#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!
#94 Botanical Building
The Botanical Building in Balboa Park is one of the largest lath structures in the world. Featured seasonal collections surround over 2,000 palms, ferns and orchids. One of my favorite spots in San Diego, the gardens are a wonderland and a free-must-see for any visit to Balboa Park.
#87 Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Old Point Loma Lighthouse in San Diego is one of the original six lighthouses approved by Congress in 1850 after California was admitted to the union. Opening in 1855, the lighthouse was the highest in the country at 400 feet. Fog and cloud coverage made the lighthouse hard to see so was retired in 1891. The lighthouse also served as the home for the light keeper and family who would entertain visitors with its grandiose bluff-top views. Part of Cabrillo National Monument, the lighthouse can be visited in San Diego's National Park.
#81 Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park or Rancho De Los Kiotes is the vacation retreat of famous Hollywood actor Leo Carrillo. He designed his ranch after the Spanish Haciendas of his ancestors. At only $17 an acre, the ranch once contained 2,538 acres. The property can be toured today and includes gardens and adobe buildings as well as a stable, barn and reflecting pool. The ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a California Landmark.
#76 Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Crystal Pier, in San Diego's Pacific Beach Neighborhood, is a beautiful place to stroll and enjoy a sandy beach. Built in the 1930's, the cottages of the Crystal Pier Hotel rest peacefully on the pier and make for an unforgettable experience of sleeping over the ocean.
#70 Warner's Ranch
Warner's Ranch, high in the mountains of San Diego County, was a Pioneer Ranch built in 1849. It served as a stop for the famous Southern Emigrant and Butterfield Stage Trails that brought immigrants as well as mail into California during the California Gold Rush. It was an important stop because year round travel was possible due to lack of snow unlike other northern routes. For a time, it was the only trading post between New Mexico and Los Angeles. The Ranch House became a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
#65 La Jolla Sea Cave
Sunny Jim's Sea Cave in La Jolla is the only one of the seven sea caves that you can walk into. L. Frank Baum, the writer of 'The Wizard of Oz', named the cave after British Force Wheat Cereal in the 1920's because the opening of the cave resembled its mascot. 145 steps lead you down into the cave whose sandstone is estimated to be 75 million years old.
#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.
#48 Mount Soledad
Mount Soledad, with its elevation of 824 feet, is one of the best spots to view a panorama of San Diego. The Mount is also a Veterans Memorial paying tribute to those who have served our country. Views of La Jolla, the Coast and Downtown San Diego are magical here. Dr. Seuss' last home is also located on the slopes of Mount Soledad.
