National City

While its name seems like it could exist anywhere, National City has a distinctly San Diego personality, from its connection to the historic transcontinental railroad to its flair for great tacos. Located just south of downtown, National City also offers a convenient and affordable home base for classic San Diego County adventures.

Historic Sites in National City

The modern version of the town was founded in 1868, when Frank Kimball and his two brothers bought the land that had previously been known as Rancho de la Nación. Over the years, “National Ranch” became National City. In 1885 the terminus of the Santa Fe Railroad was established here—you can explore it at the National City Depot Museum—and railroad executives lived in the row of 1887 brick houses still standing on Heritage Square, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Kimballs dabbled in agriculture, too, experimenting with growing the fruit called an “alligator pear,” and now known as an avocado.

You can still spot Victorian homes scattered around the town. A short drive from Heritage Square, Stein Family Farm features an 1880s farmhouse-turned-museum, a barn full of antique farm equipment, and friendly barnyard animals and barn cats. Nearby Olivewood Gardens is a seven-acre educational garden located around a grand older home that hosts a weekly produce stand, monthly tours, and stand-alone classes on cooking or gardening.

You can also see contemporary history along the western edge of National City, which sits against the Naval Base San Diego along San Diego Bay. Get a good view from Pepper Park—the five-acre park that has a play structure, boat ramp, and fishing pier—or while enjoying a burger, salad, or fish ’n’ chips at The Waterfront Grill at Pier 32.

Where to Eat, Stay, and Shop in National City

National City offers a range of budget-friendly mainstream-brand hotels, such as a Holiday Inn Express, a Howard Johnson, and the Best Western Plus Marina Gateway, which sits right along the Bay.

For a retro dining thrill, head to Cafe La Maze Steakhouse, which opened in National City in 1941 as the sister property of a Hollywood steakhouse and offered an easy detour for movie stars and other fans going to a racetrack that used to be in Tijuana. Today the old-school steakhouse has red-leather booths, Hollywood photos on the wall, and a menu of steaks and prime rib, which you can have topped with bleu cheese, sauteed mushrooms, or even onion rings.

For contemporary cuisine, head to the Market on 8th, a food hall with cross-border synergy: Options include Baja-style style tacos at Kiko’s Place, burgers with a Tijuana-inspired sauce at Poppy’s & Cream, and Mexican–Chinese-fusion at Xi-Cali. Don’t miss Niederfrank’s Ice Cream next door, a family-owned business that has been in National City since 1948. The all-natural ice cream maker offers dozens of flavors—from classic chocolate chip to the more eclectic blueberry sorbet, avocado pistachio, and honey bourbon fig.

For family fun, browse the stores at the nearby Westfield Plaza Bonita—with branches of Vans, PacSun, and Hollister—or hone your clue-following skills at escape room Steal and Escape, good for ages 7 and up. Fun fact: National City has long been a hotbed for auto dealerships, too, along the Mile of Cars that has been here since the 1950s.

Things to Do Near National City

National City makes a convenient home base if you’re in town to explore sights anywhere near downtown. Petco Park, home of the Padres, as well as Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, are all about five miles away. Similarly, the attractions of Chula Vista are just minutes to the south—such as Sesame Place San Diego and the birding and biking of San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Other big sights, including the USS Midway, Maritime Museum of San Diego, and Coronado Island are all about a 15-minute drive away .

As you plan your trip, check out more ways to play in San Diego, as well as amazing local taco shops and best bike trails and paths.