History

Balboa Park
Play
15+ of the top free things to do in San Diego
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Diego, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
August 28, 2025 06:44 AM
 · 
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
Load More
Latest News
More from SDtoday
Gray skies pacific beach
Live
What’s May Gray and June Gloom in San Diego?
Locals know it’s not always sunny in San Diego — especially in May and June.
April 24, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The grandstand stage at the San Diego County Fair with the ferris wheel and other rides in the background.
Music
This tracks: Big concerts coming to 2025 San Diego County Fair
From Maxwell and Zedd to 2 Chainz + Lil’ Jon, the Toyota Summer Concert Series is going to rock the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
April 22, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
A few gifts overlaid on a patchwork background, including a Carharrt lunch box and a jewelry dish.
Sponsored
What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.
Sponsored by
Balboa Park architecture
Live
15 interesting facts about San Diego
Test your knowledge of America’s Finest City
April 11, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Guy Fieri tray at Nola on Fifth
Play
San Diego restaurants featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’
The Mayor of Flavortown has gotten a taste of San Diego on many occasions.
April 10, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A rendering of a museum studio space filled with children and adults painting and enjoying art activities.
Arts
New Children’s Museums expands with ‘Artopia’ studio and more programming
The renovated spaces debut on the museum’s third level on Saturday, April 12.
April 4, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
A rendering of a swimming pool and rooftop deck atop a new, 16-story hotel with mountain views in San Diego County.
Tourism and Hospitality
High-tech hotel tower to debut at Jamul Casino Resort in May 2025
Alexa, do all the things.
March 31, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Bayside Trail Point Loma
Play
Take a hike: A guide to trails around San Diego
Looking for the perfect hike? This curated guide highlights tried-and-true trails in the area — plus everything you should know about them, from difficulty level to accessibility and beyond.
March 21, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
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 14, 2025
 · 
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.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske