There is a lot of potential here, as the historic site of a significant battle in the Mexican American War. However, my experience was a tale of three unfortunates: 1) There is no easy or allowed (?) access to the trails if the park is not open. There is a smaller dirt pull off and entry to the trail from the west end of Mule Hill. It is overgrown, but usable. 2) The trail itself is poorly maintained. There was grass, weeds, and even cacti over growing the trail in places. 3) The park is only open on SAT/SUN, presumably to save money. However, the park should find a way to enable people to hike on the trail regardless of if the office/visitor center is open.I am currently a member of the 1st Cavalry Regiment, the unit whose heraldry dates to the 1st Dragoons, who fought this battle under the leadership of Gen. Kearny. I wish I lived closer, because I would gladly volunteer to help revitalize this site and maybe develop some signs to present the events that unfolded here.

Very interesting place. I did not know about the battle of San Pasqual. My only complaint is that it was too warm inside the building.

A local gem! The staff and volunteers are so knowledgeable and helpful!

San Pasqual Valley is beautiful this time of year. The rain makes the hills green and the view from the trail behind the visitor center takes in the whole of the valley. The chaparral is healthy and growing, and there are usually many wild flowers along the trail.

I found the history of the battle, the markers to read very fascinating. I wasnt completely familiar with all went on in San Pasqual Valley and the bravery of the soldiers. There are some pretty cool artifacts in the museum and of course the facts of went on in this Valley. I am a big fan of history, so if you are too, its a pretty cool place to visit.

I’ll give 4 stars for historic value alone. If they were open would likely be 4 but nobody was home. Unfortunately the trail was closed due to lack of maintenance. For a state funded park and as a state resident this is unacceptable. Equally disappointing was the lack of signage indicating points of interest. Where is mule hill? Is it the hill directly behind the museum or across the valley? How difficult is it to point that out with a sign? Draw one on paper. Paper must be in the budget. An incredibly important location in the early history of our state yet so little resources. The location for which the mythology of Edward F. Beale was manufactured. A mythology that would grow to proportions that would one day facilitate one of the 19th centuries greatest fleecing of the US government and citizens, as well as, one of the worst genocides this world has ever witnessed.

Place is small but very cool. The gentleman behind counter is very knowledgeable about the areas history. I would recommend if your into California history and of course Mexican history

An incredible place to visit and learn about our history.

Visited while exploring outside San Diego while visiting the in-laws. My first Mexican War site visited beyond Texas.

The history was very interesting and the people dress up in the days that war made it interesting..

Its Ok. The curators were awesome.

The smallest state park Ive ever seen. Nice visitor center, friendly staff, & good exhibits. Trail was easy but has some erosion issue & the trail guide given out did not match the trail signs. Great views of valley below.

Great history and the docent knows a lot of local history.

Great little place with a ton of history

Good piece of history, very educational. This place needs to be preserved.

A neat little museum, sort of hidden away, staffed by docents ready to provide friendly information and give you not only a great tour, but tips on some great hikes using the local historical trails.

San Pasqual Museum presevers the historical significance of this valley during the USA Mexican war. The events that occur during this great battle are well represented in the artifacts and archives preserved in this museum.

Cool little spot of history and nice trails for a short easy hike

Really cool little museum. Very well done. Nice facilities. Very friendly staff. A great stop. They also have some good artifacts from the time, including cannons. Glad I stopped by.

Its history....at least were not tearing it down like in the south..

Beautiful area and a great history lesson.

This museum is right along the highway on SR78. Free admission. Plenty of parking. It is full of history of the area, mainly the Battle of San Pasqual. Re-enactments take place annually in early December. The battle itself is spectacular. Displays and demonstrations are set up to experience live as it was in the time the battle took place; children, in particular, will enjoy the hands-on experiences.

Got here finally on Battle Day, WHAT A TREASURE! Volunteers are so knowledgeable and open to talking about this area. It was a small skirmish that has made a big impact on our history.A must see!

The best thing about this place is that you can bring in your food. This place is dirty. A lil pricey on the tickets but the lady who helped me gave us a discount so that was really cool. Overall if you like hiking and nature and dont mind the manure smell its a good time to take family

Some interesting history which for some reason isnt generally covered in US history. Beautiful view, and well done little museum.

Great place to learn a little history and doesnt take much time to do it. Also some short trails that give you different views, which San Diego has so many of those . History is so important and the presentation is great here, especially on 1st Sunday of each month.

What can I say, its a dirt field? But, for an open space its great for excersise activities like running and riding and its cool that there are some historical plaques to read

Great interactive site. Very educational and family-friendly.

Great history of the valley & hiking trails nearby.

Great Mtb trails for beginners

Awesome place! Great docent, short hike. Very good local history lesson.

Quiet and unassuming. The battle ground is actually across the street. So be sure to make the Saturday presentation so you can get the schpeal from the guides.

Great find.

If you are driving by, stop. A good history lesson. Has a short hiking trail, bring your tennis shoes.

Nice little local history museum.

Great place , found Indian grind holes .

Neat place, knowledgeable docents. Completely unexpected site.

Had a great time looking at the Beale-Carson Monument. They have an awesome amphitheater that is used probably when they do living history activities. I think its the first Sunday of the month Oct thru Jun. So hurry and catch it if you can. Wish they had more park merch though. Wish I live close by so I could volunteer.

Quiet, informative, beautiful views, great people.

To learn history about this place it sure helps for all ages to explore

Nothing outside of a very specific interest. Definitely recommend for military, Californian, or history enthusiasts.

Very interesting. It tells a thorough story.

Sad that So many pass by and Miss a viewof California History!Kit Carson, Kearney,Gillespie and WarnerWere Real men here.Stop for an hour,You Will be Enriched!

Flat walk near farmlands, quiet and easy hike.

Great for a historic look back

Cute little museum. Not too much to see.

I have no idea what happened here. Kinda just wanted an electric footprint on this side of townage

Neat place for an easy hike.

Interesting little historical park. Knowledgeable staff happy to see you and show you around.

Nice historical place.

Great interpretive signs explaining the history of this valley.

Trail was closed.

Amazing historical battlefield

Big park

Come learn about War.

Best food in town

Very historic

This place knows da way

Beautiful place

Cool historical spot.

Simple and enjoyable hike

Fun walk with history lesson

Cool if you like history