Welcome to the Museum River Scenic View, tucked just behind the Junípero Serra Museum.
Here, history comes alive with signs that compare what San Diego once looked like with what you see today.
This scenic spot is located on the grounds of the first European settlement in California—but it’s also a place where many cultures, stories, and landscapes meet.
👉 Look for the sign titled:
“Site with Many Cultures (Un Sito de Muchas Culturas)”
Each stop in this exhibit highlights a unique piece of San Diego’s story.
✨ Spanish Landing Site (Sitio de Aterrizaje Español)
Where explorers first stepped ashore.
✨ Kumeyaay Village of Cosoy (El Pueblo Kumiai de Cosoy)
The thriving home of San Diego’s First People.
✨ Derby Dike (El Dique Derby)
An early engineering effort to tame the river.
✨ Mission Bay
From natural wetlands to a recreational hub.
✨ Mount Soledad
A landmark rising above the coastline.
✨ Mission Valley Flooding (Las Inundaciones de Mission Valley)
A reminder of the river’s wild power.
✨ Mission Valley
From farmland to urban development.
✨ River Preservation (Preservación del Río)
Efforts to protect the river for the future.
✨ Mission San Diego de Alcalá (La Misión de San Diego de Alcalá)
California’s first mission, built along the river.
✨ Headwaters of the San Diego River (Cabecera del Río San Diego)
Where the river’s journey begins.
✨ Mission Valley Development (Desarrollo de Mission Valley)
The changing face of a growing community.
📸 Great photo spots with sweeping views of the valley.
🎓 Learn history with bilingual (English & Spanish) signs.
🏞️ Connect with nature while seeing how people have shaped it.
🚶 Perfect stop for families, students, or explorers.
📍 Location: Behind the Junípero Serra Museum, Presidio Park, San Diego
🕒 Best Time: Late afternoon for golden sunlight over the valley
🎟️ Free & Open to the Public