#365 Hotel Del Coronado

The Hotel Del Coronado has been the place to be and be seen since opening in 1888. It was the first beach resort on the west coast and was the largest hotel in the world at the time. This National Register of Historic Places property preserves stunning Victorian & Queen Anne architecture and is the second largest wooden structure in the United States. 

Hollywood royalty have used this as their playground since the 1920's including Charlie Chaplin, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz and Rudolph Valentino. The Del became even more famous from the 1959 film 'Some Like It Hot' starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Enjoy exploring this stunning landmark with some of the finest sand on Earth.

 

#329 Heritage Park

Heritage County Park in Old Town was created to preserve San Diego's Victorian Architecture. Italianate, Stick-Eastlake and Queen Anne styles are all represented through six historic homes and the Temple Beth Israel Synagogue. This uncrowded park is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. A short trail above the Christian House take you to an overlook with great views of the city.

 

#307 Queen Anne Cottage

The Queen Anne Cottage is the crown jewel of the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. The Cottage was built in 1885 using the Queen Anne Victorian Architectural Style by Elias Jackson 'Lucky' Baldwin. Lucky was a very fortunate California pioneer, investor and real estate tycoon. He moved to San Francisco in 1853 during the Gold Rush and decided the real money was not in gold itself but in food, supplies and lodging for gold diggers.

Lucky used his fortune to purchase a tract of land outside of Los Angeles he divided into lots in the 1880's for the towns of Arcadia and Monrovia. He was considered one of the first equal employers hiring African-American, Native American, Mexican and Chinese workers when most were jobless: though, he paid them considerably less. Lucky built this cottage for entertaining purposes only and can be enjoyed today with a visit to the Arboretum.

 

#184 Point Fermin Lighthouse

Built in 1874 from California redwood trees, Point Fermin Lighthouse was the first lighthouse constructed on San Pedro Bay. This Stick Style Victorian Lighthouse was designed by Paul J. Pelz who created six in the same style. Point Fermin constantly guided ships until Pearl Harbor in 1941 where its light was forever dimmed. It served as a Navy lookout tower during World War II before being restored for its Centennial in 1974. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, it opened to the public in 2003.

 

#62 Wawona Hotel

The Wawona Hotel is a Victorian Wonderland in Yosemite National Park. Built in 1876, the Hotel has been hosting guests for more than a century. It is one of the oldest mountain resorts in the Sierra Nevada. The most famous site near the hotel is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, one of the treasures of Yosemite. President Theodore Roosevelt stayed here while touring Yosemite with John Muir which would lead to the federal protection of Yosemite.

 

#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.

 

#53 Whaley House

The Whaley House is an historic home and museum located in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. It holds the title for most haunted house in America. Built in 1857, this landmark is the oldest brick building in Southern California. The house has had many uses from store, courthouse, school and theater to the home of San Diego Pioneer Thomas Whaley. In its heyday, it was the most beautiful house in San Diego.

 

#49 Bradbury Building

The Bradbury Building in Downtown Los Angeles is an architectural dream. On the National Register of Historic Places, this Victorian Landmark was built in 1893. It is the oldest remaining commercial building in L.A. and contains a courtyard, ornate iron decoration, marble stairs and cage elevators. Sumner Hunt and George Wyman served as architectural designers while funding for the building was put up by gold mine millionaire Lewis L. Bradbury. It has been featured in many tv shows, movies and music videos.

 

#41 Oxnard Heritage Square

Heritage Square is an historic district in Downtown Oxnard on the Central Coast. Fifteen Victorian structures have been beautifully restored bringing to life the early days of Ventura County. Neighboring Henry T. Oxnard Historic District includes 139 buildings and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Architecture ranges from Victorian to Mission/Spanish Revival and California Bungalow/Craftsman.