
San Diego County Administration Center, San Diego
Nicknamed the "Jewel on the Bay" due to its notable Art Deco/Beaux-Arts architecture (with hints of Mission/Spanish Revival) as well as its location fronting San Diego's Bay, this multi-story, tower-topped structure used innovative construction techniques to guard against earthquakes. Considered to be "a prototype of American civic center architecture", the Depression-era building (circa 1938) was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Out in front, there is a beautiful fountain sculpture called "Guardian of Water", depicting a woman holding a jug of water, that symbolizes San Diego's role in being a responsible custodian of its resources. Installed in 1939, it was carved from a single, 22-ton, slab of granite. Quite spectacular.
In 2014, the 12-acre (4.9 ha) Waterfront Park opened on both sides of the building, making for an urban delight. More than a decade in the making, it contains open grassy areas, gardens planted with drought-tolerant flowers on the north side, and picnic areas, a playground with colorful swings and slides, plus interactive water fountains for little children to frolic in – on the south side.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am–5pm
Out in front, there is a beautiful fountain sculpture called "Guardian of Water", depicting a woman holding a jug of water, that symbolizes San Diego's role in being a responsible custodian of its resources. Installed in 1939, it was carved from a single, 22-ton, slab of granite. Quite spectacular.
In 2014, the 12-acre (4.9 ha) Waterfront Park opened on both sides of the building, making for an urban delight. More than a decade in the making, it contains open grassy areas, gardens planted with drought-tolerant flowers on the north side, and picnic areas, a playground with colorful swings and slides, plus interactive water fountains for little children to frolic in – on the south side.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am–5pm
This sight is featured in a self-guided walking tour of San Diego, California within the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" which can be downloaded from iTunes App Store or Google Play. Please download the app to your mobile phone or tablet for travel directions for visiting this sight. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
San Diego County Administration Center on Map
Sight Name: San Diego County Administration Center
Sight Location: San Diego, USA
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Diego, USA
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Diego, California
Create Your Own Walk in San Diego
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Diego is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Embarcadero Marina Walking Tour
Adjacent to downtown San Diego and the Big Bay, Embarcadero Marina is a testament to the region's colorful maritime heritage, offering several outstanding ship museums, vibrant waterfront shopping and dining, and pristine views of the city skyline. Its numerous amenities make it the perfect place for a self-guided walk on your San Diego itinerary.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Dubbed as "The Birthplace of California", Old Town San Diego claims to be the first European settlement on the West Coast of the present-day United States and thus, has a long and rich history. It is a charming and happening part of city to stroll around leisurely, with amazing 19th-century houses and lots of local merchants selling unique handicraft items – not to mention the many... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Balboa Park Walking Tour
Named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, Balboa Park is one of the largest cultural parks in USA. The park features 15 famous museums, wonderful gardens, renowned cultural venues and the San Diego Zoo. It is a must see attraction in San Diego and plays host to a constant stream of plays, musicals, museum exhibitions and live concerts. Take this self guided walking tour to discover... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Historic Gaslamp District Walking Tour
San Diego has taken extra efforts to preserve the architectural beauties of times gone by. Historic preservation is, in itself, a major effort and the Gaslamp Quarter – which features one of the largest collections of Victorian commercial architecture in the western US – deserves its due for a job well done.
There are some great restored museum buildings to see, old hotels with a history to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
There are some great restored museum buildings to see, old hotels with a history to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Top Museums Walking Tour
San Diego has over 90 amazing museums. They reflect the wide variety and interests of the region. The museums present a broad range of collections from classic to contemporary art and from natural history to science. Take this self guided walking tour to explore some of the best known museums in San Diego.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 14 Gifts That Say San Diego
San Diego is known for its beautiful, temperate climate, but you can’t take the weather home with you. If you want a piece of San Diego as a souvenir, it’s best to shop with the natives. Whether it is made locally or just made famous locally, following are 14 perfect gifts that capture the...