With a variety of historic landmarks, iconic hotels, world-class attractions, and signature special events celebrating anniversary years in 2013, visitors to San Diego can discover a wealth of historical journeys throughout the year.  

COMMEMORATING HISTORY

Located along historic Highway 101 at the northernmost end of San Diego County's coastline, the City of Oceanside celebrates its 125th anniversary since its incorporation on July 3, 1888. Oceanside is home to pristine beaches, historical landmarks and a distinct Southern California surf culture where visitors can explore a diversity of attractions. A landmark since 1888, the picturesque Oceanside pier offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The Oceanside Small Craft Harbor marks its 50th anniversary in 2013 as well.

Also located in Oceanside, Mission San Luis Rey celebrates its 215th anniversary in 2013.Mission San Luis Rey is California's largest mission and a symbol of the early mission legacy. Visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour of the mission grounds, including its museum featuring mission and Native American artifacts.  Guests can also take monthly behind-the-scenes tours and reserve a weekend stay at the mission.

Old Town San Diego marks 45 years since being designated a state historic park. One of the most popular attractions in the region, visitors can witness the living legacy of California's birthplace at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, San Diego's first “downtown.” Old Town was the site of the first Spanish settlement on the U.S. West Coast and represents San Diego's Hispanic heritage from 1821 to 1872, when Mexico gained independence from Spain and took over the area.  Today, the six-block park features 12 acres of Mexican lore and historical sites, colorful shops, early California-style restaurants, museums, a theater, carefully preserved hotels and buildings and so much more.

On Oct. 14, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson reserved a half acre of Fort Rosecrans on the tip of Point Loma in San Diego for "The Order of Panama ... to construct a heroic statue of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo," the Portuguese explorer who discovered California under the Spanish flag in 1542. Now encompassing 160 acres, the Cabrillo National Monument celebrates 100 years of history with exhibitors from many of Southern California's federal, state and local agencies, and non-profit organizations during a three-day celebration weekend from Oct. 12 -14, 2013.

CENTURY-OLD HISTORIC HOTELS

Opened in 1888 and designed to be “the talk of the Western world,” the landmark Hotel del Coronado is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Throughout its rich history, The Del has played host to presidents, royalty and Hollywood's elite and was the glamorous setting for Billy Wilder's comedy classic Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. The Del celebrates this milestone year with a series of dining and spa specials, guest packages, community events, charitable promotions and the release of a new history book.

Amidst the pristine beaches and bluffs of San Diego's beautiful coastal village of La Jolla, the luxurious Grande Colonial Hotel celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2013. Completely modernized, yet faithful to its storied past, this intimate boutique hotel harkens back to a quieter, more dignified era. Throughout 2013, the Grande Colonial marks the 100th anniversary of its grand opening in February 1913 with special packages, old fashioned cocktails and more.

CELEBRATING SCIENCE

The San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park celebrates its 50th anniversary. The museum first opened its doors in Balboa Park in 1963; with a quickly growing collection, the Museum moved from its original location to the nearby Electric Building in 1965, where it remained until 1978 when a devastating fire destroyed the museum and its contents. The museum and the San Diego community came together to rebuild, and the museum moved into the historic Ford Building in 1980, where it resides today.The museum is California's official Air and Space Museum, one of the largest aviation and space museums and home to the third largest aviation archives and library in the country. The museum is celebrating its golden anniversary with the release of its guidebook, Celebrating: a History of the Museum and its Collections.

In1963, Jonas Salk established the Jonas Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla. Adjacent to the University of California, San Diego, the institute is world-renowned for its medical research and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The 26-acre campus, designed by world-renowned architect Louis I. Kahn, overlooks the Pacific Ocean on Torrey Pines Mesa. Free public tours highlighting the facility's unique architecture are available at noon weekdays.

Forty years ago, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park opened its doors and brought interactive exhibits and the world's first IMAX® Dome Theater to San Diego. Today, the Fleet inspires minds and connects individuals to science and technology through more than 100 hands-on exhibits for all ages, IMAX films and planetarium shows in the recently renovated Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. The center's year-long birthday celebration features a new exhibition titled “The Origins of Life,” special events and educational experiences.

ARTSY ANNIVERSARIES

The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) in Balboa Park celebrates 30 years dedicated to exhibiting photography, film and video. Since its founding in 1983, MOPA has presented dynamic world-class photography exhibitions in San Diego and built a world-class photography collection. The anniversary exhibition 30x: Three Decades highlights one acquisition from each of MOPA's 30 years and showcases a selection of influential figures in the history of photography, including works by Alexander Rodchenko, Loretta Lux, Thomas Struth, Lee Friedlander, Robert Adams, Marian Drew and many others.

The Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2013 with a broad range of signature exhibitions, events and programs. In May 1978, the Mingei International Museum of World Folk Art opened with the mission to further the understanding of art of the people (mingei) from all cultures of the world. Thirty-five years later, the museum continues to offer unique exhibitions and events highlighting the arts, crafts and traditions of cultures from around the world.

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego's offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org or call 619-236-1212.