History

Two black and white photos of philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps; the left one shows her holding a book, while the right photo is a close-up of her in her younger years.
History
6 amazing women who helped shape the San Diego Natural History Museum
The Nat’s 150-year-old foundation is solid — thanks in part to these women.
March 01, 2024 06:53 PM
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Geisel Library UC San Diego
History
6 ways to see Dr. Seuss’ influence in San Diego
The iconic author lived in La Jolla from 1948 until his death in 1991 — but his local legacy lives on.
February 28, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Rudford's Restaurant San Diego
Food
6 cool retro diners in San Diego
Vintage never goes out of style, right?
February 26, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
SD San Diego Padres Petco Park
Play
Your guide to sports teams in San Diego
From the San Diego Padres to the San Diego Gulls, we’re sharing details of San Diego’s sports teams.
February 22, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Outside at the dog society
Play
San Diego’s dog-friendly guide
Explore these dog-friendly places in San Diego that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, swim, and stay the night.
February 21, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A group of Black entertainers pose in front of the Douglas Hotel in downtown San Diego in the 1930s wearing suits and headpieces.
History
San Diego history: The Douglas Hotel, also known as the ‘Harlem of the West’
The hotel was built in 1924 at 206 Market St. and offered quality accommodations and entertainment for Black visitors in San Diego during the segregation era.
February 20, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A view of the San Diego Air and Space Museum with an airplane flying above in Balboa Park
Play
Live and learn: Museums in San Diego
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or science fan, these 28 museums in San Diego have it all.
February 19, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Rendering of Freedom Park with an aerial view that shows green space and the USS Midway Museum
Development
Freedom Park receives approval to start construction
The project will demolish the three-story headhouse on Navy Pier and create a 10-acre park and memorial
February 15, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The big, white Barcelona apartment building in Bankers Hill, with palm trees and cars parked out front.
Real Estate
Hot Homes: The history and $2 million renovation of The Barcelona in Bankers Hill
The 100-year-old apartment community at 326 Juniper St. is considered a “hallmark” of its era — and a “real estate jewel” of present-day San Diego.
February 14, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Roosevelt SDtoday
History
5 times presidents visited San Diego
From Harrison to Bush, many US presidents visited America’s Finest City while holding the position.
February 9, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD UCSD Sojourner Truth statue
History
Honoring Black history in San Diego
From murals and public artworks to museums and cultural centers, local Black history is all around us.
February 6, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Rendering of the dining area inside the new Whaling Bar in San Diego with wooden floors and marble tables.
Food
The Whaling Bar is returning to La Valencia Hotel
The historic La Jolla cocktail lounge is set to debut a redesign the blends old and new elements
February 5, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The tan exterior of Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego with it Spanish Colonial style architecture and people walking in the foreground.
Arts
Downtown San Diego’s Balboa Theatre turns 100 in 2024
The historic venue on Fourth Avenue debuted in March 1924 as a vaudeville and movie theater.
January 19, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
The lit-up stage at Lou Lou's Jungle Room at the LaFayette Hotel & Club, surrounded by tables with curvy red chairs.
Restaurants
Lou Lou’s Jungle Room will debut at LaFayette Hotel & Club
The space restored historic elements and will serve as a supper lounge and host live music performances.
January 18, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The gate leading to the entrance of the OB Pier in Ocean Beach
Development
City of San Diego posts notice of demolition on the Ocean Beach Pier
The application announces intent to tear down and replace the landmark pier, but approval is pending a public hearing.
January 16, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD San Diego Natural History Museum
Culture
Museum milestone: The Nat celebrates 150th anniversary in San Diego in 2024
The museum in Balboa Park will debut a new exhibit, plant garden, film, and special events to ring in the milestone throughout 2024.
January 11, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
MLK promenade in the Gaslamp Quarter.
City
Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in San Diego
Where to remember the civil rights leader and event to observe MLK Day
January 9, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD You Can Do Almost Anything Andy Arkley WNDR Museum San Diego
Arts
Cool art exhibitions to explore in San Diego in 2024
The local art scene is drawing us in, that’s for sure.
January 5, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Twiggs Coffee SDtoday
Business
Longtime businesses that closed in 2023
These beloved businesses served San Diego for 10+ years but no longer exist in 2024.
January 4, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The San Diego City and County Administration Building.
Government
Five local laws that took effect on Jan. 1, 2024
These laws and regulations will impact San Diegans in the New Year.
January 2, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
An AI-generated image of the San Diego Skyline with snow
Weather
San Diego’s snowy history — and some AI imagination
San Diego won’t have a white Christmas this year, but the city has been covered in snow before.
December 21, 2023
WorldBeat Cultural Center Mural and sign
Events
Kwanzaa 2023 celebrations and events
These local events study the seven principles of Kwanzaa and celebrate family, community, and history.
December 19, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Santee-Drive-In-Garske-1
Small Business
Final Feature: Santee Drive-In closing after 65 years in business
The beloved outdoor movie attraction said loss of customers and competition from streaming services have made it tough to stay in business.
December 14, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
San Diego Zoo entrance
Culture
10 local experiences you can give as holiday gifts
If you don’t want to give a thing, share your love of San Diego with fun, educational, and romantic experiences.
December 7, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD Mount Rushmore of San Diego celebrities
Culture
Mount Rushmore of San Diego celebrities: Winners
SDtoday readers voted on four familiar faces etched into San Diego’s collective memory.
November 24, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD December Nights San Diego Balboa Park
Festivals
Your guide to December Nights 2023 at Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s biggest event of the year returns Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, with merrymaking opportunities aplenty.
November 20, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD San Diego Chicken Pie Shop
Small Business
Iconic, longtime businesses in San Diego
You really can’t have San Diego without these beloved local spots.
November 16, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Pacific Rim Walk Shelter Island
Culture
Pacific Rim Park Friendship Walk set to return to Shelter Island
The celebration of cultural diversity and community takes place this Sunday, Nov. 19, from Shoreline Park to Pearl of the Pacific Park.
November 14, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD USS Theodore Roosevelt San Diego Bay
History
Fast facts about USS Theodore Roosevelt, homeported in San Diego
The aircraft carrier — yes, the one seen in “Top Gun: Maverick” — shifted its homeport back to America’s Finest City in March 2023.
November 6, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Hotel del Coronado San Diego
Entertainment
The Del’s ‘Wicked, Wicked’ history
The Hotel del Coronado has been the filming location for multiple Hollywood pictures, including a lesser-known horror film.
October 30, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant in Old Town san Diego
History
Five spots in San Diego that are rumored to be haunted
You’ll find many ghost stories in San Diego, and we’re taking a dive into a darker side of history that still remains with us.
October 30, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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