If San Diego could tell its story, it’d take place in many different areas. Take a stroll — or a ride, because we’re kind of a big deal — around the city and you’ll find multiple historic districts, all containing different parts of our narrative. These areas have landmarks, culture + maybe even your next home.
But what is a historic district? They’re areas of the city with unique cultural, architectural, or geographic traits that are protected to preserve the character. Residents are responsible for maintaining properties, but for locals + visitors, these areas are vibrant reminders of the formation of our city.
History awaits you in Old Town. | Photo via @flyingoffthebookshelf
Old Town
Founded in 1769, Old Town is credited as being the birthplace of California and its first settlement. Walking through Old Town San Diego State Historic Park + its surrounding areas, the influence of Mexican culture can be seen in the architecture, design, and landscape — reminding us that San Diego was once a Mexican pueblo before it was an American settlement.
Digs for sale
- $560,900 — 2 bed, 2 bath condo, walking distance to Old Town State Park
- $2.3 million — 5 bed, 4 bath, Mediterranean-Spanish style home ocean + canyon views, in neighboring West Mission Hills
Nearby things to do
- Get a flight of margaritas at Café Coyote.
- See the sights with a Trolley Tour.
- Check out the Whaley House to see if it’s really haunted.
Gaslamp Quarter
This area of San Diego was first named “New Town” in 1850, and its streets were lined with 50 gas lamps to keep them bright as people moved to this new city center. These lamps became important in defining the district’s Victorian style, which can still be seen today.
Digs for sale
- $800,000 — 2 bed, 2 bath condo in heart of Gaslamp with balcony views
- $285,000 — studio in Hard Rock Hotel, center of downtown
Nearby things to do
- Learn about Gaslamp history at the Davis-Horton House museum.
- Spend a night laughing at American Comedy Co.
- Enjoy a fun, downtown dinner at Barley Mash.
A pop of color in the middle of OB. | Photo via @coryj_adventures
Ocean Beach
Living in OB can seem like a permanent vacation — perhaps because it began as a popular vacation destination in its early life — until residents started staying year-round. Development slowed during The Great Depression + WWII, but when Interstate 5 was built in the ‘50s, many quirky visitors were able to find a home in OB helping to define its one-of-a-kind personality.
Digs for sale
- $835,000 — 2 bed, 2 bath condo, half a block from beach
- $1.645 million — 3 bed, 3 bath, single family with roof patio
Nearby things to do
- Teach your dog to swim at the Dog Beach.
- Find your new favorite pint at OB Brewery.
- Catch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
Life in Little Italy can be a piece of pie — pizza pie. | Photo via @mrsellissan
Little Italy
When you’re looking for authentic Italian food, Little Italy is the obvious choice, and for good reason. This business-run district has been a home for Italian-Americans since the 1920’s. Today, you can find the same business-centric feel + architecture fusing traditional Italian designs + modern San Diego.
Digs for sale
- $729,000 — 2 bed, 2 bath condo, corner unit, gym, pool, hot tub
- $1.95 million — 3 bed, 3 bath, multi-level, walk to Little Italy, private garage
Nearby things to do
- Find your new favorite meal at the Little Italy Food Hall.
- Stock up on fresh produce at the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market.
- Sample wines and discover the perfect pairing at Pali Wine Co.
Those red sidewalks let you know you’re in Burlingame | Photo via @walkingeyebrowdekalb
Burlingame
This small neighborhood east of our iconic Balboa Park can feel like you’re walking through a fantasy. As San Diego’s population began to boom in the late 1800s, residents moved to Burlingame to build their ambitious designs, embracing the natural beauty of the surrounding canyons + incorporating early-century Craftsman styles with Spanish Revival bungalows.
Digs for sale
- $1.35 million — 3 beds, 3 baths + canyon views
Nearby things to do
- Hike through the canyon at Switzer Trail West.
- Walk down to nearby South Park for restaurants, shops + bars on Fern Street.
A Victorian home peaking through Golden Hill’s beautiful landscape. | Photo via Rochelle Revor
Golden Hill
The hilly neighborhood of Golden Hill took shape during the city’s population growth in the late 1800s and brought a collection of architectural styles — like Victorian, Craftsman, Spanish Eclectic + Mission Revival — and found itself central to the city’s development for streets, parks, and green life.
Digs for sale
- $899,000 — 2 bed, 2.5 bath, detached unit, solar panels
Nearby things to do
- Hike the Golden Hill Park trails or walk around the neighborhood and check out the Victorian houses.
- Grab a slice of Guy Fieri-approved pizza at Pizzeria Luigi.
Sherman Heights
This 160-acre neighborhood with views of San Diego Bay is named for former San Diego Mayor Matthew Sherman who bought the land in 1867. Sherman built two homes on this plot, where they are still standing today. In the late 1900s, the neighborhood welcomed immigrants and became a home for many local nonprofits.
Digs for sale
- $700,000 — 2 beds, 2 bath, downtown views
Nearby things to do
- Learn about the city at the Villa Montezuma Museum.
- Take the short walk to the Gaslamp District, or walk to a game at Petco Park.
Talmadge
A slice of the Hollywood life in San Diego, this neighborhood is named for sisters Constance, Natalie + Norma Talmadge who starred in silent films. Located by Kensington and City Heights, you’ll find a neighborhood with Cape Cod cottages, Normandy Style + California Ranch homes behind the historic Talmadge Gate.
Digs for sale
- $1.149 million — 5 beds, 3 baths, 2 unit home
Nearby things to do
- Immerse yourself in nature + history at the Talmadge Mini Park.
- Walk over to Kensington for a small town feel with shopping + eating.
Islenair
Born out of 1890’s City Beautiful movement, this small neighborhood was built to embrace its canyon views with modest, moderately-priced homes built along curved, palm tree-lined streets. Islenair is a reminder of early suburban life in the city while enjoying the charm of San Diego’s natural beauty.
Digs for sale nearby
- $699,000 — 3 bed, 3 bath, ample backyard, built in 1926
Nearby things to do
- Swing or fling — play a 18 holes golf or disc golf at Colina Park Golf Course.
- Take the dogs + kids for a day outside at Charles Lewis III Memorial Park.