{"id":16373,"date":"2023-06-19T17:35:44","date_gmt":"2023-06-19T17:35:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/?p=16373"},"modified":"2023-06-20T03:44:19","modified_gmt":"2023-06-20T03:44:19","slug":"hidden-gems-in-san-diego","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/hidden-gems-in-san-diego\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Hidden Gems in San Diego You Have to Check Out"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you looking for the best hidden gems in San Diego?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Southern California is a popular destination and is most widely known for theme park vacations<\/a> and beautiful beach days. San Diego has all of that but also little hidden gems visitors and locals don\u2019t always hear about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is everything from secret swings and bridges to less populated areas of Seaport Village and Balboa Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a look at the following hidden gems in San Diego and put together the perfect itinerary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hidden Gems in San Diego<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. La Jolla Secret Swing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you hear about the San Diego hidden swings, people are talking about the one in La Jolla. There used to be other swings, but they had to be taken down for safety issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The La Jolla Secret Swing is located in the beautiful coastal neighborhood of La Jolla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drive to the Scripps Aquarium (which is a must-see for its amazing seahorse collection), and walk to the back of the parking lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll see a faint dirt path up the hill. It looks steep but it\u2019s not too hard to climb up. Just be aware that it gets very muddy and slippery on San Diego\u2019s rare rainy days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The path is not long at all but is totally worth the detour. You\u2019ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding ocean and seaside cliffs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My husband and I were able to easily fit both of us and our 2 daughters on the bench of the swing. The girls had so much fun, they didn\u2019t want to leave, but there was so much more in La Jolla to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Sunny Jim Cave<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another captivating hidden gem in La Jolla is the Sunny Jim Cave. This unique cave can be accessed through a small store, and a winding staircase of 145 steps takes you down to the cave’s entrance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There\u2019s a small fee the store charges to walk down into the cave, but it\u2019s totally worth it if you haven\u2019t been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside are natural rock formations and a cave opening that looks like a head. The cave was dug in the early 1900s and used to smuggle whiskey during the prohibition. Most people visiting the La Jolla beach area<\/a> have idea it\u2019s there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The Inn at Sunset Cliffs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For a hidden gem that offers relaxation and luxury, look no further than The Inn at Sunset Cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Inn is a charming boutique hotel that provides a day pass option for visitors to enjoy their pool facilities. For just $10, you can spend a day lounging by the pool, sipping refreshing drinks, and taking in the stunning panoramic views of the ocean. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Inn at Sunset Cliffs is the perfect hidden retreat for those wanting an ocean-view pool party without the cost of staying in a hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you\u2019re at Sunset Cliffs stop by the Glider Port nearby to watch people hang gliding and paragliding. There\u2019s a small cafe with tables looking over the ocean and down to La Jolla Shores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. San Diego Bridges<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

San Diego is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also for its unique bridges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two notable hidden spots are the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge and the Musical Bridge with its crab carillon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is suspended by cables in cement slabs. It goes over a deep canyon and can sway if the wind is too strong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Musical Bridge, officially named the 25th Street Pedestrian Bridge, is whimsical and fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chimes are attached to the rail, and you can make music if you bring a ruler or a stick with you as you cross. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploring these hidden bridges adds a touch of adventure and artistry, and is definitely off the beaten path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Australian Garden<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tucked away within the vast Balboa Park is a hidden gem known as the Australian Garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This serene and lesser-known spot offers a quiet escape in San Diego city. As you wander through the garden, you’ll find a diverse range of native Australian plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plants were gifted to the city of San Diego by Australia in 1976. It\u2019s part of the Gold Gulch hiking trail in Gold Gulch Canyon just behind the Balboa Park Organ Pavilion. Search for the Gold Gulch parking lot, and your GPS will take you straight there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I honestly didn\u2019t know this area existed in Balboa Park for the longest time, but that\u2019s the beauty of Balboa Park. You can wander around a bunch of times and always find something new and interesting- including an archery range!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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