Historic Sites in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

"This park was once part of the original 2,538 acre working ranch and vacation retreat of Leo Carrillo (who acted in almost 100 films from 1927 to 1950 and co-starred in the TV series The Cisco Kid). Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park's 27 acres opened to the public in 2003. You can take a guided or self-guided tour of historic ranch structures including the hacienda, reflecting pool, cabana, cantina, carriage house tack shed, stable, barn and foundry, equipment shed and hand-crafted adobe buildings."

"The Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park was built originally as a weekend retreat for a famous actor. Today, it’s a 27-acre park that’s listed on the US National Register of Historic Places."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"La Jolla Strand Beach is located along Neptune Place between Palomar Avenue and Gravilla Street in La Jolla. There are several stairs along Neptune Place in this area so you […]"

"San Diego has its own version of Central Park: The Waterfront Park, located along the Embarcadero in Little Italy. Opened in 2014, it's become a family-favorite destination for locals. The 12-acre park is just a stone's throw from the bay and is decked out with tons of innovative ways to entertain kids including a splash pad and slide––but it's the giant fountain, with its many jets, that is the park's main attraction."

"Located in downtown San Diego along the bay near Little Italy San Diego, Waterfront Park is perhaps best known for its interactive splash fountains and its extensive, family-friendly open spaces. Outdoor movies in the park and other free events are held here in summer. (Location: Downtown San Diego)"

"If you can’t make it across the bridge to Coronado, you can walk along Harbor Bay to get a photo as well. The angle is a bit different and it’s a good deal harder to park but it can be done."

"This whopping 5,800-acre natural preserve is inside San Diego’s city limits to the northeast, and is the sixth-largest municipal park in the United States. Snaking off into this rugged wilderness of scrubby hills and canyons are 60 miles of marked hiking, cycling and horse riding trails. One route will take you to the summit of Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego at 486 metres and with a panorama of San Diego County that merits the climb."

"A hike in Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the best things to do in California. The whole preserve spans more than 7,000 acres, and depending on where you enter, you can see everything from bare, rocky cliffs to green fields bursting with life. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the wide range of activities offered at the park."

"Mission Trails Regional Park is a 7200-acre open space preserve comprised mostly of rugged canyons and hills with some developed areas mixed in. Go to walk, run, or bike the trails. Spot birds, native plants, and other wildlife."

"Name a list of “bests” that we’ve put together at Hop Culture and chances are Pure Project is on it. I mean, everything from the 20 best winter beers and the 20 best summer beers to the best can label designs and most underrated breweries of the year. So logically, when putting together a list of the best breweries in San Diego, Pure Project immediately came to mind."

"Dedicated to sustainability and pure, quality ingredients, this brewery was started by a SoCal couple who traveled to Costa Rica before settling back in San Diego. Not only do they craft fine beers, but this brewery also supports local nonprofit organizations. So, you can drink your beer and do good, too."

"Mon 3:00 - 9:00 PM; Tue - The 12:00 - 9:00 PM; Fri & Sat 12:00 - 10:00 PM; Sun 12:00 - 8:00 PM"

"If you’re visiting San Diego, it’s highly recommended to take the Green Flash brewery tour. Not only is it a great tour, but it’s also $5 per person!. Green Flash Brewing is where IPA lovers have died and gone to heaven."

"Wed - Thu 3:00 - 9:00 PM; Fri 3:00 - 10:00 PM; Sat 12:00 - 9:00 PM; Sun 12:00 - 6:00 PM"

"Despite its informal vibe, there’s nothing casual about the quality of food on offer at the excellent Fish District. A fresh, healthy attitude to food (and a commendably sustainable attitude to sourcing) combines with a creative culinary approach to spectacular effect. In fairness, you’ll struggle to go wrong with whatever you choose from the menu, but if you want a real treat, the chowder bacon fries are as decadent as they come."

"Nekter Juice Bar is a chain juice bar with a spot near La Jolla Cove as well as a few locations throughout San Diego. Here you’ll find healthy snacks, cold-pressed juices, delicious smoothies and an extensive menu of açaí bowls. They have nut-based milk that makes their smoothies and bowls creamy while adding nutritional value."