San Diego's Historical Sites: Mission de Alcala, Presidio Park and Balboa Park

The Mission de Alcala, Presidio Park and Balboa Park are the top historical sights in San Diego, California. Visiting all three of these landmark sites provides the greatest spectrum of historical significance.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

By visiting www.missionsandiego.com, educationally-minded travelers will discover several reasons for visiting "California's First Church." Located in Mission Valley near Qualcomm Stadium (Home of the AFC West Division Champion San Diego Chargers), de Alcala has sat upon a modest knoll for hundreds of years, long before California became a state of the Union. Friar Junipero Serra founded several missions up the Pacific coastal state of California, and he started in San Diego, California.

The mission maintains the splendor of the traditional Spanish-styled rounded red brick shingles that shelter many homes and businesses across San Diego and the rest of California. Walking under the old arches on the signature cobbled walkways, travelers from around the world get an authentic glimpse of a friar's life in this simple setting.

Presidio Park

At the junction of Interstate 5 and Interstate 8, a striking and monumental museum marks the gateway from Old Town San Diego to Mission Valley. Not only is the park rich in archaeological significance, but it is also a popular place to get together with friends and family for picnicking, grass skiing, and many wedding ceremonies.

Visit http://www.sandiegohistory.org/mainpages/locate4.htm to see the historical significance of Presidio Park.

As children, my friends and I loved riding our bikes up the steep and narrow winding road to the museum. We would visit the archaeological digging sites, hike on the numerous nature trails, and tumble forever down the wide, grassy hillside.

Balboa Park