#357 Museum of Man
The San Diego Museum of Man is Balboa Park's premier anthropological museum. Housed in the historic California Building, the museum originated from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition when Dr. Edgar Lee Hewett of the School of American Archaeology created the exhibits with his travels from the American Southwest to Guatemala.
After the Fair, a group of residents helped create a permanent museum to house the collections. Famous exhibits include Mayan History with original casts from Quiriguá, Footsteps Through Time which includes 65 million years of human evolution with more than 100 touchable replicas, Kumeyaay Native American history and the Ancient Egyptian Collection, one of only a few in the world.
#344 The Huntington
The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens has been a World Famous California Landmark since 1919. Railroad and real estate tycoon Henry E. Huntington loved art, books and gardens so created The Huntington to house his collection. British, French and American Art of the 18th, 19th & 20th Centuries stand alongside an extensive library with more than 6 million rare books and manuscripts. Highlights to the 120 acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens include the Cactus Garden, Rose Garden and Palm Garden.
#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.
#326 Mission La Purisima Concepción
Mission La Purisima Concepción was the 11th of the California Missions established on December 8, 1787. At its peak, the Mission controlled 470 square miles with 24,000 cattle and sheep making it famous for hides and blankets. Today, state runs the site as a State Historic Park and is the most complete mission. The Civilian Conservation Corps and National Park Service meticulously restored the structures and dedicated it on December 7, 1941 allowing visitors to travel back to the 1820's in an authentic setting.
#324 Old Town San Diego
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.
#323 The Hollywood Museum
The Hollywood Museum depicts the Motion Picture & Television Industries and celebrates the Golden Age of Hollywood. Housed in the historic Max Factor building, this charming museum contains more than 10,000 artifacts, costumes, photographs and scripts. Four make-up rooms, one for redheads (Lucille Ball), blondes (Marilyn Monroe), brownettes (Judy Garland) and brunettes (Elizabeth Taylor), are a definite highlight.
#321 William S Hart Ranch
The William S. Hart Ranch & Museum preserves the beloved home of silent film star, William S. Hart. Hart acted, directed, wrote and produced more than 75 westerns and was one of the all time great actors. He loved the Spirit of the West and built a ranch, 'La Loma de los Vientos' or 'The Hill of the Winds', to house his authentic collection. Wyatt Earp, Amelia Earhart, Mary Pickford and Barbara Stanwyck were among his famous friends that visited him often.
Upon passing, Hart donated his ranch to the city with the stipulation that it would remain free:
“When I was making pictures, the people gave me their nickels, dimes, and quarters. When I am gone, I want them to have my home.” -William S. Hart
His 22-room Spanish Colonial Revival mansion with original furnishings and outfits is run by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and even has a pack of American bison. Hart was an animal lover and celebrated the legacy of Native Americans. Enjoy a rare glimpse into the Golden Age of Hollywood with a visit to this spectacularly preserved ranch.
#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.
#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.
#302 Mission San Buenaventura
Mission San Buenaventura or 'Mission by the Sea' is the 9th California Mission founded on Easter Sunday: March 31, 1782. It was the last Mission under the vision of Padre Serra. The current church was built between 1792 and 1809 making it one of the oldest surviving buildings in California. Native Chumash created an aqueduct with a steady water supply allowing the mission to flourish and create beautiful gardens which can still be enjoyed to this day.
