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.
September 19, 2025 06:44 PM
 · 
Monica Garske
Jacaranda trees early into their blooms in San Diego.
Travel and Outdoors
Where to tour jacaranda trees in San Diego
The lavender-blue blooms generally arrive in late spring and last for about two months
May 19, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The mural of Ellen Ochoa at Parkway Sports and Health Science Academy
Culture
Ellen Ochoa honored in La Mesa and at San Diego State University
The La Mesa resident is depicted in a mural and is the namesake of a pavilion.
May 15, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A zookeeper and a newborn animal, possibly a zebra.
History
California State University San Marcos looking to identify photos for its ‘Dan Rios Papers’ project
The photojournalist donated a million negatives, but many of them need identifying information.
May 3, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The exterior sign at Warwick's in La Jolla
History
The story of Warwick’s
Want to learn about the nation’s oldest continuously family-owned and operated bookstore? We’ve got you covered.
April 27, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SDSU Keshad Johnson SDtoday
Sports
SDSU loses to UConn in the 2023 NCAA Tournament
The Aztecs’ historic run came to an end in the March Madness finals
April 4, 2023
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Michael Beausoleil
SD John D. Spreckels legacy in San Diego
History
The history and legacy of John D. Spreckels in San Diego
🌇 The businessman helped San Diego develop into a thriving city — and his legacy is all around.
March 15, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD San Diego Latino Film Festival 2023
Arts
San Diego Latino Film Festival celebrates 30th anniversary
The spotlight on Latino cinema runs Thursday, March 9-Sunday, March 19. 🎬
March 7, 2023
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Monica Garske
SD Beerlogy Museum of Us
Culture
Where to learn about craft beer in San Diego, California
From college courses and scholarships to museum exhibitions, there are many ways to tap into one of our city’s biggest industries. 🍻
February 27, 2023
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Monica Garske
Hillcrest sign in rainbow
Development
Hillcrest welcomes a new, multicolored community sign
The renovation will be used for community celebrations
February 24, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Rubios in Mission Bay
Work
Rubio’s Coastal Grills’ San Diego roots
Plus, did the restaurant invent the fish taco?
February 22, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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More from SDtoday
Bai Yun — a giant panda in the San Diego Zoo in 2019.
Culture
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance signs agreement that could bring back giant pandas
The new bears could arrive at the zoo as soon as late summer 2024 if all permits are approved.
February 22, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Outside at the dog society
Tourism and Hospitality
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 rainy street with water pooling over a crosswalk.
Weather
When will El Niño conditions end in San Diego?
Following another substantial storm, it the end of San Diego’s rainy season in sight?
February 21, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The grandstand stage at the San Diego County Fair with the ferris wheel and other rides in the background.
Music
San Diego County Fair unveils Grandstand Stage lineup for summer 2024
The fair — which returns June 12-July 7 — will boast headliners like Ludacris, Jay Leno, Pepe Aguilar, and TLC.
February 21, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
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
Road closure SDtoday
Travel and Outdoors
Getting back on track: San Diego’s plans to repair roads
The city has identified declining road quality, but has conducted studies to find ways to improve conditions.
February 19, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The glasses of margaritas at Lionfish, including the Snake Eyes, Passion of the Marg, and Sweet Treat
Food
5 must-try margaritas for National Margarita Day
Explore these twists on margaritas, including sweet, spicy, and sans-alcohol options.
February 19, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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
People gather around San Diego Humane Society's redesigned Adoptions Center; the entrance is blue with the words "Woof Woof" over the doorway.
City
Now Open: San Diego Humane Society’s redesigned Adoptions Center
The facility’s improved layout includes 58 dog rooms, 55 cat kennels, and 53 spaces for smaller pets.
February 14, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske