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Program Guide  Open Play Schedule

History of the Center

The site that is now Presidio Recreation Center was acquired in 1944. It was developed in 1946 and dedicated in 1975.

The Spanish Presidio of San Diego was established on Presidio Hill on July 1, 1769, the day Gov. Don Gaspar de Portola claimed "Alta California" as a territory of Spain. The Presidio was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Coast of what is now the United States. It was also the base of operations for the Spanish colonization of California, achieved through the development of missions and presidios. The Presidio served as the base for exploration throughout California's interior and remained the seat of military power in California through the Mexican period. Originally constructed of wood, the presidio was reconstructed of adobe in 1778. When news of Mexico's independence from Spain reached California in 1822, the Mexican army took possession of the San Diego Presidio. From 1825 to 1829, it served as the Mexican Governor's residence. After the Pueblo de San Diego was founded in 1835, the Presidio buildings fell into ruin. In 1929, a park was established at the site. The Serra Museum, adjacent to the park, houses a collection of archeological artifacts related to the history of Spanish and Mexican California.

Directions and Bus Route

Map this location

From Interstate 5, take Interstate 8 east. Proceed on Interstate 8, then take the Taylor Street exit. Turn right on Taylor, then left on Presidio Drive. The center is on the right, near Jackson Street.

The Center is accessible by bus via SDMTS Routes 14, 44 and 105, and is just four blocks from the San Diego Trolley's Green Line and buses at the Old Town Transit Center.