San Diego in the 1920s: A City Transformed by Aviation, Movies, and the Roaring Twenties Spirit

The decade of the 1920s brought significant transformation to San Diego, building upon the foundations laid in the early years of the 20th century, particularly the Panama-California Exposition of 1915-1916. This exposition had a lasting effect, establishing San Diego’s image as a beautiful resort city and a sought-after destination for tourists. The success of the exposition acted as a powerful draw, attracting visitors who were captivated by the city’s charm and potential, leading many to make San Diego their permanent home. This influx of new residents fueled a period of rapid growth, with the city’s population nearly doubling between 1920 and 1930. This dramatic increase in population signaled a significant shift in the city’s character and set the stage for the dynamic era known as the Roaring Twenties.

As San Diego grew, certain places became central to the lives of its residents and visitors. Balboa Park continued to be a vital hub for recreation and culture. The zoo found a new home within the park, and the idea for an art gallery gained momentum. The Spreckels Organ Pavilion remained a popular attraction, hosting daily concerts that drew music lovers from all walks of life. Balboa Park served as a crucial social and cultural anchor for the expanding city, offering a diverse range of activities and attractions for people to enjoy.  

Mission Beach emerged as a significant resort destination during the 1920s. The Spreckels companies invested heavily in developing this area into a premier resort, aiming to create a destination that could rival the already established Coronado and Tent City. The development of beach resorts catered to the increasing popularity of coastal leisure activities and tourism, reflecting a national trend of people seeking out opportunities for recreation and relaxation by the sea.

Downtown San Diego maintained its position as the city’s commercial and administrative heart. While new suburban neighborhoods began to develop, drawing some families away from the city center, downtown remained the primary hub for business, government offices, and entertainment venues. The construction of commercial piers along the waterfront further solidified downtown’s economic importance.

The 1920s witnessed a flurry of activity across various sectors, shaping San Diego into the city it would become. The military’s presence grew substantially, the city expanded its geographical boundaries, and the exciting new world of aviation began to take hold. Alongside these major developments, civic leaders and residents alike focused on planning for the future and creating a vibrant urban environment.

Beyond these central areas, other parts of San Diego began to experience growth and development. Areas like Ocean Heights and East San Diego were annexed by the city, and streetcar lines were extended to connect these newer areas with the established parts of San Diego, including La Jolla. This outward expansion marked the early stages of suburbanization in San Diego, mirroring a broader national trend of urban populations decentralizing and new residential communities emerging on the city’s periphery.  

The 1920s marked a period of considerable military expansion in San Diego, with the Navy and Marine Corps playing an increasingly important role. The U.S. Navy made a decisive move to establish San Diego Bay as the primary home base for its Pacific Fleet following World War I. This strategic decision led to the development of numerous naval and marine installations. By 1923, ten major facilities were either under construction or authorized. These included a Naval Hospital in Balboa Park, a Naval Supply Depot, a Naval Training Station, and a Marine Corps Base. Millions of dollars were invested in developing these facilities, including the Naval Air Station on North Island and its auxiliary field, Ream Field. This significant build-up of military infrastructure firmly established San Diego as a major military hub on the West Coast, a defining characteristic that would shape its future growth and identity

San Diego’s economy in the 1920s was primarily driven by its growing military and naval presence. The establishment and expansion of military bases provided a stable economic foundation, with significant government investment and the employment of a large number of military personnel and civilian workers. This firmly established San Diego’s reputation as a “Navy town” and shaped its economic trajectory for decades to come. The early aviation industry also began to take root in San Diego, emerging as a significant economic sector. The establishment of aircraft manufacturing companies and the inauguration of commercial air service marked the beginning of San Diego’s journey to becoming a major center for aerospace

The 1920s were a time of significant building and urban growth in San Diego. Waterfront development was a major focus, with the construction of commercial piers aimed at boosting the city’s maritime trade. While city planner John Nolen had originally recommended reserving the waterfront for civic and recreational purposes, the construction of two piers, one at the foot of the city’s main thoroughfare and another at B Street, reflected the prevailing desire to establish San Diego as a prominent port city.  

To accommodate the rapidly growing population, numerous residential subdivisions were developed. Areas like Kensington, Talmadge Park, University Heights, and Pacific Beach saw the construction of new homes to meet the increasing demand for housing. The building boom also saw the rise of new housing styles, such as bungalow courts and larger apartment buildings, particularly in neighborhoods near Balboa Park. The expansion of streetcar lines played a crucial role in facilitating this suburban development, allowing people to live further from downtown employment centers.

Recognizing the need for a long-term vision, the city engaged in early city planning efforts. The second Nolen Plan, adopted in 1926, provided a comprehensive guide for San Diego’s future development. This plan emphasized the importance of waterfront development, the creation of a Civic Center, and the preservation of historic sites, laying the groundwork for more organized and sustainable urban growth in the years to come.

The 1920s also heralded the dawn of a new era for San Diego with the rise of aviation. North Island became a hub for groundbreaking achievements in flight. In 1922, Army Air Service Lieutenants Oakley Kelly and John Macready set a new sustained flight record while in San Diego. The following year, Navy photographers from North Island captured the first aerial photograph of a solar eclipse. That same year, Kelly and Macready achieved another milestone by completing the first non-stop transcontinental flight, landing in San Diego. Recognizing the growing importance of aviation, city leaders began planning for a municipal airport, which would later become Lindbergh Field. In 1925, Ryan Airlines was established, offering the first regularly scheduled passenger air service between San Diego and Los Angeles. San Diego’s favorable weather conditions and the presence of military airfields made it an ideal location for these early aviation endeavors, positioning the city as a significant center for both military and commercial flight.  

Even with the excitement surrounding military and aviation developments, civic leaders recognized the importance of thoughtful planning for the city’s future. After an initial lull in the early part of the decade, interest in civic planning was rekindled. The rehabilitation of buildings from the Panama-California Exposition provided the community with a renewed center for cultural and recreational activities. Plans for an art gallery began to take shape. City planner John Nolen, who had previously contributed to San Diego’s development, was once again involved in creating a comprehensive plan for the city, its harbor, and its parks. By 1926, the City Council adopted the second Nolen Plan, using it as a guide for future growth and development. This renewed focus on civic planning demonstrated a growing understanding of the need for organized development to manage the city’s rapid expansion and preserve its inherent beauty.  

As the population surged, San Diego expanded its city limits through strategic annexations. In 1922, Ocean Heights became part of the city, followed by the annexation of East San Diego in 1923. The annexation of East San Diego alone added nearly nine square miles to the city’s area. These expansions were a direct response to the rapid urbanization and the need to accommodate the growing number of people choosing to live in San Diego. The increased population put pressure on existing residential areas, making it necessary for the city to expand its boundaries to allow for the development of new neighborhoods and the necessary infrastructure to support them.  

Daily life in San Diego during the 1920s was shaped by the city’s evolving economy and social landscape. The military’s significant presence meant that many residents were either directly employed by the armed forces or worked in related industries. The growth of the health and resort industry also provided numerous job opportunities in hospitality and related services. While San Diego was not as heavily industrialized as some other major cities, these sectors formed the backbone of its economy.

Social activities and recreation often revolved around the city’s natural beauty and public spaces. Balboa Park and the beaches were popular destinations for leisure and community gatherings. Residents enjoyed fishing, hunting, sailing, and bathing along the coast. The rehabilitation of exposition buildings in Balboa Park created a renewed center for cultural and recreational interests.

The increasing availability of streetcars and the early adoption of automobiles brought about changes in daily routines and provided greater mobility for San Diegans. Streetcar lines expanded to reach new suburban areas like Mission Beach and La Jolla, making these areas more accessible. The growing ownership of automobiles further increased personal freedom and reshaped the patterns of urban development.

While the 1920s brought progress and growth to San Diego, the city also faced its share of challenges and hardships. There were ongoing debates about the best way to develop the city, particularly the tension between promoting industrial growth and preserving San Diego’s appeal as a resort destination. Some worried that a focus on industry might detract from the natural beauty that attracted tourists and new residents.  

Infrastructure limitations also posed a challenge. While some progress was made in paving roads, particularly the highway to Los Angeles, other areas, especially inland routes and eastward connections, still had significant stretches of unpaved or poorly maintained roads. The presence of these unimproved roads could make travel difficult and hinder the efficient movement of goods and people.  

The 1920s were also a time of vibrant entertainment and cultural trends in San Diego. Theaters and movies became increasingly popular, offering a form of escape and shared experience for many. Numerous theaters operated throughout the city and surrounding areas, showcasing both silent films and, later in the decade, “talkies”. The opening of grand movie palaces like the Balboa Theatre in 1924 reflected the growing popularity of cinema. Mirroring national trends, jazz music and dancing the Charleston became popular forms of entertainment in San Diego. The lively rhythms of jazz and the energetic movements of the Charleston captured the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, and it’s probable that San Diego had its share of clubs and social gatherings where these forms of entertainment could be enjoyed.  

San Diego’s natural beauty and pleasant climate continued to fuel a thriving tourism and resort industry. The city’s attractions, including Balboa Park, the beaches, and nearby destinations like Tijuana, drew thousands of visitors each year, supporting a significant portion of the local economy through hotels, restaurants, and other related businesses.