Sester-Centennial Peregrination

Hiking from Presidio Park Above Mission Bay to Old Town San Diego

This year, 2019, marks 250 years since the founding of San Diego—an anniversary some call a sestercentennial. By any name, it’s a great excuse for exploring the history, culture, and spectacular views of America’s finest city on a 2-mile trek through time.

Park at the Junipero Serra Museum lot in Presidio Park, a 40-acre National Historic Landmark named after the first-ever Spanish establishment on the Pacific coast in what’s now known as California. A yellow wall and interpretive signs at the south end of the lot denote the original location of the presidio, which is now dominated by local flora. Look for century-old statues of Father Serra and a Kumeyaay—the Native American tribe that first inhabited the area—overlooking the city and Mission Bay.

Then head up the hill for a quick stop at the museum, which features Kumeyaay, Spanish, and Mexican relics. Continue east along the park’s edge, enjoying views of the San Diego River and beyond. The trail crosses the road and passes a Mormon battalion memorial honoring the only religious-based unit in US military history, before sidewinding down the hill and turning left downstairs to the intersection of Jackson and Mason Streets. Continue southwest on Mason Street, where signs inform you that you’re on the Old Presidio Historic Trail.

At the next block you have reached Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Explore all the historical haven has to offer, from the functioning blacksmith shop to the historic plaza to La Casa de Estudillo, a historic adobe house turned museum that offers free tours daily at 11 and 2. The food (try Casa de Reyes!), shopping, and even the live music here are focused on San Diego’s varied past. Take plenty of time getting lost in history, but when you’re ready, head back to the Jackson and Mason crossing. This time, head up the stairs and take the trail to the left that will lead you back through Presidio Park to your car and the present.

From the westbound I-8, take Exit 3 toward Taylor St. and turn right after crossing the freeway. After a half-mile, turn left onto Presidio Dr., followed by an immediately left up the hill. The lot will be on your right across from the museum. Alternatively, take the I-5 to the I-8 east, exiting Taylor St., and turn right. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Let's Go to Paso!

    Paso Robles is a good idea in all seasons, but one season brings a special bounty: harvest season! Road-trip ready and teeming with fall colors and fun events, Paso Robles is the ultimate destination for unique autumn experiences.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Can't Top This

    San Francisco’s Presidio was already a fantastic place to hang out for the afternoon, a beautiful site within the largest urban national park in the United States (the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And Presidio Tunnel Tops is like a cherry on top. Make that two cherries on top, with the newly opened (July 2025) Outpost Meadow, a 1.5-acre green space located at Old Mason Street across from the Crissy Field Marsh in the Presidio.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View