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Explore San Diego's

History & Heritage

The Birthplace of California

Photo By John Bahu

Take a walk back in time

From its Native American roots and Spanish Missionary heritage, to cultural milestones and military influence, San Diego's role and contribution in shaping the region, the country and the world can be found when exploring its complex and fascinating history.

In the Beginning

For an overview of San Diego's beginning, start at Old Town State Park. Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town features 17 museums and historical sites where visitors can learn about the first settlements in California and explore original structures built in the 1800s. Among Old Town's key historical sites is the new Iipay ~ Tipai Kumeyaay Mut Niihepok (Land of the First People) Area, which honors the legacy and traditions of the area's pre-European inhabitants, the indigenous Kumeyaay peoples.

For a comprehensive look at San Diego's history, head over to Balboa Park and the San Diego History Center located along the Prado. And history buffs will not want to miss a trip to the Cabrillo National Monument, where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped into history as the first European to set foot in California in 1542. From this vantage point you'll also enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego's dramatic skyline.

And no trip to San Diego would be complete without a walk through the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Begin your journey back in time at the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House and discover how San Diego's colorful past mixes with the hustle and bustle of today's modern city. The Museum also offers self-guided and guided walking tours designed for both adults and children, and even a ghost tour!

If you like your history with a dose of celebrity, Coronado and the Hotel del Coronado should be on your radar. Built in 1888, and sporting its signature red turret roofs and wedding cake trim, this San Diego landmark has a colorful history filled with luminary guests including movie stars, national heroes, presidents, royalty and a resident ghost.

California's Missions in San Diego

To kick off your exploration of San Diego's missions, head a few miles inland to the Presidio Park to visit the Junipero Serra Museum, which showcases California's first mission, the Presidio (fort), and the story of the Kumeyaay Indians, the area's original inhabitants. Further North is the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, considered the mother of the 21 missions that line the California coast as it was the first to be built. At the tip of San Diego's North County, in the community of Oceanside, you'll find the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia established in 1798. It’s called the King of the Missions since it’s the largest in California.

Military Pride

For an exhilarating lesson in San Diego's military history, head over the USS Midway Museum, and step aboard one of America's longest-serving aircraft carriers. Roam through the ship and 25 restored aircraft. Feel the surge of patriotism and pride for America's military service members as you experience what 225,000 Midway sailors felt aboard this "city on the sea." Check out more than 30 historical aircraft from World War II to present day on display at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. Visitors can also enjoy Open Cockpit Days and catch a glimpse of the most advanced modern-day aircraft overhead due to the museum's location next to Marine Corps Air Station.

Old West Out East

A great day trip for families is San Diego's East County community of Julian. Founded as a gold town and stage coach stop, several real mines still exist that welcome visitors to explore and even pan for gold.  The quaint mountain town is also well known for its apple orchards and delicious home-made apple pie.

Surf History

If you want to experience the golden age of California's surf and car culture, take a nostalgic car ride with the top down along the coast on Historic Highway 101, otherwise known as Coast Highway. The landscape around the roads may have changed, but the Pacific blue surf still remains, with surfers, kayakers, paddle boarders and boaters enjoying the cool Southern California waves every day of the year. Be sure to stop by the California Surf Museum in Oceanside to learn about how the sport transformed the Southern California lifestyle, and continues to shape and influence the region's culture today.

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Galleries & Museums

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San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum
Valid: Aug 23, 2024 - ongoing

Step back in time and discover the stories of San Diego's original Chinatown and the vibrant Asian Pacific Historic District. Journey through history as you explore how this once-bustling...

Tours & Sightseeing

Family Friendly- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Jan 30, 2025 - ongoing

Enjoy an Amazing Race type adventure with your family and Save 20% when you use Promo Code SDFUN. Only $39.20 for a Team of 2-5 people. Have fun and do something unique! Covid Friendly outdoor...

Tours & Sightseeing

Save 20% on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Jan 30, 2025 - ongoing

Turn San Diego's Old Town or Balboa Park into a giant game board with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart...

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Neighborhoods

Things to Do

1. Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Southern California's Largest Fireworks Show

Free
Jul 4, 2025
Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest, Coronado, Mission Bay and Beaches, South Bay
Sports

2. San Diego Crew Classic

$30 - $2950
Mar 28 - Mar 30, 2025
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Festivals

3. Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

Free
Apr 13, 2025
Neighborhood: Point Loma Peninsula
Music

4. Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

Music, Dance, Food & Fun! Louisiana Style!!

Bon Temps Social Club of San Diego
$25-$350
619-234-8612
May 8 - May 11, 2025
Neighborhood: Point Loma Peninsula
Music

5. Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

“Where the City Meets the Sea”

$139-$1,399
May 16 - May 18, 2025
Neighborhood: Downtown
Running & Fitness

6. La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

$54-$119
760-692-2900
May 17, 2025
Neighborhood: La Jolla, North Coastal
Festivals

7. Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day

Ceremony

Free
May 26, 2025
Neighborhood: Point Loma Peninsula
Things to Do

8. Comic-Con International: San Diego

The Largest Pop Culture Event in the United States

Jul 24 - Jul 27, 2025
Neighborhood: Downtown
Restaurants

9. Del Mar Wine and Food Festival

The New Destination Event for California's Top Destination City

Sep 13 - Sep 14, 2025
Neighborhood: North Coastal
Sports

10. 2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships

Tickets on sale in 2025
877-849-4287
Oct 31 - Nov 1, 2025
Neighborhood: North Coastal
Sports & Recreation

11. Annual Over The Line Tournament

Team Registration - $150
Jul 12 - Jul 20, 2025
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Breweries

12. 2025 San Diego Beer Week

San Diego Brewers Guild
Varies
Nov 7 - Nov 16, 2025
History & Heritage

13. Miramar National Cemetery Veterans Memorial Service

Memorial Day Program to Honor Fallen Service Members

Free
May 26, 2025
Neighborhood: North Inland
Festivals

14. Cherry Blossom Festival

20th Anniversary

Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego
$18 Pre-Sale | $20 Day-of | $25 VIP
619-232-2721
Mar 13 - Mar 16, 2025
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Venues

15. Liberty Public Market 9th Anniversary Weekend

Liberty Public Market
Mar 14 - Mar 16, 2025
Neighborhood: Point Loma Peninsula

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