Heritage County Park

I visit every time I return to Old Town San Diego. The homes & synagogue are beautifully restored. I love that they are now restoring the interiors, and we will be able to stay in them someday like a vacation rental. Parking tip: There's a parking lot just for Heritage Park behind the first home at the bottom of the hill, so you don't have to park way over in Old Town parking.

What a special place showcasing a selection of Victorian homes and their history. This park can be overlooked as the old town gets a lot of attention as the main attraction. This park is a few blocks from the old town and also free to enter. I do wish all the houses were available for tours to provide a glimpse of the interior. Only the temple and the front cottage were available for a look inside. There are clean restrooms for visitors behind the cottage. At the back of the park, there’s a tea room, which could be fun to experience next time.

Heritage County Park is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into San Diego’s Victorian past, making it a must-visit for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the city. Nestled near Old Town San Diego, this historic park is home to a stunning collection of restored Victorian-era homes, each with its own unique story. The park was established in 1970 as part of a major preservation effort to save these architectural treasures from demolition. San Diego’s rapid expansion in the 1960s and 70s put many of these grand homes at risk, and rather than losing them to redevelopment, they were carefully relocated to Heritage County Park to create a living museum of San Diego’s late 19th-century history. Each home was painstakingly restored to its original grandeur, complete with period-appropriate details, intricate woodwork, and vibrant colors that bring the Victorian era back to life. Some of the most famous structures in the park include: The Christian House (1889) – An elegant Queen Anne-style home originally built in the Banker’s Hill neighborhood. The Bushyhead House (1887) – Named after Edward Wilkerson Bushyhead, a Cherokee journalist and former sheriff of San Diego. The Burton House (1893) – A beautiful two-story home with a unique curved porch and ornate woodwork. The Sherman-Gilbert House (1887) – One of the most striking homes in the park, famous for once hosting world-renowned opera singer Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink. Temple Beth Israel (1889) – San Diego’s first synagogue, which now serves as a historic landmark and community event space. The park is free to visit, and while most of the homes are not open for tours, the exteriors alone are worth the trip. Walking along the quiet, tree-lined paths, you feel transported back to a time when San Diego was just beginning to grow into the city it is today. The park is beautifully maintained, with picnic areas and plenty of space to sit and enjoy the view of these elegant Victorian masterpieces. Heritage County Park is a true testament to San Diego’s commitment to preserving its past, and it’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, snap some gorgeous photos, and appreciate the city’s history. Whether you’re visiting Old Town or just looking for a peaceful place to explore, this park is a must-see for anyone who loves history, architecture, or simply a quiet moment in a beautiful setting.

Incredibly beautiful set of Victorian homes here. All the homes were actually moved from locations near downtown and Balboa park decades ago and preserved at this park. You can enter the Church and also some of the homes. The one at the back, the Coral Tree Tea House, is a literal tea house where you can get small confections and tea like a Victorian. There's a parking lot here with a good amount of spots. On a Friday morning there were barely any people here. It's also free.

Beautiful place. My family and I truly enjoyed walking through this park. These houses are so just so pretty. Nice place to take pictures.