Old Town San Diego State Historic Park preserves 29 acres of the first European settlement on the West Coast. It was the main city center and witnessed three major eras: Spanish rule from 1769-1821, Mexican Independence from 1821-1850 and later admittance to the United States from 1850-1872. Life here remained slow-paced with a population never reaching over 700. Old Town is the most visited State Park in California with 5 original adobes, museums, shops, restaurants and gardens.
#303 Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
The Crystal Cove Beach Cottages are a nationally recognized historic district in Crystal Cove State Park of Newport Beach. Built in the 20's through 40's, these cottages provided visitors with a unique oceanfront experience. The state park has preserved this untouched stretch of coast offering a glimpse into California's travel past. They have been featured in many films from the silent days through 1988's 'Beaches' with Bette Midler. You can stay overnight in one of the restored cottages or just enjoy the beautiful beach.
#227 Downtown Palm Springs
Downtown Palm Springs along Palm Canyon Drive is the heart of Palm Springs. Palm trees line the historic buildings, shops and restaurants while the San Jacinto Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. The Palm Springs Walk of Stars is a fun way to discover those who helped create the city as a resort getaway including Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe & Elizabeth Taylor.
#202 Julian
Julian is an historic mining town high in the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego. A.E. 'Fred' Coleman was a former slave prior to the Civil War and discovered gold here while passing through in 1869. News of the discovery traveled fast and 100's of prospectors arrived creating a tent city known as the Coleman Mining District. James Madison had other plans for the area when he brought apple trees which thrived in the alpine climate. Julian famously became the apple capital of the world and a slice of Julian Apple Pie can still be enjoyed today.
#161 Kelso Depot
The Kelso Depot stands brilliantly in the middle of the Mojave National Preserve. Now a visitor center for the park, the depot has been a desert landmark since opening in 1923. It was an important railroad service stop for the Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad and was crucial during World War II for the war effort delivering key goods via Union Pacific. The National Park Service saved the depot from demolition when abandoned after passenger service ended in 1964 and restored it to its original glory. It continues to be a beacon of light for travelers in the desolate, yet stunning Mojave Desert.
#102 Los Rios Historic District
The Los Rios Historic District in Orange County is the oldest neighborhood in California dating back to the late 1700's. Located across the railroad tracks of Mission San Juan Capistrano, several of the structures provided homes for the residents of the mission. The 31 structures that make up this district are located on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, a walk along the streets provide a glimpse of Southern California at the turn of the twentieth century.
#100 Balboa Park
Celebrating 100 Years, Balboa Park in San Diego is the greatest city park in the west. The park contains 1200 acres in the center of the city with 17 world class museums, 16 landscaped gardens, the house of pacific relations international cottages, old globe theatre, spreckels organ pavilion and of course the San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park has been home to two World Fair's, one in 1915-16 and again in 1935-6. Kate Sessions, 'Mother of Balboa Park', designed the natural landscape of the park. After 100 years, the park is still going strong and has a fitting motto: A Landscape of Art & Culture. Here's to 100 more years!
#95 Olvera Street
El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument or Olvera Street is the oldest section of Los Angeles. Founded in 1781, the settlement was started by just 44 people and grew to be a social and commercial hub into what would be one of the largest cities in the world. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, today, Olvera Street is a colorful market celebration of Los Angeles' Spanish and Mexican heritage.
#59 Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter is an Historic District in Downtown San Diego named for the lamps which lit its streets. Victorian Buildings, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, line this 16 block neighborhood. The Quarter was dreamed up by Alonzo Horton in 1867 who had the idea of creating a new bustling center for San Diego. Horton purchased 800 acres of land here for just $250!
By the turn of the century, the Quarter was best known for its gambling saloons and brothels. Falling into decay in the 50's, the area was redeveloped in the 70's and 80's and is beloved today by locals and tourists alike.
