San Diego is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the United States, and it makes sense why -- it is home to some of the best beaches in the country, a world-class zoo, and Balboa Park, the city’s best gathering place.
If you know where to look, there are many unique things to do in San Diego that are just as good, if not better, than typical tourist spots. Hidden spots in San Diego may be a little harder to find, but that’s part of the fun! Get a little off-the-beaten path and you’ll likely lose some of the crowds, too.
Let’s dive into six unique things to do in San Diego on your next visit.
San Diego and nearby La Jolla is home to a number of sea caves that are best seen from the water. That means you’ll likely need to book a kayaking tour or take your own boat onto the water to see these places up close.
The exception is that Sunny Jim Sea Cave is the only sea cave in San Diego that is accessible by land. But, that doesn’t mean it’s easily accessible. The only way to tour the cave is through the Cave Store, a shop in La Jolla that sells tickets down a tunnel of 145 stairs that take you to and from the cave’s entrance.Settle in for a wait, too. While it’s certainly less popular than most of what you’ll find in heavily trafficked La Jolla, locals know this is the spot to take San Diego visitors for impressive views of not only the water, but the face-shaped cave at the bottom of those stairs.
The Whaley House is a popular stop in Old Town for its historical significance, but it becomes even more of a draw when Halloween comes around. This isn’t just one of the most haunted places in San Diego, it’s one of the most haunted places in the country! Talk about spooky.
That spooky history is thanks to the home’s devastating history. The 1850s-era home was the site of a public hanging and the suicide of one of the daughters of Thomas Whaley, the property’s longest owner. You can take a self-guided tour of the museum / home with any of the costume-dressed guides during your visit. If you’re feeling brave, the house also hosts after-hours visitors for paranormal encounters, the same kinds of experiences featured on shows like Ghost Adventures.
You don’t need to travel far after your Whaley House tour. Heritage County Park is nearby and unlike anything else you’ll see in Old Town. This mini-neighborhood and Victorian Village is tucked away off of Juan Street, a very steep street. So, make sure that the parking brake is on if you decide to make a stop.
The homes you see in this neighborhood weren't established here. They were all relocated from other parts of the city as a way to show off San Diego’s diverse architecture. You’ll see Craftsman and Spanish-style homes all over San Diego, but these are the best examples of Victorian homes from another era.
Highlights include the Coral Tree Tea House, a perfect spot for an afternoon tea if you’re experiencing some of San Diego’s signature June Gloom. The McConaughy House is another San Diego home with a haunted history, and the Temple Beth Israel was the city’s very first synagogue. The park packs quite a bit of history into one small area!
San Diego is rich in Mexican history. Outside of the popular Old Town, the neighborhood of Barrio Logan and its urban space Chicano Park are the best ways to embrace that history.
Chicano Park is essentially a public arts space. It’s home to colorful murals dedicated to San Diego’s Mexican community with messages within that art telling their story. The park itself shows the resilience of the people who still live there. It’s been home to a steady Mexican population since the 1960s, and has survived years of freeway construction and plans to tear down the park for a patrol station.
The people rallied against the city’s plans, and Chicano Park continues to thrive as dedicated arts space to this day. Many of the murals from that protest activity are still here, with new art added regularly to reflect the neighborhood’s current passion projects.
San Diego’s seven bridges hike is a 5.5-mile urban trail that takes you over (and under) several of San Diego’s best bridges. Start at the Park Boulevard Bridges in Balboa Park or the Georgia Street Bridge in Hillcrest, or pick and choose based on the time you have for exploring.
Highlights include the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge, a bridge that has become popular for wedding and engagement shoots despite how it sways, and iconic Cabrillo Bridge. One of my favorites is the Quince Street Bridge because of its wooden trestles. You’re also unlikely to see many visitors on this one compared to some of the others.
Most San Diego visitors know all about Balboa Park. This is where you’ll find some of the city’s best museums, urban trails, and the San Diego Zoo. For the best views of the city, you shouldn’t miss a tour of the California Tower.
You’ve probably already seen the tower from afar. It’s connected to the popular Museum of Us, an anthropology museum that’s also well-worth your time. For those panoramas, though, you’ll need to upgrade your museum ticket for a guided trip all the way to the eighth-floor viewing area. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the different kinds of communities that have called this region home and more information about the construction of the tower.
Tickets are timed and do sell out, especially in the summer months, so make sure to book those in advance of your San Diego trip.
This is just a sampling of unique things to do in San Diego and add to your San Diego itinerary. Whether it’s your first, second, or tenth time in the city, San Diego is the perfect place to dig a little deeper and look beyond the main tourist sites.
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We are Jacob and Taylor. Travel is our passion and we love sharing our experiences here at The Travelling Souk. Our hope is that you would be inspired by this little blog to try something new, embrace an adventure, and live life to the fullest.
