Heritage County Park

The basics

A small public park that offers a window into San Diego’s late 19th-century real estate boom, the city’s Heritage County Park showcases six private residences as well as the Temple Beth Israel (San Diego's first synagogue, built in 1889). Although most of the buildings can only be viewed from the outside, it’s possible to explore several of them, including Senlis Cottage (a working-class home of the era, now the park’s small museum) and Temple Beth Israel.

Heritage County Park can be seen on a number of sightseeing tours, many of which also visit the nearby Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Two highlights include the Sherman-Gilbert House (owned by General William T. Sherman's cousin) and Bushyhead House (owned by a San Diego sheriff and chief of police who was part Cherokee). Heritage County Park has a reputation for ghost sightings and unexplained happenings, and ghost-spotting walking tours offer a spooky take.

Things to know before you go

• Public restrooms are located north of Senlis Cottage, which doubles as the park museum.

• Drones, smoking, glass bottles, and littering are all prohibited at the park.

• Temple Beth Israel hosts weddings, events, and bar mitzvahs.

• For a scenic view, take the signed trail at the end of the park and walk uphill to a bench that overlooks the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

• A gift shop at the McConaughy House is open Thursday–Tuesday.

How to get there

The Heritage County Park is located at 2454 Heritage Park Row, northwest of downtown San Diego. If traveling from Downtown, take I-5 N; the journey typically takes less than 10 minutes. The park is also served by the No. 83 bus line or the Blue Line on the San Diego Trolley; get off at Old Town Station and walk for about 12 minutes to get to the park.

When to get there

The Heritage County Park is open daily, from sunrise to sunset. The on-site Coral Tree Teahouse is open Friday–Sunday, from late morning until late afternoon. Note that the park is undergoing renovations, and some of its buildings’ interiors will be turned into overnight accommodation, extending its opening hours.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Adjacent to Heritage County Park is Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which tells the story of the city from 1821–1872. Visit to view historic buildings from the time period, explore the Historic Plaza, explore museums and shops, and otherwise learn about what San Diego was like in its Mexican and and early American Eras. Stop at both parks for a double dose of San Diego history.