Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the first European expedition to explore the west coast of the United States; its location overlooks the site where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo is said to have landed in 1542. The 160-acre monument contains one of the original lighthouses built on the west coast, together with remnants of World War I and II coastal defenses. In addition, this beautiful setting with its world-class view protects one of the few remaining stands of coastal sage scrub vegetation and an outstanding rocky intertidal (tide pool) area. There is also a good vantage point to see the annual gray whale migration.

Take Rosecrans St. west from I-5, turn right on Canon St., turn left on Catalina Blvd.

Established in 1968, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park occupies six square blocks on the site of the original Pueblo of San Diego. The historic buildings and shops reflect the cross-cultural influences of Southern California life during the Mexican and Early American eras, 1821-1872. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about this period of San Diego's history through exhibits, living history demonstrations, and walking tours of the park.

Take Taylor St. exit off Highway 8, or Old Town Ave., exit off Highway 5.

The museum stands prominently atop Presidio Hill, sometimes referred to as "The Plymouth Rock of the West Coast." The first mission and European settlement on the west coast of the United States and Canada were founded here in 1769. Visitors can view part of the settlement's ruins located down the hill from the museum. The museum contains thousands of artifacts unearthed by archaeologists, together with many other items used by the local Native Americans, missionaries, soldiers, and settlers who occupied San Diego during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

Take I-8 to Talyor Street. Turn left on Presidio Drive and follow signs to the very top of the hill.

The "Mother of the Missions," this is the first in the chain of twenty-one California Missions. See the fully restored church, beautiful gardens, and displays of artifacts from the original inhabitants of the site.

Take I-8 to I-15 N, exit Friars Rd. east. Turn right on Rancho Mission Rd., left on San Diego Mission Rd.

Mission Trails Regional Park is a natural park rich in Native American and Mission Period history. Use over 40 miles of trails to explore an area that has not changed drastically since the days of the Kumeyaay. Visit numerous Native American sites and learn about the building of the Mission Dam, the first European water supply project in what is now the western United States.

Take Mission Gorge Road (North from I-8 or West from SR-52). Visitor Center located on Father Junipero Serra Trail between Jackson Dr. and Golfcrest Dr.

San Diego County's first Mexican land grant includes an 1823 adobe ranch house constructed by the Commandante of the San Diego Presidio. In 1846, Rancho los Penasquitos was the first place of rest for General Stephen Watts Kearny and his Army of the West after the Battle of San Pasqual. Enlarged in 1862 as the gracious home of a celebrated Yankee river boat captain and his wife, the niece of California's last Mexican governor, Pio Pico, the building and site comprise a National Historic and Archaeological District. The beautiful canyon locale within a 3700-acre open space preserve offers hiking, biking and equestrian trails.

I-15 to Mercy Rd. exit. Go West on Mercy, right on Black Mtn. Rd., and left at first light. Follow entry road to Ranch House parking area.

During the first year of the Mexican War, December 6, 1846, California General Andres Pico attacked the newly arrived occupational force of General Kearny. The Visitor's Center interprets the Battle as well as its place in the Mexican War.

Follow the signs to the Wild Animal Park, and continue1 mile beyond it.

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is the eighteenth of twenty-one California Missions founded by the Franciscan Friars for Spain. A museum welcomes visitors to experience and learn about this National Historic landmark. Artifacts exhibited are from Native American, Spanish Mission, Mexican Secularization and American Military periods. The cemetery is the oldest in North County and contains a monument built in 1830 in memory of the Luiseno Indians, this area's first inhabitants.

Exit 76, Mission Ave. from either I-5 or I-15.

Rancho Guajome hacienda depicts a unique example of Anglo-Hispanic architecture built on an original Mexican land grant. Distinguished as a National Historic Landmark for its contribution to our nation's history, the rambling twenty-room adobe ranch house, built with huge profits from the cattle boom of the 1850's, bustled in its heyday with extravagant fiestas, lively rodeos, and constant visitors. Noted author Helen Hunt Jackson stayed at Guajome while she gathered material for her famous novel Ramona. Guajome County Park also offers a rich riparian area, marshes, spring-fed lakes, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping.

I-5 to Hwy. 76 East, past Mission San Luis Rey 2.4 miles. Turn right on North Santa Fe, proceed 2 miles to Guajome Adobe Ranch House.