• About
  • Home
  • TRAVEL
    • California
      • Big Sur
        • A Complete Guide to Visiting Big Sur
        • Visiting Carmel by The Sea: a Full Travel Guide
      • Joshua Tree
        • A Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree
        • Best Things to Do in Pioneertown California: A Complete Guide
      • Los Angeles
        • A Complete Guide to Visting Catalina Island
        • 20 of The Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles
      • Palm Springs
        • The Ultimate Palm Springs Weekend Travel Guide
        • 20 Best Instagram Spots in Palm Springs: A Complete Guide
      • San Juan Capistrano
      • San Diego
        • The Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide: written by a local
        • The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego
        • The Best Photo Spots in San Diego: A Photography Guide
        • The Insider’s Guide to Balboa Park
        • Best Things to Do in San Diego
        • The 25 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
      • Santa Barbara
        • Visiting Solvang California The Most Charming Town
        • Best Photo Spots in Santa Barbara, California
      • San Francisco
        • 18 of The Best Photo Spots in San Francisco
        • Visiting Sausalito: a Perfect Day Trip from San Francisco
      • Yosemite
        • A Complete Guide to Visiting Yosemite National Park
    • Europe
      • Italy
        • A First Timer’s Travel Guide to the Amalfi Coast
        • A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Florence, Italy
        • An Ultimate Guide to the Top Sights in Rome
      • 4 Days in Paris Itinerary
      • The Ultimate 8 Days in Ireland Itinerary
      • An Ultimate City Guide: Fun Things to Do in Barcelona
      • 2 Days in Seville: a Complete Seville Itinerary
      • First Timer’s Travel Guide to London
      • 2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary: A First Timer’s Guide
    • Hawaii
      • A Complete Travel Guide to Visiting Maui, Hawaii
      • A First Timer’s Guide to The Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii
      • My Experience Traveling to Hawaii during Covid
      • Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Queens Bath
      • The Ultimate 5 Day Kauai Itinerary: a travel guide
      • Best Oahu Instagram Spots: a Photography Guide
      • Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
      • The Best North Shore Oahu Beaches to Visit
      • Most Beautiful Places in Kauai: Best Photo Spots
    • New York
      • 36 Must See Places in New York: written by a local
      • A Guide to the Best Central Park Photo Spots
      • A Local’s Guide to Visiting Montauk New York
      • 15 Christmas Activities in New York: Best Things to Do in December
      • 15 Christmas Activities in New York: Best Things to Do in December
    • Mexico
      • Tulum
        • The Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide
        • The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Instagram Spots
      • What to Pack for Mexico: a Packing List
    • USA
      • The Best 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary
      • One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park: A Complete Itinerary
      • 17 of The Best Things to Do in Seattle: a First Timer’s Guide
      • A Complete Weekend Travel Guide to Sedona
      • How to Spend 3 Days in Chicago: a Chicago Itinerary
      • A Complete Weekend Guide to Scottsdale Arizona
      • A Complete Weekend to Boston Trip Itinerary
      • The Ultimate Weekend in Charleston Itinerary
      • New Orleans Weekend Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in NOLA
      • The Ultimate Guide to Best Las Vegas Photo Spots
    • Hotels & Resorts
      • Complete Hotel Review: Sands Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs
      • Complete Resort Review: Iberostar Grand Bavaro Punta Cana
    • Travel Tips
      • The Ultimate Packing Guide: 29 Must Have Travel Essentials
      • Best Practices on How to Find Cheap Flights
  • Style + Lifestyle
    • Product Reviews
      • An Honest Dior Saddle Bag Review + How to Style
      • My Honest Review of the Gucci Princetown Mule
      • My Honest Gucci Marmont Shoulder Bag Review + How to Style
      • My Honest Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boot Review + How to Style
      • 5 Reasons Why You Need the Gucci Soho Disco Bag
      • Are Necessaire Products Worth the Hype? A Full Review
      • A Complete Review of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
    • Packing Guides
      • Travel Capsule Wardrobe: How to Dress Like A European
      • What to Wear in San Diego: The Ultimate Packing Guide from a Local
      • 35 Airport Outfits: How to Look Effortless while Traveling
      • The Ultimate Packing Guide: 29 Must Have Travel Essentials
      • What to Pack for Hawaii: The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List
      • What to Pack for Italy: a packing list
      • What to Wear in Palm Springs: The Best Packing Guide
      • What to Pack for Mexico: a Packing List
    • Styling Guides
      • 14 Cute Summer Outfits Ideas to Try in 2022
      • 25 of The Best Denim Shorts to Wear this Summer
      • How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe: The Essentials
      • 12 Bodysuits to Shop Now
      • How to Style a Slip Dress
      • 18 Best Straight Leg Jeans and How to Style Them
      • Fall Outfit Ideas: The Best Trends to Try in 2022
      • 28 Best Holiday Outfits: What to Wear this Holiday
    • Photography
      • A Guide to the Best Central Park Photo Spots
      • The Best Photo Spots in San Diego: A Photography Guide
      • Best Photo Spots in Santa Barbara, California
      • A Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree
      • Most Beautiful Places in Kauai: Best Photo Spots
      • 20 of The Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles
      • The Ultimate Guide to Best Las Vegas Photo Spots
      • Best Oahu Instagram Spots: a Photography Guide
      • 18 of The Best Photo Spots in San Francisco
      • The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Instagram Spots
      • How to Edit in Lightroom Classic
      • The Best Photo Editing Apps for your iPhone
    • Lifestyle
      • Christmas Gift Ideas 2022: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
      • Our Boho Mid Century Modern Home Tour in San Diego
      • The 25 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
    • Skincare
      • The Best Summer Skincare + SPF Essentials for Glowing Skin
      • What I’m Purchasing at the Sephora Sale 2022
      • A Complete Review of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
      • Vitamin C Serum Benefits: and The Best Ones to Buy
      • Best Skincare Products + How to Layer Correctly
      • Are Necessaire Products Worth the Hype? A Full Review
  • San Diego
    • A Complete Guide to Visiting Carlsbad Flower Fields 2023
    • The Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide: written by a local
    • 20 San Diego Hidden Gems: written by a local
    • An Ultimate Guide to the Best Brunch in San Diego
    • Best Restaurants to Try in San Diego for 2023
    • The Ultimate Guide to San Diego 4th of July 2022
    • A Complete Locals Guide on Things to Do in Balboa Park
    • The 25 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
    • The Best Photo Spots in San Diego: A Photography Guide
    • A Local’s Guide to Coronado Island
    • 12 Amazing Things to Do in Julian California
    • The Ultimate Guide to San Diego Christmas Activities
    • The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego
  • Work With Me
  • Shop
  • Travel
    • california
      • big sur
      • joshua tree
      • los angeles
      • palm springs
      • san diego
      • san francisco
      • santa barbara
      • yosemite
    • europe
      • amsterdam
      • An Ultimate City Guide: Fun Things to Do in Barcelona
      • 2 Days in Seville: a Complete Seville Itinerary
      • italy
        • amalfi coast
        • florence
        • rome
      • london
      • paris
    • hawaii
    • mexico
    • New York
    • usa
      • The Best 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary
      • arizona
      • boston
      • charleston
      • Chicago
      • new orleans
      • seattle
    • hotels
      • Sands Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs
  • Blog
    • Style
    • photography
    • packing guides
    • product review
    • Lifestyle
    • skincare
  • San Diego
  • Work With Me
  • Shop My Looks

Le Travel Style

by Courtney Delfino • a San Diego based travel + lifestyle blog inspiring you to travel in style

California, San Diego, Travel · Last Updated: September 10, 2022

20 San Diego Hidden Gems: written by a local

San Diego Hidden Gems: written by a local

San Diego is home to beautiful beaches, tons of tourist attractions, and in recent years has become a foodie paradise. With that comes high tourism and lots of crowds. But did you know that San Diego also has a few best-kept secrets all around the county? Well, my friends, I am here to spill all the details! Having lived in San Diego for almost 15 years I think it’s safe to say I’ve found my fair share of San Diego hidden gems. In this guide, I’ll outline all 20+ of them below!

Shelter Island Japanese Friendship Bell

girl standing in front of frienship bell surrounded by palm trees
Image gallery image

Did you know that San Diego has a Japanese Friendship Bell? Well, I didn’t either! The Yokohama Friendship bell was commemorated in 1958 as part of the Centennial Celebration of formal relations between the USA and Japan. It also marks the establishment of the two sister cities: Yokohama and San Diego. Also, the park across the street has stunning views of the San Diego skyline.

  • Free to Visit
  • Located at 1401 Shelter Island Drive

Scripps Coastal Meander

girl walking the scripps coastal meander
Paragliders at the Scripps Coastal Meander in La Jolla

My personal favorite San Diego hidden gems is the Scripps Coastal Meander. This wooden boardwalk is short but the views make up for it! Overlooking the Scripps Pier and La Jolla coastline this trail is perfect for a short morning walk. If you visit after 5 pm, check out the building at the end pictured above (it’s used for UCSD research during business hours so you can get in trouble if visiting during those times). But has some of the best sunset views in all of San Diego.

  • Free to Visit
  • Scripps Institution of Oceanography 9234-9218, La Jolla Shores Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
  • If you Park on La Jolla Shores Drive cramp your wheels to the curb. They give out tickets like crazy!

La Jolla Hidden Bench

bench overlooking the scripps pier
girl sitting on bench overlooking the scripps pier

The La Jolla hidden bench is a locals secret that is located North of the Scripps Coastal Meander. In order to access it, you need to locate the bridge going across La Jolla Shores Drive. Go down the staircase to the bottom level, and look for a brown wooden building. Behind there you’ll see a wooden step footpath situation walk up to it and you’ll spot the hidden bench. It has the same great views as the meander but is more secluded. This video goes into more detail!

La Jolla Secret Swings

swing hanging on tree overlooking the pacific ocean
girl sitting on swing overlooking the ocean in La Jolla

There are a few secret swings in the La Jolla area. The La Jolla secret swings are a San Diego legend and they are pretty easy to find if you know where to look. The one pictured on the left is located at the south end of the Birch Aquarium parking lot. There you will find a small path between two bushes and a hill. Hike about 100 feet to the top of that hill and the swing will be there. There have been many times where this swing was taken down so don’t be too disappointed if that happens to you. Last visited in February 2022 swing was down.

  • The south end of Birch Aquarium Parking lot
  • You have to walk uphill to access so wear proper shoes

The swing on the right is located off of the Coastal Trail Walk. Once you see the white pedestrian bridge you’ll have to climb over on the left side and walk down the cliff. There is a rope to assist you and it isn’t as high up as you may think. You can even take the trail down to the water if you’re feeling adventourous.

Annie’s Canyon Hike

Image gallery image

Did you know that San Diego has a slot canyon? Well, we do! It’s called Annies Canyon hike and is located in Solana Beach. This IG video has all the details you need to know before visiting.

Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave

Image gallery image

Located in a gift shop called “The Cave Store” Sunny Jims Sea Cave is an old prohibition smugglers’ cave built in 1902. If you look at the cave you can see his nose on the left hence the name Sunny Jim. The Cave Store has been operating tours of the cave since 1905. Tours are self-guided and last approximately 15 minutes. There is a long staircase in order to access the cave and is quite tight and slippery. Finally, tours are operated daily from 9 am – 4:30 pm. Find out more information here.

  • Adults $10, Kids $6
  • Address: 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Harpers Topiary Garden

girl posing in front of an expansive topiary garden in san diego
green topiary garden in San Diego

Harpers Topiary Garden in Mission Hills is reminiscent of Edward Scissorhands garden. The landscaping skill of this private home is truly off the charts. Another fun free thing to do in San Diego. Please note, that it’s on a quiet residential street so be respectful of the neighborhood.

  • Free to visit
  • Address: 3549 Union St, San Diego, CA 92103

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

Suspension bridge in San Diego surrounded by greenery

The Spruce Street suspension bridge is a footbridge built in 1912. It was built intended for pedestrians to cross over a deep canyon in the neighborhood of Mission Hills. This local spot has beautiful views over the canyon (70 feet below) and is part of the “San Diego’s 7 Bridges Hike“.

  • Free to visit
  • Address: W Spruce St, San Diego, 92103
  • The bridge moves as you walk so be aware!

Sunset Cliffs Open Ceiling Cave

One of those places that you have to see to believe. This massive sea cave is an incredible spot to check out. It’s extremely difficult to reach and can only be done during the negative tide. This article outlines how to get to the open ceiling cave. Before attempting to do so, make sure you are a skilled swimmer, have some rock climbing knowledge, and have the proper gear.

Coronado Sand Dunes

Image gallery image

Did you know that there is a secret message hidden in the Coronado Sand Dunes? They may just look like regular sand dunes to the naked eye but from a birds-eye view it reads “Coronado”. Back in the 1980s, the man in charge of cleaning up the seaweed didn’t know what to do with all of it so he wrote out this secret message. Fun fact! Find out more at coronadotimes.com (above photo credit).

Balboa Park Japanese Friendship Garden

girl standing by small pond surrounded by cherry blossoms
Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park

The Japanese Friendship Garden is such a hidden gem! This 12-acre garden within Balboa Park opened to the public in 1991. It’s an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama. The most popular time to visit the garden is during the Cherry Blossom Festival in March. It’s home to over 200 Cherry Blossom trees and is truly a magical experience if you can visit during that time. You can purchase tickets online here.

  • Tickets are $12 per person
  • Address: 2215 Pan American Rd E. San Diego, CA 92101
  • San Diego residents are free to enter every third Tuesday of the Month

Balboa Park Cactus Garden

The historic Old Cactus Garden was developed back in 1935 and is still intact today. Some of the largest succulents located in the park are here and have a unique view of the Cabrillo Bridge. It’s located behind the Balboa Park Club building and is home to many feral cats.

El Prado Courtyard

girl standing in courtyard with tiled fountain, string lights, and palm trees

In Balboa Park, the El Prado Courtyard is such a hidden gem! It’s hard to notice but once you catch a glimpse you’ll be drawn to the charming architecture, string lights, and tiled fountain. Finally, the El Prado restaurant is a favorite Mexican spot for San Diego locals

Self Realization Fellowship in Encinitas

The Self Realization Fellowship was founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda. It is home to multiple meditation gardens providing the community with a place to pray, study, or relax. It’s filled with koi ponds, beautiful flora, and sweeping views of the Encinitas coastline. It’s completely free to visit and the gardens are open Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm.

  • Free to Visit
  • Address: 215 W. K Street, Encinitas
  • More info here

Encinitas Boat Houses

houses that are shaped as boats surrounded by beautiful landscape

The Encinitas Boat Houses are an Encinitas legend. They are small houses shaped as boats and they make for a perfect photo opportunity. These are private residences so please be respectful and visit during normal hours. Finally, H Street park is down the block and one of my favorite views in all of Encinitas.

  • Free to visit
  • 726 3rd St, Encinitas, CA

Robert’s Cottages in Oceanside

pink row cottages on the beach with a vw bus outside
girl in white boots and hat standing outside of pink cottages

This charming historical landmark called “Roberts Cottages” is located in Oceanside directly across from the beach. They’re vintage beach homes that are all individually owned today. You can rent them out but only for a 7-day minimum. Finally, it’s perfect for a cute photo moment or to just take a walk down memory lane.

Bankers Hill Mini Mansions

Image gallery image

I love coming to this area and marveling at all the gorgeous homes or “mini-mansions” as San Diego likes to call them. They make for some incredible backdrops and the above photo is located at 435 W Thorn Ave. It’s the most perfect Italian-style villa of my dreams!

Thank you for reading my “19 San Diego Hidden Gems – written by a local” post! I hope you enjoy these fun activities and for more Things to Do in San Diego – check out my Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide.

pin this post for later
San Diego Hidden Gems
San Diego Hidden Gems

XO,

Courtney

In: California, San Diego, Travel · Tagged: california, san diego, travel

You’ll Also Love

Dunquin Pier Dingle IrelandThe Ultimate 8 Days in Ireland Itinerary
What to Wear in San Diego: The Ultimate Packing Guide from a Local
windmill in downtown Solvang CaliforniaVisiting Solvang California The Most Charming Town

Comments

  1. Drb Shapero says

    May 5, 2022 at 8:13 pm

    Very fun article. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to checking out these locations.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

What I’m Purchasing at the Sephora Sale 2023

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms
  • Work With Me

Copyright © 2023 Le Travel Style · Theme by 17th Avenue