Historic Sites in El Cajon

"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."

"Throughout the year’s many historical figures have visited the William Heath Davis House. As visitors tour the house, they will see each room is dedicated to a different period in the house’s history, and most of it was restored to its 1850’s glory. Rumor also has it that this house hosts its own ghostly visitors as well."

"The Whaley House is a museum and California Historical Landmark, situated in the Old Town, San Diego, California. It is administered by the Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO). The Whaley House was the home of Thomas Whaley and his family."

"The Whaley House, rumored as one of the most haunted houses in America. In fact, Michigan houses a museum about the historic home. San Diego, however, offers tours for the beautiful two-story mansion."

"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!"

"This historic park overlooks Old Town San Diego and is the location of the original mission Presidio. None of the original buildings remain, but the 40-acre park is home to panoramic views over the city, walking trails, and many places to picnic. (Location: Old Town)"

"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."

"Deft models their beer-brewing approach after a distinctly European style. Goldens, reds, dubbels, stouts and even a seasonal helles are usually on tap, although the selection rotates regularly. And the only thing more appealing than the beer list?"

"Mon - Thu 4:00 - 9:00 PM; Fri - Sat 12:00 - 9:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM"

"Many locals will tell you that this place is known for brewing some choice IPAs. And it’s probably their attention to detail and dedication to consistency that makes their brews so good. This brewery has a fully equipped tasting room and brewery tours, and will even fill up a growler for you to take home."

"Founded in 2012, Societe Brewing Company specializes in Belgian style taps and wine barrel aged beers. Head over for a free tour of the brewery and sample the large tasting options. Follow your favorite cold brews with fresh, tempting selections from the daily food trucks parked nearby."

"Now operating as a museum located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway used to be an aircraft carrier in the 1900s. It was the United States’ longest-serving naval aircraft carrier, having served from 1945 to 1992, and has seen over 200,000 sailors aboard during its time."

"USS Midway is an aircraft carrier, formerly of the United States Navy, the lead ship of her class. USS Midway is situated 2 km north of Coronado Ferry Landing Shopping Center. Photo: Wikimedia, Public domain."

"The San Diego Museum of Art houses a broad art collection with particular strength in Spanish art. The Museum first opened as The Fine Arts Gallery of San Diego in 1926 and changed its name to its current form in 1978. The museum building was designed in a plateresque style to harmonize with existing structures, in Balboa Park, from the Panama–California Exposition of 1915."

"Italian Renaissance, Dutch, Spanish and baroque pieces are exhibited, as well as contemporary paintings and sculptures. Works by Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Pisarro, van Gogh and Dufy are rotated in display on the ground floor. Shop, sculpture garden and cafe with outdoor seating."

"The Natural History Museum, the Museum of Man and the Museum of Art are three of the other most popular museums. (And, no, I’ve not missed San Diego Zoo – see my thoughts on the zoo and Sea World below)."

"This tiny omakase sushi spot has just a dozen or so seats and a menu of impeccable sushi and sashimi, sourced from both local fisheries and the famous Tsukiji Fish Market in Japan and expertly served under the guidance of Chef John Hong. This is the place to slow down and notice every detail—like a fine wine tasting, the items are presented in a specific order designed to complement and enhance each flavor. In non-COVID times, the menu is divided into 50-minute ($50) and 90-minute ($100) experiences, but due to current seating limitations, they’re only serving the 90-minute bill of fare."

"In an omakase dining experience, the menu is (quite literally) out of diners’ hands, but at Hidden Fish, San Diego’s first all-omakase sushi bar, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic meal. Housed in a minimal 13-seat space, the focus here is on the ingredients and the service. Diners can choose a 50-minute 12-course spread or a premium 90-minute experience, which includes 18 courses."