San Diego Old Town State Park

Curious about the rough history of San Diego, I decided to head to Old Town San Diego State Park. (Ok... I have to admit that Zorro WAS set in San Diego when it was still ruled by the Spanish Conquistadors)

In 1542 the Spanish first came to what is now San Diego, but settlement did not start until 1769. In 1821 Mexico won independence from Spain, and along with it, California. In 1848 the Mexican War saw the annexation of California to the United States.

I came across San Diego Union Museum. It was the FIRST office of the San Diego Union Newspaper. This wood-frame structure was prefabricated in Maine and shipped around the Horn in 1851. The building is restored as it was when the Union printed its first edition on October 10, 1868 and was published as a weekly. Visitors can view the original printroom with a Washington press and the editor's office.
Admission: FREE

Lovely Building

Around the area, there is a beautiful church to take a look at, the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The cornerstone was laid in 1868, but with the movement of the community to New Town in 1872, it lost its parishioners and was not dedicated until 1919. I find it simple, yet absolutely stunning. None of the intricacy of the churches of Europe.

The Church that is fully booked for ANY wedding for a year or more

Walking around is amazing! The place commerating the first time a United States flag is flown in Southern California, San Diego's first courthouse, hotels, etc. This place is filled with so much history.. yet being put in such a way that everyone can appreciate.

Check out their official website here.

There are also Ghost Tours available, if you are interested. (I'm a scaredy-cat thru and thru)