Heritage Park

Step Back into Victorian San Diego

Found in the heart of Old Town San Diego lies Heritage Park, a charming 7.8-acre urban oasis that feels like a portal to the past. Created in the 1970s, this thoughtful preservation project safeguards some of San Diego's most beautiful Victorian-era architecture that might otherwise have been lost to time.

What makes this place special is how each building tells a story - these elegant Victorian homes and the city's first synagogue weren't originally built here, but were carefully relocated from various parts of San Diego with the dedicated efforts of San Diego County and the Save Our Heritage Organisation.

Architectural Retreats Worth Seeing

As you wander through the park, you'll notice a delightful variety of 19th-century architectural styles. From the ornate details of Italianate designs to the distinctive patterns of Stick-Eastlake, the grandeur of Queen Anne, and the symmetrical elegance of Classic Revival - it's like walking through an architectural textbook come to life.

Don't miss the Sherman-Gilbert House, an 1887 beauty with a fascinating social history - it once welcomed some of the era's most celebrated entertainers through its doors. For a contrast that really helps you understand the social fabric of old San Diego, check out the Senlis Cottage from 1896, a humble structure that shows how working-class San Diegans lived during the same period.

Other noteworthy buildings include the Bushyhead House, Christian House, McConaughy House, Burton House, and the historically significant Temple Beth Israel, which has served as a spiritual home since 1889 as San Diego's first synagogue.

What to Expect When You Visit

While you can't enter most of the buildings, their exteriors alone are worth the visit. You can, however, step inside both the Senlis Cottage and Temple Beth Israel to get a more intimate glimpse of life in Victorian-era San Diego.

The park itself is a pleasant place to spend an hour or two, with peaceful gardens, easy walking paths, and informative displays that help bring the stories of early San Diegans to life.

Beyond Pretty Buildings

Heritage Park preserves not just beautiful architecture but also offers genuine insights into San Diego's cultural evolution. Amid Old Town's many attractions, this tranquil space provides a connection to the city's past. It's a place where you can slow down, appreciate the craftsmanship of another era, and imagine life in San Diego when these graceful Victorians were the height of architectural fashion.