Best History Museum in North San Diego Bay

"You’ll keep returning to this 1,200-acre urban park for its world-class zoo, restful cultivated areas, museums in refined Spanish Revival buildings and live shows. There’s a tapestry of gardens around the park, planted with more than 350 plant species hand-selected at the turn of the 20th century by the botanist Kate Sessions, the “Mother of Balboa Park”. An emblem for the park and San Diego is the Botanical Building, one of many splendid holdovers from the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition."

"Families appreciate the beauty and abundance of recreational opportunities at Balboa Park. This expansive outdoor space includes 17 museums, playgrounds, a swimming pool, and over a dozen different gardens. Many visitors come here to enjoy the Pepper Grove Playground, a large kids' recreation area with slides, swings, a jungle gym, sandbox, playing fields, and picnic tables."

"One of San Diego’s gems, Balboa Park, is teeming with free things to do in San Diego. There are over 65 miles of walking trails at Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in America. In addition, there are gorgeous gardens, botanical gardens and spectacular Spanish Colonial Revival architecture to see."

"The San Diego Museum of Man is much more than a look at man's history; the museum is part history museum, part art institute, and all parts educational and fun. This anthropology museum is one of the most impressive presentations of human evolution in the nation. Explore the question "What makes us human?" through extensive artifact collections and exhibits like "Race: Are We So Different?" This unique museum will enchant and inspire visitors of all ages as they discover facets of humanity they never knew existed."

"For visitors who are interested in learning about early America, mummies, and the historical culture must visit the Museum of Man in San Diego. Located in Balboa Park, it is one of the top-rated museums in San Diego. Museum of Man is all about learning of all our experiences of relationships with animals, the truth about cannibalism, information about monsters, beer history and the power of secrets."

"The Museum of Us is a museum of anthropology that is housed in historic landmark buildings located in Balboa Park, San Diego. The museum traces its origins to the Panama-California Exposition, which opened in 1915. The museum is housed in four original buildings from the 1915 Exposition."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"San Diego’s first two-storey brick-built building, the Old Town’s Whaley House dates to 1857. What kindles fascination about the building is its spooky goings-on. This National Historic Landmark was designated “haunted” by the U.S."

"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."

"Take a trip out to Coronado Island right off the coast of San Diego and learn about the fascinating and rich history of this unique resort town and active Navy Base. You'll get to explore lots of topics, including art, architecture, history, preservation, and more Getting in: Coronado Museum of History & Art tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card All-Inclusive Pass."

"Coronado Historical Society, an easy walk from Hotel del Coronado, connects people with the city’s interesting past through museum exhibits, historic photos, and walking tours. The latter I also recommend as one of the things to do in Coronado for tourists. (Location: Coronado)"

"The Coronado Historical Museum’s collection includes art and ephemera from Coronado’s unique history. Check out a 22-minute video of Coronado that is shown every hour. *Small donation requested."

"The Wells Fargo Museum, located inside the Colorado House, features one of the company’s original 1867 Concord stagecoaches. The recreated and historically-furnished former hotel also houses actual historic telegraph machines and a variety of other memorabilia related to the banking and transportation company. Photo Courtesy of Historic Old Town Community Foundation"

"If you're a fan of the annual Miramar Air Show, then the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is a good place for you to visit. What sets this museum apart from all others is the fact that it is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving the incredible contributions made by Marine Corps Aviators and their ground support personnel. Located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the museum is comprised of an outdoor area, displaying an average of at least twenty five vintage aircraft and an indoor display of memorabilia and artifacts dating to the earliest days of Marine Corps Aviation."

"The Flying Leatherneck Museum is the only museum in the world that primarily showcases the United States Marine Corps (USMC) aviation. You’ll be able to take an up-close look at 48 historical aircraft in their gallery. Check their event calendar to see what’s on tap during your visit."

"The San Diego Union Museum enables visitors to see where the San Diego Union, the first newspaper in the city, got its start. Visitors can tour the recreated editor’s office and the original print room to see how they looked in 1868. The prefabricated wooden building was manufactured on the East Coast, shipped to California and reassembled in 1851."

"The museum showcases the region’s unique, colorful, and diverse history exhibiting artifacts, costumes, textiles, art, and photographs detailing life and development of the local area."

"Therefore, it’s possible to walk into this museum to learn about California’s mission history (the museum sits on the first European settlement site in California) for free. If you did enjoy your visit and feel compelled to donated upon exit, this is possible. (Location: Presidio Park / Old Town)"

"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."

"The San Diego Asian Pacific Historic District, San Diego’s historic Chinatown, is an eight-block district adjacent to and in part overlapping with the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. The San Diego Chinatown is bounded by Market Street on the north, 2nd Ave. on the west, 6th ave. on the east and J st. on the south. 22 structures are considered historically contributing."

"The Chinese Historical Museum displays Chinese-American art, culture and history. Housed in a restored mission-style building, exhibits include miniature models, historic photographs and rare artifacts related to the heritage of San Diego’s Chinese community. *Small donation requested."

"Pacific Beach, Carmel MountainMix or match two freshly baked cookies or brownies on the outside and a huge scoop of decadent ice cream inside for the perfect hand-held treat at The Baked Bear. Whatever combo you choose, have it hot-pressed, drizzled with sauce, rolled in sprinkles, mini M&Ms, or Fruity Pebbles, topped with whipped cream, or all three.How to order:Limited seating is available on a first-come basis."

"You can choose from any of their homemade cookies, brownies, or even donuts to hold together this decadent sandwich. They have a wide range of original cookie and ice cream flavors to pick from, and you can even get your sandwich rolled in a topping ranging from brownie bites to Fruity Pebbles. #SpoonTip: This treat tastes better at the beach."

"Although there are quite a few bakeries, donut shops, and ice cream parlors in San Diego that offer vegan options, Starry Lane Bakery is the only place I’ve found that offers 100% vegan desserts. And, might I add, really good vegan desserts. The great thing about this bakery is that it’s good for anyone who is sensitive to food allergens, since they make all of their desserts without the top 10 most common allergens."

"Born from the minds of two sisters – one with life-threatening food allergies – all of the bakery’s products are Top 10 allergen-free. Starry Lane values the health and safety of their customers, and they achieve that through transparency and delicious food."

"Located in Downtown San Diego, this cookie shop is doing something new. All their cookies are cheesecake-filled and sold in mason jars. They can pack all three of their top sellers, Original Cheesecake, Chocolate Cheesecake, and Snickerdoodle Cheesecake, into one mason jar."

"Located underneath the Coronado Bridge, Chicano Park is an inspiring collection of installations, murals and community gardens. The explosion of form and color is overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon to see other artists and filmmakers working in the park because of the inspirational and powerful messages that adorn views in every direction. You won’t find any chain stores or coffee shops in this area because the surrounding neighborhood of Barrio Logan has made great efforts to keep small businesses by local residents."

"Chicano Park is not your typical tourist destination but it is home to some rich Latino history in San Diego. The park is located underneath the Coronado Bay Bridge and it has some of the most beautiful murals and art that are painted on the pillars and sides of the freeway. The murals are constantly being changed by local artist and they tell some amazing stories."

"Chicano Park has a rich history, but the main draw for photographers and IGers are its beautiful murals. Each has a story of its own."