Since moving to San Diego almost three years ago now (seriously where does the time go?!), I’ve been very fortunate to explore such beautiful and impactful architecture that is so unique to San Diego. Of course we’re known here for our beautiful beaches and year long warmth and sunshine, but who can forget the structures that we’re happy to boast to our friends and family about when they come to visit? What I love about the architecture here is that there is truly no one particular style and that one building can look completely different from the next. So many styles celebrated together in one city!
As with anything, I find it so hard to choose favorites because I really have love for it all! With that said, and in no particular order, here are a handful of my favorite architectural spots here in sunny San Diego!
1. The California Tower
Nestled in the beautiful and lush Balboa Park, the California Tower is a historic stunner all on its own! Constructed in the early 1900’s for a local exposition (along with the California Quadrangle and California Building), this beauty proudly stands at the entryway of the park welcoming it’s guest from all over the world. Today it serves as the Museum of Man, the regions only museum of anthropology and archaeology. I love the amount of detail on the Spanish colonial facade of this building and truly love how it sets the tone for the remainder of the architecture in the park. The pops of color seen on the tile work used throughout the building is so beautiful and I truly love to see it proudly standing above the palm trees when I’m driving north on the I-163!
2. Salk Institute
This is such an incredibly unique building and not something you would expect to see in San Diego! I think that’s what I love most about it. Designed by Louis Kahn, his goal was to attract the best researchers all over the world to study at this scientific research building. Located in beautiful La Jolla, and along the Pacific coast, there’s so much beauty to be seen here. Probably the most standout area of all is the two landmark blocks that frame an endless view of the Pacific Ocean paired with a long, narrow linear fountain in the center that stretches far beyond the eye. If you get the chance, book yourself a tour of the facility – you will not be disappointed!
3. San Diego Central Library
I’m fortunate to live pretty close to this one and it always impresses me whenever I do see it. The unmistakable dome structure of this building is hard to miss! Designed by San Diego’s own Rob Quigley, this 9-story structure, topped with an impressive steel and mesh lattice dome over a 2-story reading room, is the perfect place for book lovers everywhere. Once again, this one stands out to me as being so unique to San Diego but relishes a beauty all on it’s own. Fun fact: this library houses the second largest baseball memorabilia in the US! Very fitting seeing as Petco Park is not far from where this stands.
4. Hotel Del Cornado
You’re probably thinking, what’s so great about an average hotel anyway? Well, situated on one of my favorite beaches in the City and boasting the best weather year round, this is no average hotel! Opened in 1888, this is one of the few surviving wooden Victorian-style beach resorts and the second largest wood structure in the US. The Crown Room in particular is such a treasure. Can you believe it’s wooden ceiling was built using pegs and glue – not a single nail used! Just walking into the lobby of this hotel sets you back to the Victorian times with such beauty and glamor. This hotel has famously been featured in books and movies and, above all else, is famous for housing a haunted room! A young woman, Kate Morgan, checked in to the hotel back in 1892 and never checked out. She now resides in room 3327 where you can choose to stay – if you dare!
5. San Diego California Temple
I often catch a glimpse of this building on my daily commute to work and it truly is something to marvel. This Mormon temple, although not open to visitors, stands proudly in the La Jolla area featuring two main spires with four smaller spires surrounding each main. The bright white color of this temple alone shines brightly in the San Diego sun and is situated in probably the most immaculate landscape I’ve ever seen! Make sure to snap a photo of this wonder whenever you get the chance!
What’s your favorite San Diego landmark? Let me know in the comments section below!
Resources: google.com, wikipedia.org, sandiegohistory.org
