SEAPORT VILLAGE HISTORIC CAROUSEL
Built by master wood-carver Charles I.D. Looff in
1895, this popular attraction features 54 animals
and two horse-drawn chariots.
817 W. Harbor Drive, Seaport Village
CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT
Visiting this expansive national park—the
location of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s historic
16th-century landing—is a history lesson and
nature expedition rolled into one. Highlights
include a fully restored 19th-century lighthouse,
a historical radio station building, and the Age
of Exploration exhibit in the Visitor Center, plus
hiking trails and tide pools.
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, Point Loma
MISSION SAN DIEGO DE ALCALÁ
Visit the first of California’s 21 missions, founded
by Spanish friar Father Junípero Serra in 1769.
The scenic grounds, complete with meditative
gardens, overlook San Diego’s Old Town State
Historic Park. Services are held daily in the
original mission chapel.
10818 San Diego Mission Road, Old Town
MARITIME MUSEUM OF SAN DIEGO
Climb aboard historical ships, ranging from an
American research submarine and the HMS
Surprise (star of Master and Commander and
Pirates of the Caribbean 4) to the iconic Star of
India, an iron sailing ship built in 1863.
1492 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero
History
San Diego is rich with blasts from the past, ranging
from scenic parks full of architectural wonders and
historical buildings to museums, missions and
monuments, each with an enticing story to tell.
Seaport Village
Historic Carousel
OLD-TIME ARCHITECTURE
Hotel del Coronado
This Victorian-age beauty with
signature red-roof turrets and
white wedding cake trim has
hosted luminaries such as Errol
Flynn, Cary Grant, Greta Garbo,
Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe,
film crews for Some Like It Hot,
and 11 U.S. presidents. Tour the
lobby, courtyard and shops, or
visit for a lavish buffet brunch
in the historical Crown Room.
1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
NTC at Liberty Station
This former naval training
center has been transformed
into a shopping, dining and
arts destination, but still retains the character of its past.
Several barracks buildings now
serve as museums, studios
and galleries. Time your visit for
the first Friday evening of each
month and take part in Friday
Night Liberty, a free event
featuring open artist studios,
galleries and performances
throughout the complex.
640 Historic Decatur Road,
Liberty Station
Heritage Park
Seven lovingly restored Victo-
rian homes that preserve San
Diego’s architectural history are
on display at this 7.8-acre park.
Styles include Classic Revival,
Italianate and Queen Anne
architecture. While you’re there,
stop by the Coral Tree Tea House
for afternoon tea.
2454 Heritage Park Row,
Old Town
VENUES
WITH
HISTORY
Before settling in
San Diego
in 2004, the
historic
carousel called
several cities
home, including
Fairpark, Texas
(its original
placement),
Portland, Oregon
and Santa
Monica,
California.
FLYING LEATHERNECK AVIATION MUSEUM
Located on MCAS Miramar, this museum is
dedicated to preserving U.S. Marine Corps
aviation history. More than 30 aircraft are on
display as well as an exhibit honoring women
in the marines from 1918 to the present.
T-4203 Anderson Ave., Miramar
BALBOA PARK
This 1,200-acre urban oasis—home to 17 museums, eight gardens, astounding architecture and
a world-famous zoo—is often referred to as the
Smithsonian of the West. 2015 marked the centennial of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition,
with awe-inspiring entertainment, performances
and exhibitions. Download the free mobile app
to navigate the park with ease.
Cabrillo
National
Monument
Flying Leatherneck
Aviation Museum
Fall/ Winter 2015-16 sandiego.org | 83
