White and pink water lilies dot the still surface of a pond at Mission Cliff Gardens, with palms and dense subtropical planting reflected in the water. At the left, a low garden building with a tile roof sits among flower beds. Mission Cliff Gardens was a privately developed pleasure garden laid out in the early 1900s on the bluffs above Mission Valley in San Diego, reached by the city's streetcar line and known for its palms, lily ponds, and canyon views. The grounds later gave way to residential development.
Postcard Details
Message · English, in pen
[illegible] the [illegible] a fine [illegible]
[illegible] and [illegible] [illegible] the [illegible]
[illegible] and we [illegible] the [illegible]
[illegible] the [illegible] of the [illegible]
[illegible] and [illegible] the [illegible]
[illegible] the [illegible] [illegible]
[illegible] [illegible] hotel [illegible]
[illegible] San Diego [illegible] Cal [illegible]
White border; visible linen/canvas texture; production number 57820 printed at lower right.
Postmark: SAN DIEGO CALIF. MAY 24 1:30 PM 1923. Divided-back white-border card with 1¢ green Franklin stamp; halftone-printed stock, pencil message written sideways along the left edge; light edge wear and slight toning.
Cite this card
The Lily Pond, Mission Cliff Gardens, San Diego, CA, 1923, postcard, c. 1923. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/the-lily-pond-mission-cliff-gardens-san-diego-ca-1923-1923. Accessed November 2, 2026.
