Mission San Diego de Alcala

Mission San Diego de Alcala was the first of 21 missions that were founded along the coast of California. It was founded in 1769 by Saint Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest, and named after Catholic saint Didacus of Alcala. Being the first mission, Mission San Diego de Alcala became known as the Mother of the Missions. Today, the mission serves as an active parish church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego and as a cultural center for people of all faiths who want to visit the historic mission. The mission is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

San Diego Bay

San Diego Bay is a national harbor and deepwater port in San Diego County. The bay is twelve miles long and varies between one and three miles wide. The bay borders San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, and Coronado, and is the third largest bay in California behind San Francisco Bay and Humbolt Bay. The Port of San Diego is located within the bay and the bay is spanned by the San Diego - Coronado Bridge.

 

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego, established in 1964, is a major tourist attraction in San Diego County. Located in Mission Bay Park in San Diego, the 189-acre park offers both indoor and outdoor marine exhibits and shows that attract millions of visitors each year. SeaWorld San Diego is also engaged in rescuing, rehabilitating, and when possible, releasing injured, orphaned, and stranded marine animals into the Pacific Ocean.

 

 

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, established in 1933, is the largest state park in California consisting of 585,930 acres. The Southern California park includes parts of Imperial County, San Diego County, and Riverside County. The park has 12 designated wilderness areas and 110 miles of hiking trails. The park is primarily desert land but has several natural springs and oases. Wildlife includes bighorn sheep, deer, coyotes, golden eagles, roadrunners, and mountain lions.

 

Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs is a small unincorporated community in San Diego County that is surrounded by Anza-Borrego State Park which is the largest state park in California. The unique community, which is located about 90 miles northwest of Downtown San Diego, has been recognized as a designated International Dark Sky Community by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). The town has no stoplights and all night lighting is kept to an absolute minimum to protect the view of the night sky. Borrego Springs has become a center for public astronomy activities even though its elevation is only 597 feet above sea level.

 

Palomar Mountain - Palomar State Park

Palomar Mountain is a 6,142 foot mountain in the Palomar Mountain range in northern San Diego County best known as the location of the Palomar Observatory, the Hale Telescope, and Palomar State Park. The peak was once known as Mount Joseph Smith, but in 1901, it reverted to its original Spanish name, Palomar.

The Palomar Observatory is an astronomical research observatory owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and its research partners, which include the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Yale University, and the National Astronomical Observatories of China which is controlled by the Community Party of China.

 

Cleveland National Forest

The Cleveland National Forest is a 460,000-acre national forest in San Diego County, Riverside County, and Orange County. The huge national forest was created in 1908 with the consolidation of the Trabuco Canyon National Reserve and the San Jacinto National Reserve. The Mountain Laguna Observatory (MLO), an astronomical observatory owned by San Diego State University (SDSU), is located within the Cleveland National Forest along with the 17,961-acre Agua Tibia Wilderness (ATW). The forest is mostly chaparral, canyons, and arroyos with some forest areas. There are extensive hiking trails and picnic areas.

 

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is a 26,000-acre state park established in 1933 in San Diego County near the southern end of the Cleveland National Forest. The highest peak in the park is Cuyamaca Peak which stands at 6,512 feet. It is the second highest point in San Diego County. The park has over 100 miles of trails and 81 campsites. The trails are available to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. Nearby Lake Cuyamaca offers fishing and boating.

 

Cuyamaca Mountains - Lake

The Cuyamaca Mountains are a mountain range in San Diego County that runs mostly northwest to southeast. The Laguna Mountains are adjacent to the east while Palomar Mountain and Hot Springs Mountain are to the north. Both the San Diego River and the Sweetwater River have their headwaters in the Cuyamaca Mountains which flow more than fifty miles to the Pacific Ocean. Cuyamaca, also known as Cuyamaca Reservoir, is a 110-acre reservoir in the Cuyamaca Mountains. The lake is stocked annually and contains trout, bass, bluegill, and sturgeon.

 

EI Cajon Mountain

EI Cajon Mountain, also referred to as EI Capitan and EI Cap, is a 3,677-foot mountain in the Cuyamaca Mountains and a highly prominent landmark in East County-San Diego.

 

San Diego River

The San Diego River is a 52-mile-long river located in San Diego County that originates in the Cuyamaca Mountains northwest of Julian. It then flows southwest to EI Capitan Reservoir. Below EI Capitan Dam, the river runs west through Santee and San Diego, through Mission Hills Regional Park, and then into Mission Bay.

 

San Diego River Park

The San Diego River Park, established in 1989, is a 92,000-acre park in San Diego County. It stretches 55 miles from the mouth of the San Dieguito Lagoon, near the Pacific Ocean, to the Volcan Mountain Wildlife Preserve just north of Julian, following the San Diego River. Wildlife within the park includes more than 230 species of birds. The park is administered by a joint powers authority which includes the County of San Diego, Del Mar, Escondido, Poway, Solana Beach and the city of San Diego.

 

San Luis Rey River

The San Luis Rey River is a 69-mile-long river in North County - San Diego. Its headwaters are in the Paloma Mountains and Cleveland National Forest and its mouth is just north of Oceanside at the Pacific Ocean. Tributaries include Buena Vista Creek and West Fork San Luis Rey River.

 

San Vicente Reservoir

The San Vicente Reservoir is a 1 ,600-acre reservoir located in the Cuyamaca Mountains in San Diego County approximately 25 miles northeast of San Diego. It was created in 1947 upon the completion of the San Vicente Dam on San Vicente Creek. It is the largest reservoir in San Diego and offers boating, fishing, and waterskiing.

 

Loveland Dam and Reservoir

The Loveland Dam, completed in 1945 on the Sweetwater River in San Diego County, created the 454-acre Loveland Reservoir. The reservoir is utilized for municipal water storage and is open to the public for fishing. The Sweetwater River is a 55-mile-long stream that has its headwaters in the Cuyamaca Mountains and its mouth at San Diego Bay. The stream flows through Chula Vista before reaching San Diego Bay.

 

Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir

The Olivenhain Dam is a dam constructed near Escondido in North County-San Diego between 1998 and 2003. The dam is not on a river or stream. The reservoir is filled with water by a system of pumps and pipes and is connected to the Second San Diego Aqueduct and Lake Hodges. The surface of the reservoir averages 200 acres and the maximum depth is 300 feet. Its purpose is to provide an emergency source of municipal water.

 

 

Lake Poway Dam and Reservoir

Lake Poway Dam, completed in 1972 near Poway in San Diego County, created Lake Poway Reservoir for the purpose of storing and supplying water, and providing recreational opportunities which include fishing for trout, bass, catfish, sunfish, and bluegill. The 35-acre lake has a 2.75-mile loop trail that circles the lake and links to other trails including the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve trail to Lake Ramona.

 

Lake Henshaw - Henshaw Dam

Lake Henshaw is a 1,140-acre reservo ir in San Diego County located at the base of Palomar Mountain, approximately 70 miles northeast of San Diego. The reservoir was constructed in 1923 with the building of the Henshaw Dam on the San Luis Rey River. Fishing and camping are permitted and small boats are available for rent. The reservoir is stocked annually with carp and catfish.

 

Lake Jennings

Lake Jennings is an 85 acre water supply reservoir in Lakeside which is a community in San Diego County. Fishing and boating at the beautiful lake is permitted with a license and camping, hiking, and picnic areas are available.

 

Lower Otay Reservoir

Lower Otay Reservoir is 1,100 acre reservoir in San Diego County that was formed in 1918 by the construction of the Savage Dam on the Otay River. Otay Mountain is to the north, Janul Mountain is to the east, Upper Otay Reservoir is to the north, and the city of Chula Vista is to the west. The reservoir is home of the United States Olympic Training Center for rowing sports.

 

EI Capitan Reservoir and Dam

The 1536 acre EI Capitan Reservoir is a large reservoir in central San Diego County in the Cuyamaca Mountains approximately 30 miles northeast of the city of San Diego. The reservoir was formed by the construction of the EI Capitan Dam in 1934 on the San Diego River. Fishing is permitted, but boating is allowed only part of the year. There are no camping areas available.

 

Dixon Lake-Reservoir

Dixon Lake is a 59-acre, beautiful artificial lake and reservoir located in San Diego County north of Escondido. It was constructed in 1971 and is open to the public for fishing, picnics, and camping at its 44 designated camp sites. The lake is regularly stocked with bass, trout, bluegill, and other fish. Dixon Lake is known for large largemouth bass.

 

Laguna Mountains

The Laguna Mountains are a mountain range in eastern San Diego County that runs in a northwest - southwest direction for about 35 miles. The southern section is in the Mountain Empire region of San Diego County while the northern section is in the East County region. The headwaters of three perennial streams are located in the Laguna Mountains: Cottonwood Creek, Noble Creek, and Kitchen Creek. The highest point is Cuyapaipe Mountain which rises to 1,944 feet. The Laguna Mountains are a highly popular recreation area.

 

Santa Rosa Mountains

The Santa Rosa Mountains extend for about 30 miles along the western side of the Coachella Valley within Riverside County, San Diego County, and Imperial County in Southern California. The highest peak is Toro Peak located about 20 miles south of Palm Springs. It rises to 8,716 feet and is located just west of the Salton Sea. From its peak, the Salton Sea, Mountain San Gorgonio, Palomar Mountain, San Jacinto Peak, and Hot Springs Mountain are all clearly visible.

 

Hot Springs Mountain

Hot Springs Mountain is the highest peak in San Diego County rising to 6,533 feet. Snow falls on the mountain each winter. The peak offers excellent views of San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial counties. To the north, hikers can see Toro Peak, Mount San Gorgonio, Mount San Jacinto, and on a clear day, Mount San Antonio, also known as Mount Baldy.

 

Coyote Mountains

The Coyote Mountains are a small mountain range in southeast San Diego County and south Imperial County that extend about twelve miles. The highest peak is Carrizo Mountain that rises to 2,408 feet. Blue Peak at the northwest end of the range rises to 1,850 feet. The west end of the Coyote Mountains is within the AnzaBorrego Desert State Park. There are no marked trails.

 

Mountain Empire

Mountain Empire is a rural, undeveloped area consisting of small towns and wilderness in southeastern San Diego County. The area is considered by many to be a part of East County - San Diego. The area consists of portions of the Laguna Mountains and is just west of Imperial County. Towns include Campo, Pine Valley, Descanso, and Potrero.

 

San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex

The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex, established in 1972, incorporates five wildlife refuges in San Diego County and Orange County: (1) San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, (2) San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, (3) San Diego Bay Sweetwater Marsh, (4) Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and (5) Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge.

 

Los Penasquitos Lagoon

The Penasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve and Lagoon is a coastal marsh in San Diego County located at the northern edge of San Diego, bordering Del Mar. The lagoon is separated from the Pacific Ocean by a narrow coastal strip of land. Three streams empty into the lagoon: Carmel Creek, Carroll Creek, and Carmel Valley Creek. Public use of the area is highly restricted.

 

San Diego Christian College

San Diego Christian College, founded in 1970, is a private, evangelical college located in Santee which is a suburb of San Diego. The accredited college offers Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, and Master of Science degrees as well as teaching credentials. San Diego Christian College teaches that the Bible is inerrant and that no other writings are to be accepted as divinely inspired or authoritative. Enrolled students average 800.

 

John Paul the Great Catholic University

John Paul the Great Catholic University (JPCatholic), founded in San Oeigo County in 2003, is located in the North County city of Escondido. The accredited, private Roman Catholic university offers two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in business and one in communications media, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities. JPCatholic is well known for its focus on business entrepreneurship. Enrollment averages 310 students.

 

California State University San Marcos

San Diego State University San Marcos, also known as Cal State San Marcos, was founded in 1989 as a campus of California State University (CSU). Enrollment currently exceeds 14,000 students. CSU offers 43 Bachelor's degree programs, 23 Master's degree programs, and 13 teaching credentials. The 340-acre campus is located in the city of San Marcos which is located in the North County region of San Diego County.

 

Southwestern College

Southwestern College is a two-year, accredited community college in San Diego County. Locations are in Chula Vista, National City, Otay Mesa, and San Ysidro. Earned college credits are transferable to the University of California and all of the California State Universities. Southwestern College offers the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Science degree, and numerous certificate programs.

 

Grossmont College

Grossmont College, established in 1961, is a 135 acre public community college in EI Cajon which is in eastern San Diego County. Grossmont College together with Cuyamaca Community College make up the Grossmont - Cuyamaca College District. Enrollment currently exceeds 18,000 students. The college offers the Associate of Arts degree and the Associate of Science degree plus more than 150 certificate programs.

 

Cuyamaca College

Cuyamaca College, established in 1978, is a 165-acre public community college in Rancho San Diego which is in eastern San Diego County. Cuyamaca College together with Grossmont College make up the Grossmont - Cuyamaca College District. Enrollment currently exceeds 10,000 students. The college offers the Associate of Arts degree and the Associate of Science degree plus more than 66 training certification programs.

 

Mira Costa College

Mira Costa College, established in 1934, is a 121-acre, two-year, public community college, serving North County - San Diego with two campuses, one in eastern Oceanside and the other in Cardiff-by-the Sea. It also has several satellite learning centers in Oceanside. More than 18,000 students are enrolled. Earned credits can be transferred to any of the California state colleges or universities. Mira Costa College offers associate degrees and several different certificate programs.

 

Heritage of the Americas Museum

The Heritage of the Americas Museum is a privately funded museum located on the campus of Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego. The museum is an educational and cultural center featuring prehistoric and historic art, culture, and natural history of the Americas. The museum is open to the public for a nominal fee.

 

Palomar College

Palomar College, founded in 1946, is a public two-year, accredited college. The main campus is in San Marcos in North San Diego County. In addition to the main campus, Palomar College has five learning centers in Escondido, Fallbrook, Rancho Bernardo, Ramona, and Camp Pendleton. More than 20,000 full-time and part-time students are enrolled. Palomar College offers the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Science degree and nearly 200 Certificates of Achievement. Earned college credits are transferable to the University of California and all California State University schools.

 

Franciscan School of Theology

The Franciscan School of Theology (FST), established in 1854, is a small Roman Catholic graduate theological school at the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia in Oceanside, which is in North County, San Diego. FST is affiliated with the University of San Diego. The school offers a two-year Master of Theological Studies degree and a three-year Master of Divinity degree which is required for ordination to the priesthood.

 

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, commonly referred to as Camp Pendleton, established in 1942, is a 125,000-acre Marine Corps base in San Diego County. The base, which is one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the United States, is bordered by Oceanside to the south, San Clemente and Orange County to the north, Fallbrook to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Marine Corps Air Station is part of Camp Pendleton.

 

Save Our Heritage Organization

Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO), founded in 1969, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving historic landmarks and architecture in San Diego County including the Whaley House in Old Town San Diego and the George W. Marston House located in Balboa Park, San Diego.

 

 

Rancho Melijo

Rancho Melijo, also known as Milijo, and more recently referred to as Rancho La Punta was a Mexican land grant made in 1833, Rancho Melijo included all of modern day Imperial Beach, a large part of southwestern Chula Vista, Otay Mesa West, and several neighborhoods in southern San Diego.

 

Rancho Otay

Rancho Otay was a 6,658-acre Mexican land grant located in present-day San Diego County in 1829. The grant included the present day Otay Mesa area, extending along the Otay River, just west of the Lower Otay Reservoir.

 

 

Rancho San Bernardo

Rancho San Bernardo was a 17,763-acre Mexican land grant made in present day San Diego County in 1842. The granted land was located between present-day Escondido and Poway, and included present-day Rancho Bernardo, the San Pasqual Valley, and Lake Hodges.

 

 

Rancho Santa Maria de Los Penasquitos

Rancho Santa Maria de Los Penasquitos was an 8,486 acre Mexican land grant located in present-day southwestern San Diego County that currently encompasses the present-day communities of Carmel Valley, Mira Mesa, and Rancho Penasquitos. It was the first Mexican land grant in California made in 1823. The Penasquitos Rancho House and museum are available for self-guided tourists.

 

Rancho Jamul

Rancho Jamul was an 8,926-acre Mexican land grant located in present-day San Diego County given by Mexican governor Echeandia to Pio Pico in 1829. Pio Pico was the last governor of Mexican California taking office in 1834.

 

San Onofre State Beach

San Onofre State Beach is a 3000-acre state park and beach located in North County San Diego approximately three miles south of San Clemente in southern Orange County. More than 2.5 million people visit the beautiful beach and park each year, making it one of the five most visited state parks in California. The beach is popular with swimmers, kayakers, fishermen, surfers, bicyclists, and campers.

 

San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach is a California State Beach in San Diego County adjacent to Cardiff State Beach, near the city of San Diego. The state beach offers swimming, surfing, camping, and picnicking, and is near the San Elijo Lagoon and tide pool.

San Diego-Scripps Coastal Marine Conservation Area
Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve

The San Diego-Scripps Coastal Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) and Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve (SMR) are adjacent marine protected areas that extend offshore from La Jolla in San Diego County. The two protected areas cover 2.5 square miles. Below the two areas is the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park which is popular with scuba divers and snorkelers.

 

 

San Diego Association of Governments

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), established in 1980, is an association of local San Diego County governments that serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the county. Its board consists of one board member from each of the eighteen cities in San Diego County. SANDAG, along with the Southern California Association of Governments, are the only metropolitan planning agencies in Southern California There are eighteen federally mandated Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) in California.

 

San Diego Regional East County

Chamber of Commerce

For over 100 years, the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce has been the respected voice of and advocate for improving business opportunities, public policy, and business relationships throughout San Diego County. Membership benefits include opportunities for networking, inclusion in the chamber directory, valuable workshops, inexpensive advertising opportunities, and more. Members are from San Diego, EI Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Spring Valley, Poway, Lemon Grove, Chula Vista, and the surrounding areas.

 

Ramona Airport

Ramona Airport is a public general aviation airport on 342 acres in San Diego County located about two miles west of the community of Ramona. The busy airport has one runway and one helipad. Aircraft operations average more than 150,000 per year and 135 aircraft are based at Ramona Airport on average. Classic Rotors Museum, a flying aviation museum specializing in helicopters and other rotorcraft, is based at Ramona Airport.

 

 

 

Historical Societies Directory - San Diego County

Timeline of San Diego

 

San Diego HOA Management
619-775-2414