How well do you know San Diego County? Plan an outings with the kids to explore San Diego hidden gems—little-known spots and experiences that are often overlooked or may literally be hidden from plain sight. We'd love to see what you discover or uncover with your family. Tag us on Instagram @sandiegofamilymagazine and use #sdOutAndAbout or #ShareSanDiegoFamily for a chance to be featured on our IG page..
Photo credit: All Colors Photography
Annie's Canyon
Adventure through this unique slot canyon in Solana Beach. Navigate narrow paths, sandstone walls and ladders, then enjoy beautiful coastal views from the top. Considered a moderate hike. Not stroller-friendly.
Photo courtesy of @SanDiegoAdventureKids
Hidden "Candy Mine"
Inside Miner’s Diner (Julian’s favorite burger spot and soda fountain) is a fun hidden "candy mine" filled with barrels of old-fashioned sweets and treats for purchase. Don't miss a photo of the “Duck yer head” sign over the stairs! If you're lucky, the miniature Santa Fe train may be circling above inside the diner.
Photo courtesy of Michele Hancock
Dave's Rock Garden
Dave's rock garden is a favorite of artists, families and Encinitas passersby. Take a stroll through the garden and enjoy a colorful display of hundreds of hand-painted rocks placed by locals and visitors. Be sure to say “hi” to Dave if you see him working in the garden. 200-298 B St.
Photo credit: Tony Andrews Photography
Top Gun House
Fans of the iconic 1986 movie, Top Gun, love visiting this gem "hidden” in plain sight, the Victorian-style Graves House in Oceanside was made famous in Top Gun as it was the home of Maverick's girlfriend, Charlie (played by Kelly McGillis). Now it's the newest An's Gelato location, called An's Gate D5, featuring an airport/1970s theme. Check it out for excellent gelato and a fun photo opportunity!
La Jolla Secret Swings
Enjoy breathtaking views (and snap an awesome photo) from the most popular LA JOLLA SECRET SWING (there's more than one). For this swing, locate the small wooden bridge in the back of Birch Aquarium’s parking lot to find the short trail. Sometimes the swing disappears, making it even more mysterious! (pictured at the top of the page). Photo credit: @SanDiegoFamilyAdventures
Harper's Topiary Garden
Stop by Harper's Topiary Garden in Mission Hills to admire and snap a photo of 50 life-size topiaries sculpted into playful creatures. 3549 Union St., San Diego.
Airplane & Train Watching: A Toddler's Dream
Just east of San Diego Airport’s Runway 27, Laurel Airport Parking garage (1025 W Laurel St.) offers thrilling views of arriving aircraft. Busy adults may rarely notice, but if you have a toddler, airplane and train views are the ones they live for. As unconventional as it sounds, head to the top floor of the parking garage with a picnic and watch planes soar overhead. You’ll also get great views of the trolley and Coaster tracks, plus a beautiful west-facing sunset. Prefer a free option? Try the intersection of W. Ivy and Albatross Streets.
Tony Gwynn Museum
The Official Tony Gwynn Museum is located inside AleSmith Brewing Company in Miramar. Stop by to learn about San Diego’s own Mr. Padre.
SS Monte Carlo
With a bit of planning, you might catch a glimpse of the SS Monte Carlo, which crashed ashore in Coronado on New Year's Eve 1936. The ship's remains can sometimes be seen during low tide in front of the Coronado Shores Condos.
Queen Califia's Magical Circle
Explore queen Califia's Magical Circle at Kit Carson Park in Escondido. Large-scale whimsical sculptures and the circular "snake wall" make perfect play structures. Limited hours. Private group tours available for $5 per person starting July 2024.
World's Largest Pipe Organ
How many times have you walked by the huge pipe organ in Balboa Park without giving it a second glance? Do you realize it is the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ with over 4,500 pipes? It’s worth taking notice! Check it out at Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Better yet, catch a free concert, offered weekly and year-round. www.spreckelsorgan.org
Julian Jail
Many people don’t realize the two-cell Julian Jail, built in 1914 and located at the corner of 4th & C Sts., is open for free visits during daylight, offering an intriguing look into Julian history.
Photo credit: Adrienne Sigeti
Seven Bridges Walk
Spend a day doing the self-guided Seven Bridges Walk, a 5.5-mile urban hiking adventure that takes participants through some of San Diego's unique neighborhoods (and across seven bridges, of course). Start on the east side of the Park Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge (near the Rose Garden). Photo credit: Adrienne Sigeti
San Diego Gondola Ride
Take a 50-minute Gondola Ride through the canals of the Coronado Cays. Cruises are private and accommodate up to six people.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Learn the history and get the inside scoop on Petco Park, Taylor Guitars, USS Midway, haunted San Diego, local theaters and much more. Visit www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/out-about/best-san-diego-tours for local tour information.
Tour Balboa Park's California Tower
Explore the inside of one of San Diego’s most iconic historic landmarks, the california Tower In Balboa Park. A 40-minute tour promises 360-degree views of San Diego from the Tower’s eighth-floor viewing deck. Ages 6 & up.
Learn Falconry Basics
Learn the basics of falconry—hold and release birds of prey in a group or private class at Torrey Pines Gliderport. Instructors provide the history of falconry, raptor ecology and conservation. Open to all ages.
Photo Op for Star Wars Fans
Star Wars fans might want to swing by the corner of Mt. Abernathy Ave. and Castleton Dr. in Clairemont Mesa to take a photo with the Honorary Mark Hamill Dr. sign that was established in 2017 as a nod to the actor’s childhood home of four years.
Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center
Did you know the largest baseball research collection outside of the National Baseball Hall of Fame is right here in San Diego? Yep, located on the eighth floor of the San Diego Central Library downtown (330 Park Blvd.). Free to visit. Learn more at www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library/sullivan-family-baseball-research-center.
Song Rail Bridge
Run a stick along the rails of Song Rail Bridge to hear a tune. This unique work of public art was created by Roman de Salvo, and plays the same tune in both directions. Located at 25th St. Bridge, spanning SR 94 (Golden Hill). Bring a stick!
Spruce Street Suspension Footbridge
Joining the Quince Street Bridge along San Diego’s Seven Bridges Walk, this “Wiggly Bridge” is an historic landmark built in 1912. Gently swaying above Kate Sessions Canyon, it spans 375 feet and offers stunning treetop views.
Photo credit: @SanDiegoEditor
Harbor Seal Habitat in Mission Bay
A kid favorite that few people know about: the Bahia Hotel in Mission Bay is a long-time home to three rescued harbor seals who reside in a large habitat right in front of the entrance. Free to visit.
Potato Chip Rock
Strike a pose (if you dare) at Potato Chip Rock, an iconic potato chip-shaped rock at the peak of Mt. Woodson in Ramona. Be prepared to wait in line and bring plenty of water.
Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary
Get close to and feed gorgeous exotic birds at the Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary on Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar. www.freeflightbirds.org
Take a Photo at a Police Lineup Wall
Snap a photo of your family in front of police lineup wall at The Headquarters at Seaport downtown (the former site of San Diego’s Police headquarters). While you're at it, peruse old jail cells, historic photos and police memorabilia. Free to visit and explore. www.theheadquarters.com/history
Buccaneer Cafe
1508 S. Pacific St., Oceanside
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast burrito, acai bowl or specialty coffee at this no frills, quick-service gem across the street from Buccaneer Beach. Super casual outdoor tables only, but the food is great and it comes with an ocean view! Be prepared for lines on weekend mornings. Seasonal Sunset Taco Nights on Fridays. www.buccaneer-cafe.com
Visit Life-Sized Dr. Seuss Murals
Dr. Seuss enthusiasts love the 16-foot high character murals on display at the Denny Sanford Children’s Library inside the San Diego Central Library. Fun fact: it’s one of only two libraries in the U.S. with licensed Dr. Seuss murals. www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library
Do you know the connection between Coronado and the Wizard of Oz? Read our article to find out: 7 Must See Sites in Coronado for Fans of Wizard of OZ.
Find tons more family adventures in San Diego's Out & About with Kids, for local and visiting families.
Be sure to let us know if you find a kid-friendly hidden gem that's not on our list by emailing
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