Besides a museum and historic sites, Presidio Park is also home to green spaces, hiking trails, and sweeping views. It is the perfect place to take a quiet walk or find a unique location for a romantic photo shoot.
Visitors to the Mormon Battalion Historic Site get a one-of-a-kind interactive experience. They can pan for gold, learn the art of brickmaking, and see unique artwork. Read on to find out more.
History
The 40-acre Presidio Park is an important reminder of San Diego’s historic heritage, beginning in 1769 with the first European settlement in the west. This park was originally home to a church and mission, military quarters, wooden houses, and a crude stockade.
Almost two centuries later, the Mormon Battalion was stationed here during the Mexican-American War, and its legacy is remembered through a variety of markers, statues, and murals. A number of hiking trails also wind through the park, offering visitors a chance to explore its many historic spots.
The park was saved from complete oblivion when George W. Marston donated it to the City of San Diego in 1929. His generosity is also the reason why the Junipero Serra Museum exists, which contains a collection of important objects and reference materials about the Spanish colonization of California.
Serra Museum
The Serra Museum is one of San Diego’s most familiar landmarks. The iconic mission-style building sits on a hill recognized as the place where California began. Its unique history makes it an ideal site for weddings, retreats, cocktail hours, and company parties.
The museum displays Kumeyaay artifacts and focuses on the Spanish mission. It was designed by civic leader George W. Marston, who wanted to memorialize the settling of Alta California. Marston was of a time and class that viewed conquest as a positive step toward civilizing an “uncivilized” land.
The Serra Museum is a great way to introduce your students to the concept of conquest in a historical context. It also serves as a powerful connection to the Plymouth Colony and the fight for independence. A must-see place!
Mormon Battalion Historic Site
The Mormon Battalion Historic Site is a museum and outdoor area that is dedicated to telling the story of the Mormon Battalion that helped to settle San Diego. Young lady missionaries lead tours through a series of rooms that are designed to portray a sympathetic version of the Mormons’ 2000-mile march from Iowa. The tour is well done and although there is an ulterior motive to promote the church, there is no hard sell.
This site also contains a collection of statuary and murals that interpret the Mormon presence in the region. These men and women helped the community build roads, dig wells, and construct buildings for public use while they were stationed here during the Mexican-American War. The site is a must-see for history buffs and those who enjoy learning about the early days of California.
Ghost-hunters
There are so many things to do inside this one-of-a-kind national park site. Whether you want to hike the trails, learn about history, or visit a restaurant – there’s something for everyone! There’s even a chance to work in this historic park – more than 200 organizations lease offices here.
It’s no wonder that this park is a favorite haunted place for ghost hunters. The Whaley House is well-known for its paranormal activity, and the museum hosts a special ghost-hunting tour on the last weekend of every month. Many visitors report feeling a cold spot, hearing a little boy’s voice, and even experiencing a touch from the ghost of a stowaway who died on board the ship. Several paranormal investigators have even captured orbs around the Tree of Sorrows, which leads us to believe that some restless spirits are still lingering here.
Events
There are a variety of ways to have fun, break a sweat, or escape from the crowds at Presidio Park. See art, play golf, and explore trails and picnic areas. Enjoy the epic views of the bay, forest, and Golden Gate Bridge.
The Presidio’s Inspiration Point is a beautiful area of shaded trees, picnic tables, and panoramic views. It’s a popular wedding venue. Padre Cross, with its wide walkway and vine-covered arbor, is another spot for leisure activities and small ceremonies.
The Presidio is also home to Old Town State Historic Park where visitors can see the holiday traditions of the Las Posadas procession and more. There are also a variety of shops and restaurants in Old Town to enjoy. These stores range from Cousin’s Candy to Toby’s Candle Shop to Johnson House specializing in millinery. Click here for the next blog post.
Driving directions from McCormick’s Window Cleaning to Presidio Park
Driving directions from Presidio Park to Waterfront Pk
