Field guide · Phoenix
Campus-to-Coastline History Trail
Start right on campus with a hidden archaeology lab, then chase two very different slices of San Diego's past — a colonial-era mission and a somber aviation memorial.
This is a quest for people who like their history a little raw and unpolished. You'll begin steps from SDSU at a working research lab most students walk past without noticing, then head toward the historic mission that gave the region its name, before finishing at a quiet memorial marking a chapter of local aviation history that's easy to miss unless you know where to look.
The stops
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1
Historical Archaeology and Maya Research (HAMR) Lab
Right on/near campus — check posted hours since it's a working research lab, not a traditional museum; ask about current exhibits or ongoing digs.
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2
Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala
Historic mission grounds; wear comfortable shoes for the courtyard and check if docent tours are running that day.
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3
PSA Flight 182
A quiet, reflective memorial site — good for a slower pace to close out the afternoon; bring water since it's mostly outdoor viewing.
This outing lives in Jaha
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