San Diego County Heritage Park
Explore a unique San Diego treasure of beautifully maintained Victorian buildings and an authentic tea room in Heritage County Park & Victorian Village.
San Diego's Victorian architecture is preserved on these 78 acres. Following WWII, the original sites of these structures were threatened with demolition due to the expansion of the downtown area. The acquisition, relocation, and restoration of these buildings was funded by public and private funds.
Historic Buildings
Kate Sessions, a pioneer horticulturist in San Diego, built Eugene Senlis' cottage in 1896. In the 1880s, working-class people occupied homes without amenities such as gas, electricity, water, or sewer. From 9am to 5pm, Senlis Cottage is open to the public on a daily basis.
It was built and owned by John Sherman, the cousin of General William Tecumseh Sherman, in 1887. In spring 1971, this structure moved to Heritage Park, retaining its widow's walk and circular window. Internationally famous entertainers performed at Bess and Gertrude Gilbert's home from 1892 to 1965. Arthur Rubinstein and Yehudi Menuhin were among the artists present.
It was built by Harfield Timberlake Christian, founder of an early abstract business in San Diego. It boasts a variety of chimneys, shingles, a corner tower, and an encircling veranda typical of the late Victorian style.
Originally built as a rental house in 1887, the Bushyhead House was built by Edward Wilkerson Bushyhead, a former sheriff, police chief, and owner of the San Diego Union newspaper. An Italianate house features double doors with glass panels, bay windows with tall protruding cornices, and a low pitched roof. The Bushyhead House was moved to Heritage Park in the summer of 1976. During the Trail of Tears in 1838-39, Bushyhead, who was part Cherokee Indian, marched along the trail.
It was named for its original owner, John McConaughy, who established the county's first scheduled passenger and freight services in 1887. A four- and six-horse passenger stage made its way from San Diego to Julian on his four-horse stages. The Old Town Gift Emporium at McConaughy House, which specializes in Victorian porcelain dolls, is open from 10am to 5pm on Thursdays and Tuesdays.
Burton House (1893) is noted for its dentil cornices and pediments. Architect Henry Guild Burton built it during a period when removing decorations began to be popular.
The Congregation Beth Israel's Temple Beth Israel (1889) served as temporary quarters for many religious sects before they established their own churches. Structure of the church reflects late 1800s church styles. On September 25, 1889, the first services were held. In this building, PHG handles reservations for weddings, bar mitzvahs, receptions, and public meetings. Private events are not permitted in Temple Beth Israel, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.