Historic Sites in Chula Vista

"With its unassuming yellow paint and perfectly square foundation, the William Heath Davis House bears the distinct honor of being the oldest building in San Diego. Erected in 1850, this historic saltbox-style home now serves as a museum, transporting everyone who steps through its doors back in time to the Victorian era of yore. While it once was the home of one of our earliest settlers, William Heath Davis himself, it now affords its visitors a glimpse into our past."

"The William Heath Davis Historic House Museum is the Gaslamp district’s oldest surviving structure, a saltbox style home shipped around Cape Horn and assembled in San Diego in 1850. The museum has been home to many fascinating people, including pre-civil war soldiers, a German Spy and Alonzo Horton, founder of San Diego. Each room represents a historic period of the home and is filled with fascinating and amusing stories about the former inhabitants."

"Built by William Heath Davis in 1850, many fascinating people, including Alonzo Horton, have called the William Heath Davis House 'home.' You'll get to tour the home, and its decorated rooms - each representing different eras in the life of the house and its various former (and rumored ghostly current) inhabitants. Getting in: William Heath Davis House tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card All-Inclusive Pass."

"Whether you enjoy spotting ghosts and apparitions or have an interest in historic places, the Whaley House is a definite tourist pleaser. The lovely brick two-story structure was built in 1857 by the original owner Thomas Whaley. Its historical significance lies in the many different roles the home played for the community."

"Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began. You can get more information here."

"Seen as the entrance point for control of the west by Europeans, Presidio Park remains a place of history amidst the city of San Diego. Interpreting the entire site for guests is the Junipero Serra Museum which houses many artifacts dealing with Spanish and Mexican heritage, colonization, the beginnings of customs within California and showcasing the lives of those who began it all. The presidio, first built to protect colonists from attack, later took on roles as military headquarters and a central outdoor space to remember history."

"You will find grassy greenfields, attractive architecture plus columns. There is also a wooded hilltop overlooking the San Diego Bay from that perfect angle where you can catch the sun setting about everything. What a gorgeous place to have your landscape photography!"

"A historical fort established on May 14, 1769, the Presidio was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Coast."

"You can take a break here on a layover or if staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the airport. You’ll find a small sandy beach (the only along the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play structure, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)"

"Spanish Landing Park is a long narrow park along busy North Harbor Drive in San Diego. This park is near San Diego International Airport and the Harbor Island Marina."

"Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began. You can get more information here."

"Built in 1825 to house one of San Diego’s earliest families, the building is reputed to be haunted by the ghosts of prior residents."

"This beautiful museum began in what was once the 1916 Mission-style home of Ellen Browning Scripps, noted San Diego philanthropist. (The Institute of Oceanography and the breathtaking oceanside park are named for Mrs. Scripps.) Expansion to the original building was completed in the mid-1990s. The museum houses an impressive collection of post-1950s contemporary art from famed California artists as well as works by Warhol, Cornell and Stella."

"A post shared by Patti Boo✈️Travel🌿Nature (@resistthemundane). When it comes to any art lover’s itinerary, the San Diego Museum of Art is generally somewhere near the top of the list. Located in Balboa Park (along with 16 other museums), the San Diego Museum of Art is best known for its large collection of paintings."

"One of the larger farmers markets in San Diego, the Little Italy Mercato has 200 vendors to peruse on a sunny (or rainy) Saturday morning. Come here for fresh fruits and veggies, meat, fish, eggs, olive oil, artisan goods, and flowers, among other products. It’s also famous for its freshly-caught sea urchin if you want to add some extra excitement to your morning."

"There are a lot of farmers’ markets to take advantage of in San Diego and the Saturday ‘Mercato’ Street Market in Little Italy is one of the best. It’s one of the largest markets in the city and happens from 8 am to 2 pm every Saturday, rain or shine. It’s also one of the best things to do in Little Italy to get a feel for the communal nature of this neighborhood."

"We are starting the week off with Saturday because in my humble opinion, theLittle Italy Mercato Farmers Marketis the best farmers market in San Diego!. It’s the most popular San Diego farmers market, and my personal favorite. 🙂 The Little Italy farmers market is located in downtown San Diego, so the only issue is you might have trouble finding parking."

"Finally, over in Hillcrest, check out Chocolat Hillcrest, which has earned four stars out of 1,217 reviews on Yelp. You can find the breakfast and brunch spot, which also offers gelato and other desserts, at 3896 Fifth Ave. (between Robinson and University avenues). This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor."

"They serve up lots of treats on their breakfast and lunch menus including one of the best french toasts in the city. By all means eat from the menu but saving lots of space in your stomach for their gelato is essential. It is piled high with deep, rich and creamy flavours that will blow your mind as soon as you taste them."

"After over three decades, they seem to be getting tastier by the day. The ice cream itself is lush, packed full of flavour and creamier than anything you will ever taste. Three (or more!) scoops?"

"Crack Shack is one of San Diego’s most popular family-friendly restaurants for fried chicken on an otherworldly level. Celebrity Chef Richard Blais developed “Crack Spice” which is a proprietary blend of spices that he adds to locally raised, free-living, antibiotic-free chicken. Opt straight for the fried chicken with dipping sauces or one of the decadent sandwiches."

"Crack Shack is the closest humanity has gotten to building an actual temple to fried chicken and eggs. This place in Little Italy is a bit gimmicky, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t delicious. They have a huge patio and serve a bunch of really good chicken sandwiches."

"Lil Cluckers” can take their pick fromnuggets, tenders, grilled chix, or grilled cheese, with carrots or petite fries on the side, plus a juice box and a cookie before checking out the bocce ball court and giant chicken statue here."

"Sometimes mom and dad want a bloody Mary or mimosa with breakfast. While on vacation, indulge in a greasy, calorie-laden breakfast with a cocktail at MaryJane’s Diner in the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Even their omelets seem imbued with some sort of magic potion (cream, I suspect)."

"Craft & Commerce‘s Executive Chef Kyle Pierce recently launched a new “comfort-themed” menu with a Southern flair. So of course, bae and I decided this would be perfect for a cozy rainy date night. The new flavors as always pack a punch and are the perfect mix of elevated and comforting."