san pasqual battlefield state historic park

AnnieHeffner

Great local history, and lovely trails to hick on. If you go to the top of the hill there is a beautiful view of the back side of the Safari Park. I drove there last month during the week and the museum was closed. I suggest you call first.

24thIDTraveller

The history of the US and westward expansion takes a turning pint at the San Pasqual Battlefield. The historical artifacts, visual history, film, and the docents bring this little known event to life. Anyone interested in US history will find this an important stop in learning about not only our westward expansion, but also understanding our relationship with Mexico. Walking the trails, visiting the monuments is worth the time.

frankk278

Interesting Mexican War battle site conveniently located near the Safari Park. Museum open weekends only.

337wandah

I love local history. Great place to browse and enjoy. Very clean and well put together. Also is wheelchair accessible.

AMB555

San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park was a little gem with a knowledgeable park ranger who was eager to share with us. We got an education. It was a great tie in with the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery as the US dead from the battle were the first to buried in what would later become a National Cemetery.

Panjshir_Phil

This park contains a well done visitor center and grounds overlooking the actual battle site. I have been many times over the years since 1948 and keep returning.

KdeBz

This is our only local battlefield, as far as I know. The battle of San Pasqual was an interesting part of the war with Mexico, and the Visitors' Center does a good job of explaining our local part in the larger conflict. The view is great, as well! My kids were not up for the hike, but we will go back, hopefully on a first Sunday of the month, when they do living history. Worth the visit for history buffs, or anyone in the area! Right next to the Wild Animal Park (Zoo Safari Park.)

josch1122

Nice place with an interpretive center. Small building has displays of uniforms and weapons. Hiking trail which goes up the hill side behind the center. At the top nice views all around. You will not need a lot of time to see everything. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

sflambert

First, there's an early 1840's Dragoon Officer's uniform. One of only three in existence; one at West Point, one in the Smithsonian and the third here. The park grounds and battlefield are typical Southern California back country: dry brush, granite boulders and rattlesnakes. The museum and visitor's center, on the other hand, is first-rate. Several of the docents are reenactors and have an encyclopedic knowledge of the military at the time. The exhibits are well laid out and interesting. Only open on limited days and hours. The absolute best time is to see it in early December on about the anniversary of the battle

sojournpas

I was disappointed that the State of California wouldn't have a better presentation of this particular battle. The "Store" is only open on the weekends, however the trail is open 7 days a week. On a weekday I hiked to the top / end of the trail to fine a graffiti engraved patio cover. There was no kiosk offering any info on where you were, I'm thinking Mule Mountain, or what you were viewing from any direction: i.e. where the battle site actually was; where you were standing; what was the line of travel that the rescuers came from. On the trail they did have some postings up regarding names of the various plants……however there were no plants. Quite possibly I will have to return on a weekend and see if that makes a difference…….

houstontosandiego

This is on the way to the Wild Animal Park and we stopped in...great little museum full of history, and an excellent Visitor's Center. I thought I would be bored, but was actually pleasantly surprised.

explorer1421

This is a great little park. The battle of San Pasaqual is a great story. This is one of the few battles that the Mexicans (really Californios) actually won during the Mexican-American war. The battle involved a sneak attack, malfunctioning weapons, miscommunication, etc. Small little museum to visit with diagrams and photos, and a short little video. A few trails to hike on. It is a cool little place to visit.

rgoben

My wife found this place in the AAA Tour Guide Book. We decided to check it out, and we are glad we did. The gentleman at the Visitor Center was very knowledgeable. He not only shared information about the Park, but also gave us some suggestions of other places we might want to visit while we were in the area. They have some interesting displays you will not see anywhere else.

Grammie49

My grandson enjoyed walking around looking at everything. A little too young to understand the meaning of it all, but will when he gets a little older. Would recommend if you are in the area.

karen2003

A step back into California history, we were never taught in school. Easy access, lots of information about the battle