Grantville is one of San Diego's, and the state's, oldest neighborhoods. The area was settled originally when the Spanish padres moved the Mission San Diego de Alcala up into Mission Valley away from the Presidio. The Mission was restored after long neglect in the 1930s and is now an active parish church as well as a well-known tourist attraction.  The Mission museum showcases relics and artifacts of the early California period.

The quiet community of about 4,000 was named Grantville in the 19th century so that it would appeal to Civil War veterans.  Located at the upper end of Mission Valley the area is pedestrian close to Qualcomm Stadium site of the Charger's games and other events. The neighborhood is also home to Kaiser Permanente Hospital and is the gateway to the Mission Trails Regional Park, the largest urban park in the country.