windows were expanded for greater natural lighting.
Marston was an influential civic leader and public philanthropist who took great interest in city planning, historical preservation, and the founding of Balboa Park – something his descendants carry forward today by giving its property back to San Diego in 1987.
