Presidio Park, near Old Town

Presidio Park, near Old Town, is a lovely park atop a high hill. Unfortunately, it is in the fork of two freeways, which makes it a bit fumey and noisy, but the freeways are quite far below. It's a pleasant spot to sit on a sloping lawn in the sun. 

The Spanish presidio, or fort, which still remains, served as the capital of Baja California during Mexico's reign. It was built in 1769- this was the first European settlement in western USA! You can walk under its arches. It is white-washed and gorgeous, especially on a sunny day. I love the chunky architecture of these Spanish buildings. Amazing clusters of palms are beside the staircase that leads up to the presidio.
You can hike along a narrow dirt path under eucalyptus trees to a monument to the soldiers and families of the Mormon Battalion of 1846, when Mormons marched from Iowa to San Diego to help with the war against Mexico. There is a mural of eight marching soldiers, painted with colors that blend beautifully with the eucalyptus trees nearby. A statue of a soldier with a knapsack stands there too. This area is marked "Fort Stockton" on google maps. 
Further up the hill is a peaceful picnic area, on the corner of Presidio Dr and Cosoy Way. There is a long white pagoda with picnic tables and a blissful bowl-shaped lawn for laying out. Willow trees abound. It feels a bit more like San Francisco than San Diego. 
At the bottom of the hill is Old Town. It's easier to get there by car than foot. This is a touristy area filled with gift shops and Mexican restaurants, but it is not as cheesy as other tourist areas I've seen. It is quite colorful and beautiful. Come to admire the architecture, plants, and flowers, and to soak in the happy vibe. There is a gorgeous, sloping park in front of Temple Beth Israel, with Victorian houses lining its street. 

Directions

Presidio Park is located at 2811 Jackson St, San Diego, CA 92110.

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