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San Diego Attractions & ActivitiesHistoric Sites
Ready to look into the past and learn about the heritage of this fascinating city? We list historic homes, plantations, battlegrounds, and churches that are rich in history and provide for an educational travel diversion.
Category: Historic Sites - San Diego Attractions & Activities
Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Named for famed Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo, who in 1542 landed in San Diego Bay, this complex includes a museum that accurately depicts Cabrillo's exploits and those of other early explorers. Also on-site is Point Loma Lighthouse, towering 433 feet above the ocean. Arguably the best location in San Diego for spectacular views of...
Category: Historic Sites - San Diego Attractions & Activities
Address: 6th Ave and Broadway, San Diego, CA
This 16-block section of downtown is a national historic district filled with specialty shops, art galleries and restaurants. Numerous theaters and nightclubs call the Gaslamp Quarter home, so there's plenty to do after the sun sets. It's also an excellent neighborhood for checking out some of the city's early Victorian architecture. Visit the...
Category: Historic Sites - San Diego Attractions & Activities
Address: 2129 Main St, Chamber of Commerce, Julian, CA 92036
The picturesque town of Julian, itself a registered historic landmark, got its start during a minor gold rush in the 1870s. Located about an hour out of San Diego, it’s a great destination for a day trip. Visitors can enjoy gold panning, carriage rides, browsing through the museum, touring a candy factory, or shopping at the town’s quaint antique...
Category: Historic Sites - San Diego Attractions & Activities
Address: 3525 7th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
This 1905 Arts & Crafts-style mansion was home to George Marston, one of the original developers of Balboa Park, Presidio Park and Junipero Serra Museum. The massive brick-and-stucco structure boasts impressive interior woodwork featuring redwood, oak and pine. Five acres of beautiful grounds are also part of the lovely estate. Listed on the...
Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala
Category: Historic Sites - San Diego Attractions & Activities
Address: 10818 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
Established in 1769 by Father Junipero Serra, this beautiful mission once served as home to early pioneer priests as well as the Kumeyaay Indians. Its museum tells the story of the mission's formative years. Lovely grounds complete with gardens and padre's cell.
Category: Historic Sites - San Diego Attractions & Activities
Address: 4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92057
A National Historic Landmark, Mission San Luis Rey was originally established in 1798, and was California’s largest. The 56-acre site today encompasses a number of buildings, including the church completed in 1815; a museum housing artifacts of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and US military origin; and a retreat center. The grounds are...
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Category: Historic Sites - San Diego Attractions & Activities
Address: San Diego Ave & Twiggs St, Old Town San Diego, CA 92110
Find out what life was like in Mexico and early America back in the 1800s. This spot is where the city of San Diego was born, and it contains historic treasures unearthed by archeologists over the years. The historic park includes several original adobes as well as a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, carriage collection and a museum filled with...
Category: Historic Sites - San Diego Attractions & Activities
Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
The aircraft carrier USS Midway, which served from 1945-1992, offers a fascinating glimpse into life aboard a giant ship. Take the self-guided audio tour through the ship, then check out some two dozen aircraft on the flight deck and experience the simulator ride. Docents, some of whom served on the ship while it was active, are on board every day...
Category: Historic Sites - San Diego Attractions & Activities
Address: 1925 K St, San Diego, CA 92102
[Closed for restoration; no completion date set.] Built in 1877 by concert pianist and novelist Jesse Shepard, this elaborate Victorian mansion houses an impressive display of European and American antiques, leaded glass windows, masterfully carved ceilings and borders, and elegant marble fireplaces. Although located in a somewhat neglected part...
Category: Historic Sites - San Diego Attractions & Activities
Address: 2476 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
This Old Town complex of historic buildings consists of the 1856 Whaley House, the 1870s Verna House, and the circa 1850 Derby-Pendleton House. The Greek Revival Whaley House was the first two-story brick structure in San Diego, and during its heyday served as a family residence, theater, county courthouse, and general store. Don’t be surprised if...
