La Mesa & Mount Helix

In 1869, rancher Robert Allison bought thousands of acres in the region. He helped bring water and the railroad to the area, known as Allison Springs.

The transformation to a residential community began in 1906 when developers began div​​​​​​​iding lots. It became a movie making mecca in 1911, when pistol-packing producer Allan Dwan shot about 150 silent “flickers.” The community incorporated in 1912. 

📌Check it Out

1. Deering Banjo Company

2. Lamplighters Community Theatre

3. McKinney House

4. Mt. Helix Park

5. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum 

6. Secret Stairs La Mesa

📍Shops and Eats

1. Antica Trattoria

2. Anthony's Fish Grotto

3. Casa Gabriela

4. Farmer's Table

5. Helix Brewing Co.

6. The Hill Local Pub

7. Johnny B's

8. Mastiff Kitchen

9. Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant

10. Small Batch 

11. Smokey and The Brisket BBQ

Downtown La Mesa has hosted the region's largest Oktoberfest -which takes place in September and October- for 50 years