San Diego is a modern city full of amusement parks, modern and towering skyscrapers, glitzy shopping malls and lots more. But this ultramodern city has also a rich historical and cultural heritage. Here are some of the most enthralling historical attractions in San Diego which you must include in your itinerary.

Old Town State Historic Park

This is the place from where the city of San Diego began to grow along the banks of the San Diego River. The park is home to historical buildings preserved from the late 19th and early 20th centuries along with museums, unique retail shops, and several restaurants. Here one gets the opportunity to experience the yesteryears' culture and how it got transformed from a Mexican pueblo to an American settlement.

Museums of Balboa Park

There are 15 different museums inside the Balboa, a cultural urban park where one can feel connected to the past. Some of the popular museums include the Museum of San Diego History, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Veterans Museum & Memorial Center, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, the San Diego Automotive Museum, the Marston House, the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum, and Centro Cultural de la Raza. In fact, Balboa Park, the richest cultural area in the Western United States is the top San Diego destination in most of the vacation packages offered by hotels here.

Cabrillo National Monument

The Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the exact location where Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo first set foot on September 28, 1542 which later became known as the west coast of the United States. The surrounding park here is home to Old Point Loma Lighthouse build in 1855 and reminiscent of the point's military role, from the 1850s. The park offers a superb view of San Diego's sprawling harbor and imposing skyline.

Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp Quarter is a popular destination in San Diego. This place is home to 94 historic buildings, most of which were constructed during the Victorian Era. Along with a charming blend of old Victorian architecture and new building teeming with activity, this place is famous for its busy colorful streets, food joints, small shops and vibrant nightlife. Its magnetic appeal makes visitors return to it again and again. If you are a history lover on a visit to San Diego, stay in a nearby San Diego lodging or hotel accommodation to enjoy this place best.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

This place gives a glimpse of the city's rich nautical history. The Maritime Museum of San Diego has a world-class collection of historic ships that includes the Star of India, the world's oldest seagoing vessel along with the1898 steam ferry Berkeley, the 1904 steam yacht Medea and the B-39 soviet-era Russian attack submarine. Complete your visit to the museum by exploring the fascinating exhibits on maritime history, exploration and warfare including an interactive children's play area.

Visiting these historical places is an experience in itself when you are out sightseeing in San Diego. While in San Diego, make sure that you have enough time to visit these places. You can easily find some good San Diego lodging and hotel accommodation options nearby to these places so that you don't spend time commuting.

About the Author:

David Miller is a well-known travel writer based in San Diego, California whose articles focus mainly on the various attractions included in San Diego vacation packages, affordable San Diego accommodation, and other topics.