Historic Sites in San Diego

"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."

"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)"

"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."

"With a reputation of making some of the best bread in San Diego, Con Pane also serves up breakfast and lunch favorites in addition to baked goods. The lunch menu is small, but it will be hard to fight the urge to pair a sandwich with a chocolate croissant, cookie or similar. Pets are welcome on the patio outside and kids order favorites like peanut butter and jelly that literally oozes out the sides."

"Next up is Midway District's Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe, at 2750 Dewey Road. With 4.5 stars out of 1,291 reviews on Yelp, the bakery, which also offers coffee, tea, sandwiches and more, has proven to be a local favorite."

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"Another great brunch spot that I used to go to all the time when I lived in North County. It has a Mexican food twist to all the dishes, but super CLEAN & fresh. I get the yin & yang breakfast which is rosemary potatoes, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, red bean, avocado, cheese, sour cream, salsa, & a tortilla (I add poached eggs on top) & their golden fairy dust latte which is chai tea, ginger, cinnamon, sub the soy milk for almond milk… to die for!!!"

"First, choose between a basic buttermilk or organic whole grain gluten-free batter for your pancakes. Then, add the toppings of your choice from wild blueberry to toasted coconut and mango. Moreover, there are vegan pancakes too."

"Those who love coffee will love the fresh-roasted coffee at this place. What's most unique about this place is its incredible design. For the design, the place cares a lot about simplicity."

"This European-inspired cafe’s in-house bakery produces fresh-baked pastries and artisan breads that provide the foundation for an expanded menu that includes tartines, omelettes, salads and more"

"We focus on providing high quality coffee, superior products with unmatched quality and very friendly staff. We love it and will make you love it as well"

"If you’re in the Pacific Beach area, El Prez is an awesome option for Mexican food and rooftop views. Snack on bites like the bacon-wrapped shrimp, flautas or their famous El Prez guac made with red onions, cilantro, serrano peppers, cheese and pomegranate pearls. They serve traditional cocktails with a Mexican-twist, like the Tijuana mule that features espolon blanco tequila, muddled jalapenos and fresh lime juice."

"The most casual San Diego rooftop bar spot on this list, El Prez tends to be a college hang out spot on the weekends, but on weekdays when they have their best specials, it’s less frat-party feeling. We come here for cheap, unique tacos but primarily for the FROSÉ. I cannot sing it’s praises enough!"

"One of the most popular spots in Pacific Beach, El Prez has a tremendous rooftop area featuring cozy lounges and spectacular views of the ocean. While it can get crowded at times, it’s the perfect place to unwind for a perfect Saturday evening. Plus, they’re margaritas are amazing."

"Wonderland Ocean Pub in Ocean Beach is kid-friendly and the best spot to eat for ocean views and tasty food – think poke, surfer bowls, fresh spring rolls and tacos, take your pick. Grab a high table or window bench seat and enjoy watching the surfers and the carnival atmosphere of the grassy strip below. I grabbed a guacamole for lunch, and it was delicious."

"Ocean BeachUnbeatable views of the Ocean Beach Pier (and hula hoopers!), a solid menu with something for everyone, and a chill vibe are three reasons to beeline it to this second-story restaurant in OB, but that’s not all!. There are also bar games, outstanding local brews and cocktails, and it even has a small (and somewhat treacherous) on-site parking lot."

"Hit happy hour at Wonderland Ocean Pub when you get thirsty, then sit at the window to wait for an incredible sunset. Or, make your way up to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to stroll the cliffs and experience the panoramic pink, purple, and bright-orange majesty as the sun goes down."