California History

California History Exploring the rich and diverse history of California through iconic landmarks, rare photos, and fascinating stories.

Join us in discovering the Golden State's past.

Then and Now, Pacific Beach, San Diego, California (1927 and 2025)2025 photo by / 1927 photo by San Diego History Cente...
08/09/2025

Then and Now, Pacific Beach, San Diego, California (1927 and 2025)

2025 photo by / 1927 photo by San Diego History Center - Photo ID: 1724-B

From a quiet seaside neighborhood to a lively coastal destination, Pacific Beach has transformed dramatically over the past century. In 1927, its shoreline was dotted with modest cottages and undeveloped sand dunes. The 2025 view, however, shows a thriving beach town packed with restaurants, nightlife, and surfers riding the breaks. While the built environment has evolved, the Pacific’s rolling waves and PB’s laid-back surf culture continue to draw people from around the world.

U.S. Navy Mothball Fleet Leftover After World War II, San Diego, California (circa 1950s)Photo credit unavailableIn the ...
08/09/2025

U.S. Navy Mothball Fleet Leftover After World War II, San Diego, California (circa 1950s)

Photo credit unavailable

In the years after World War II, the U.S. Navy stored dozens of decommissioned ships in what was called the “mothball fleet.” Anchored in San Diego Bay during the 1950s, these vessels stood silent but ready, a strategic reserve for future conflicts. Rows of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers created an imposing sight for anyone near the waterfront. For locals, the mothball fleet was a constant reminder of the war’s scale and the city’s enduring military importance.

Then and Now, Aerial View of La Jolla, San Diego, California (1935 and 2021)2021 photo by / 1935 photo by San Diego His...
08/08/2025

Then and Now, Aerial View of La Jolla, San Diego, California (1935 and 2021)

2021 photo by / 1935 photo by San Diego History Center

This striking side-by-side comparison spans nearly a century of change in La Jolla. The 1935 aerial shows a sleepy coastal community, with wide open hillsides and only a scattering of homes. In contrast, the 2021 view reveals a bustling, developed neighborhood with winding streets and a dense urban fabric. Yet, the rugged coastline and deep blue waters remain unchanged, reminding viewers of the enduring natural beauty that has always defined La Jolla. The juxtaposition is a testament to both progress and preservation.

Sailing Ship by Point Loma, Lighthouse in View, San Diego, California (1887)Photo by San Diego City Clerk ArchivesA tall...
08/08/2025

Sailing Ship by Point Loma, Lighthouse in View, San Diego, California (1887)

Photo by San Diego City Clerk Archives

A tall sailing ship glides past Point Loma with the Old Point Loma Lighthouse visible on the bluff. This was an era when San Diego was still a growing port town, and maritime trade was vital to its economy. The lighthouse, completed in 1855, served as a beacon for ships navigating the rocky entrance to the bay. Its location atop the peninsula provided unmatched visibility, though its height also meant it was often shrouded in fog—eventually leading to the construction of a lower light. This image captures both the romance and challenges of life at sea.

La Jolla Cove and Cottages, San Diego, California (circa 1936)Photo by San Diego City Clerk Archives La Jolla Cove had b...
08/08/2025

La Jolla Cove and Cottages, San Diego, California (circa 1936)

Photo by San Diego City Clerk Archives

La Jolla Cove had become a sought-after getaway for those seeking ocean breezes and cozy seaside cottages. These small rental homes, perched above the cliffs, offered front-row views of the surf and sunsets. Visitors could step out their doors and stroll down to the cove’s sandy edge or watch seals from the rocky outcroppings. This period captures La Jolla in its early resort-town charm, long before modern development reshaped its coastline.

Highway 163 (395), Cabrillo Bridge, Balboa Park, San Diego, California (1956)Photo by San Diego History Center: Photo ID...
08/08/2025

Highway 163 (395), Cabrillo Bridge, Balboa Park, San Diego, California (1956)

Photo by San Diego History Center: Photo ID -118

Highway 163 then designated U.S. 395 passing under the iconic Cabrillo Bridge in Balboa Park. The lush parkland frames the graceful arches, creating a rare mix of urban roadway and historic architecture. The bridge, originally built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, had by this time become both a functional transportation link and a visual treasure. Drivers on this stretch enjoyed one of the most scenic commutes in the city, surrounded by palm trees, gardens, and Spanish Colonial Revival structures.

La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California (1890s)Photo by La Jolla Historical SocietyLa Jolla Cove was a secluded paradise fa...
08/08/2025

La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California (1890s)

Photo by La Jolla Historical Society

La Jolla Cove was a secluded paradise far removed from the bustle of San Diego’s developing city center. Gentle waves lapped at the rocky shoreline, while seabirds and seals were the primary visitors. The surrounding hills were largely untouched, with no modern roads or beachfront homes. This natural haven would become a favorite for painters, photographers, and early bathers who braved the chilly Pacific. The cove’s stunning beauty was already earning it a reputation as one of California’s coastal jewels, a title it still proudly holds today.

View of San Diego from Point Loma at the Corner of Carleton & Emerson Streets, San Diego, California (1965)Photo credit ...
08/08/2025

View of San Diego from Point Loma at the Corner of Carleton & Emerson Streets, San Diego, California (1965)

Photo credit unavailable

From the high ground of Point Loma in 1965, this view captures San Diego’s waterfront stretching out toward the Coronado Islands. The quiet residential streets of Carleton and Emerson offered a vantage point to watch ships move through the bay. At the time, San Diego was still a smaller, more relaxed city, with fewer high-rises and a more open coastline. The balance of naval activity, fishing fleets, and recreational boats spoke to a community tied to the sea. This photo freezes a moment before urban growth transformed the skyline.

Coronado Bridge, San Diego, California (circa 1970)Photo credit unavailableThe Coronado Bridge, freshly opened in 1969, ...
08/08/2025

Coronado Bridge, San Diego, California (circa 1970)

Photo credit unavailable

The Coronado Bridge, freshly opened in 1969, was an engineering marvel linking San Diego’s downtown with the historic Coronado peninsula. Its dramatic curve and towering clearance were designed to accommodate the U.S. Navy’s largest ships. By the early 1970s, the bridge had quickly become a defining part of the city’s skyline. Before its construction, ferries had been the main way across the bay, making the bridge a symbol of progress and modernization. Today, its graceful arc still offers one of the most scenic drives in Southern California.

The Pier and Newport Ave in Ocean Beach, San Diego, California (1967)Photo by Stephen RowellThe Ocean Beach Pier stood n...
08/08/2025

The Pier and Newport Ave in Ocean Beach, San Diego, California (1967)

Photo by Stephen Rowell

The Ocean Beach Pier stood newly opened, stretching proudly into the Pacific as one of the longest concrete piers on the West Coast. Newport Avenue, leading straight to the ocean, was the heartbeat of the community with surf shops, diners, and local hangouts. The pier quickly became a hub for fishing, sightseeing, and sunsets that drew both locals and visitors. Its design allowed it to withstand the heavy swells of winter storms while offering a panoramic view of the coastline. That year marked a new era for Ocean Beach, blending the town’s laid-back charm with a landmark that endures to this day.

View of the Mission Valley Center on Opening Day, San Diego, California (1961)Photo credit unavailableWhen Mission Valle...
08/08/2025

View of the Mission Valley Center on Opening Day, San Diego, California (1961)

Photo credit unavailable

When Mission Valley Center opened its doors in 1961, it represented the future of suburban shopping. Built on what was once open farmland, the center featured department stores, boutiques, and a sprawling parking lot—designed for the automobile age. On opening day, families arrived in their finest attire to explore the new mall’s gleaming storefronts. Escalators, fountains, and outdoor walkways set the tone for decades of consumer culture in Southern California. This mall became the anchor for Mission Valley’s transformation into a commercial powerhouse. It was a new chapter for a very old valley.

Taylor Street and Pacific Highway, San Diego, California (1941)Photo credit unavailableTaylor Street and Pacific Highway...
08/08/2025

Taylor Street and Pacific Highway, San Diego, California (1941)

Photo credit unavailable

Taylor Street and Pacific Highway intersect in this 1941 view of a growing San Diego. With the naval base nearby and the airport not far off, this area became a key transportation corridor. The Pacific Highway, once part of U.S. Route 101, carried soldiers, goods, and tourists through town. Taylor Street connected to Old Town and Mission Valley, marking it as both a cultural and logistical link. The cars on the road speak to wartime mobility, while small roadside buildings reflect a still-developing urban landscape. It's a practical but historic junction in the city’s evolution.

Address

Los Angeles, CA

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when California History posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share