"San Diego" Top 5 Page for this destination San Diego by Yaqui

San Diego Travel Guide: 3,851 reviews and 6,225 photos

As far back as 20,000 years ago the first people known were San Dieguito’s. Then their descendants Yuman stock, who were a people that could make ceramics, cremations, pictographs, stone tools, clay-lined hearths, irrigation and elaborate stone walls. Then around 1000 AD Yuman and Shoshonean groups migrate to northern San Diego area. By the time Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed here in 1542 an estimate of 20,000 Native Americans existed the Luiseño, Cahuilla, Cupeño, Kumeyaay, and Northern Diegueño tribes.

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo led the first European expedition to explore what is now the west coast of the United States. Cabrillo departed from the port of Navidad, Mexico, on June 27, 1542. Three months later he arrived at "a very good enclosed port." That port is known today as San Diego bay. Historians believe he anchored his flagship, the San Salvador, on Point Loma's east shore near Cabrillo National Monument. Cabrillo later died during the expedition, but his crew pushed on, possibly as far north as Oregon, before thrashing winter storms forced them to back to Mexico.

"No more beautiful sight can be imagined than a morning at sea, with these magnificent vessels racing in mid-ocean, perhaps two or three of them in sight at one; the sun rising among golden clouds; the dark blue sea flecked with glistening white caps; long, low black hulls cleaving a pathway of sparkling foam; towering masts, and yards covered with snowy canvas which bellies to the crisp morning breeze as if sculptured in marble..."

~Captain Arthur H. Clark

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful city with lots to do and see!
Cons:Traffic can be scary!
In a nutshell:Give yourself plenty of time to see what SD has to offer!

Intro Updated Mar 22, 2009
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Reviews (93)

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala - San Diego

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala Things to Do (36)

MISSION SAN DIEGO DE ALCALA is known n as the Mother of Missions for it was the first mission of the 21 missions of... more travel advice

Cabrillo Bridge 1914 Things to Do (36)

While traveling along Highway 163 to the San Diego Zoo, you will pass right under this bridge. I commented to my sister... more travel advice

Spreckels Organ Pavilion 1914 - San Diego

Spreckels Organ Pavilion 1914 Things to Do (36)

This lovely ornate theatre caught my eye when exploring Balboa Park. I had no idea it has an actual 1914 pipe organ that... more travel advice

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Things to Do (36)

This living piece of history was planted in 1915 and considered one of Balboa Park landmarks. It's over 70 feet tall,... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
See All San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
Sports & Outdoors (2)
See All Petco Park ~ Home of the Padres
Off The Beaten Path (36)
See All St. James Hotel 1912
Favorites (6)
See All Lemonade Berry Bush
Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Beware of Steep stair and narrow passage...

Restaurants (5)
See All Great location
Hotels (1)
Convenience Only
Shopping (2)
See All Loads of Shops
Nightlife (1)
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Comments (34)

Nemorino Nov 26, 2011 at 9:14 AM Report Abuse

I enjoyed reading your Things to Do and Transportation tips. Great that there are so many different kinds of ships on display at the Maritime Museum!
Mikebb Apr 11, 2011 at 9:28 PM Report Abuse

Great variety on offer here for both local and international travellers. A most enjoyable page.
ViajesdelMundo Jun 1, 2010 at 11:46 AM Report Abuse

OK, so I finally got back to this page briefly......will resume again soon. The Old Town Mex Cafe is the place we ALWAYS ate for Mexican! and Anthony's has great food too, but a bit too touristy for locals.
BruceDunning Mar 3, 2010 at 12:52 PM Report Abuse

What a city with a mix and culture different form others in the State. I used to travel here and never got to see enough, or enjoy the suburbs of elegance. Great comments made by you. I must have missed all those nice buildings.
Pawtuxet Dec 1, 2009 at 5:33 AM Report Abuse

Enjoyed the tour of the gaslight district. Altho we lived in SD for a few yrs and my son lives there now, I've never been so thorough as you. Wonderful bldgs. - nice mix of old and new uses. Good job!
richiecdisc Nov 29, 2009 at 4:57 PM Report Abuse

Looks a lot prettier than when I was there, SD must have had a major revamp since 94. Looks like you had lots of nice eats and glad you found that SD has some fine beer too. Nice additions, Dee.
deecat Nov 25, 2009 at 9:34 AM Report Abuse

Love new additions since I love architecture. Favorites were Keating, Old City Hall, the Bank, and the hotels. I adore San Diego and am always thrilled to read positive things about it. Way to go, girl.
nicolaitan Sep 30, 2009 at 8:49 AM Report Abuse

hi, dee - really enjoyed san diego page. that zoo is world famous and your writeup of the naval ships is educational as always with great pictures. and i love a haunted house. nice city.
hopang Sep 29, 2009 at 2:44 AM Report Abuse

Absolutely amazing San Diego travel page with superb photographs. The Heritage Park and Cabrillo National Monument certainly look interesting to visit and explore. Those boats and yachts indeed look amazing from your images. ~ho & pang
jumpingnorman Jul 27, 2009 at 10:00 PM Report Abuse

Would also love to visit that aerospace museum...and I haven't been to Heritage Park Row yet (I think)...you have amazing SD pages! Norman :)