Introduction to La Mesa, California
The California city of La Mesa is located in San Diego County, about 11 miles east of the City of San Diego and about 25 miles from the Mexican border. It is bordered by El Cajon (to the northeast), Spring Valley (to the southeast) and Lemon Grove (to the south). Major thoroughfares servicing the city include Interstate I-8 and California State Highways 94 and 125.
La Mesa History
Founded in 1869, La Mesa was originally part of a large ranch owned and operated by Robert Allison. When water and rail transportation appeared in the area in the late 19th century, a land boom ensued and the town of La Mesa was established. Incorporated in 1912, La Mesa has evolved from a sleepy farming community into today's dynamic metropolitan area while retaining its spectacular natural beauty.
La Mesa Points of Interest
La Mesa has 14 parks, a municipal pool and a golf course. Recreational spots nearby include Lake Murray, a very popular venue for hiking, bicycling, jogging, roller blading, boating, fishing and picnicking, along with Mission Trails Regional Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country encompassing over 5,000 acres of both natural and developed recreational space. Visitors and residents of La Mesa can enjoy a blast from the past every Thursday from June through August at the city's Thursday Night Car Show. The summer event, which draws spectators numbering in the thousands, features live music, shopping, dining and a weekly classic car contest. A Friday afternoon tradition in La Mesa is the weekly La Mesa Village Farmers Market, where shoppers can select from fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, organically grown produce, breads, preserves and many other specialties.
