San Diego is full of surprises. Hidden Gems, right under your nose. Millions of visitors flock to this Southern California Paradise all year long and leave having spent hundreds, even thousands of dollars visiting prominent tourist attractions (or traps) such as the Zoo, Safari Park, SeaWorld, Legoland, and more. They don’t even know it, but they miss the BEST attractions. The secret places. The spots that create unique memories and are truly what America’s Finest City is all about. Now don’t get me wrong, we’ve spent many a day at these theme parks. For theme parks, they truly are fantastic. So go ahead and visit them (The World Famous San Diego Zoo is our favorite)…but pleeeaaaasssseeee don’t leave San Diego without seeing some of our favorite (and many of them free!) ways to enjoy our amazing city. We’ve compiled a list of the hidden gems that will truly make your experience magical, as a visitor or even a local. Click on the links in each descriptor for more details!
Hidden Gem #1: La Jolla Secret Swings
The La Jolla Secret Swings. They are kind of like Big Foot. Some people have never heard of them. But those who have heard of them whisper about their existence, their location, and even if they exist anymore. The swings are there. They aren’t there. They were there, but they’ve been cut off the tree.
2 painted swings, hung from a tree, hidden off a trail, with panoramic views of La Jolla and the ocean waters. There’s a certain delight you get from sitting on that swing. Maybe it’s because of the amazing view. And definitely because you feel like you are now a member of a secret club.
Cost: Absolutely flipping free! Value: Priceless!
Hidden Gem #2: Graffiti Shack
The Graffiti Shack on Mission Beach Jetty is one of those spots you can walk right by, over and over again for 20 years (yes, I did this!) and not even notice it’s there. Climbing along the jetty off the coast, you arrive at this graffiti covered structure. Rumor has it that this random abandoned structure was once a bait shop. This was an awesome new discovery for our family, perfect for some fun climbing, breathtaking 360 views of the beach and ocean, and unique photo opportunities.
Cost: Absolutely nothing! Value: Priceless!
Hidden Gem #3: Kayak or Stand-Up-Paddle Board (SUP) with Sea Lions
Did you know you can easily rent a Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) and within minutes be hanging out with Sea Lions? While there are plenty of places to rent watersports equipment along Mission Bay (kayaks, SUP, jet ski’s, boats, pedal boats, etc.) there is a special hidden location where this takes you right to the sea lions who are always hanging out and even will swim right under the kayak!
Cost: Varies, about $18/hour per Kayak/SUP Value: Priceless!
Hidden Gem #4: San Diego Street Murals
Sure, San Diego is filled with nature’s beauty. But that’s not all. Did you know that all around town our streets are filled with amazing murals and street art by local artists? We created a scavenger hunt of these incredible works of art in the La Jolla, Normal Heights and North Park areas. With our 2 kids in tow, we all had a blast checking out all these Instagram Photo-Worthy murals! Not to mention great exercise as well.
Cost: Free! Value: Priceless!
Hidden Gem #5: Eagle Rock Trail
About an hour from San Diego city (but still in San Diego County) is this incredible trail along the infamous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) which is perfectly named as you arrive at your destination to encounter an uber climbable rock formation in the shape of a giant Eagle! The trail is relatively flat and really beautiful, so it’s a great option for adults and kids alike as long as you have a little stamina and as in our case, lots and lots of snacks.
Cost: Don’t even open your wallet! Value: Priceless!
Hidden Gem #6: Sunny Jim Cave
Hidden inside a store in La Jolla, you have access to the Sunny Jim Sea Cave which provides the only land access to a sea cave in all of California! Once you get to the bottom of the stairs you can immediately see the opening of the cave. If you stand there and peer out for a while you are likely to see kayakers go by! According to the literature provided, the ocean started boring Sunny Jim cave into the sandstone cliffs about 200,000 years ago. In 1902 they dug the tunnel using picks and shovels to allow tourists to visit this cave. At first it was just rope to get down (can you imagine?) and in 1910 they added the stairs.
Cost: $5/Adults $3/Kids Value: Priceless!
Hidden Gem #7: Old Wooden Trestle Bridge
Quince Street Bridge, is our absolute favorite bridge in San Diego! The wooden-trestle bridge was built in 1905 at a cost of less than $1000 to allow easier access to the Fourth Ave. trolley station. Look how cool it is!
This bridge can be viewed and walked across, along with several others on a little known urban hike called the “7 Bridges Walk” which takes you on a 5 mile loop through some really neat parts of San Diego, quaint neighborhoods, and more. It also takes you right through Balboa Park, a very popular spot in San Diego.
Cost: Nada! Value: Priceless!
Hidden Gem #8: Annie’s Canyon
Located in the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve, this area was once known as the “mushroom caves” and was closed to the public. Of course that didn’t stop vandals from going in there and hanging out late at night. Recently, thanks to a donor by the name of “Annie” and a lot of work, Annie’s Canyon is now open for exploring and it’s a family’s dream!
This amazing slot canyon proves nature is the best playground, as you wind up the narrow slots and make your way to the top to see the beautiful lagoon and ocean views.
Cost: Zilcharoonie! Value: Priceless!
We hope we have convinced you to step off the beaten path and check out what San Diego really has to offer, without spending much money at all!
Tell us what you think, we’re listening!
2 comments
Where is the castle like building that was in the pictures located ?
Tremendously nice!