On the panoramic San Diego Bay, minutes from downtown San Diego and the U.S.- Mexico Border, National City is a multi-cultural community with an ideal climate and a thriving economic base.  With access to major educational institutions, recreational and cultural attractions,  National City is a great place to live, work and visit.

Often characterized by it’s rich historic past, National City is in fact the second oldest city in San Diego County. Incorporated on September 17, 1887, National City was originally part of the 26,000-acre El Rancho de la Nacion, which was purchased in 1868 by Frank Kimball and his brothers Warren and Levi. The Kimball’s cleared lands, built roads, constructed the City's first wharf and brought the railroad to the City.

The Kimball’s and other early visionary leaders of National City are embodied in the historical buildings and landscape dotted throughout the City. The historic buildings are evidence of the rich past which contributes to the cultural fabric of National City today. Such historical resources provide continuity with our past and enhance our quality of life.