How well do you know San Diego County? Plan a few outings with the kids to explore San Diego hidden gems. What are hidden gems? Little-known spots and experiences that are often overlooked or may even be literally 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..
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 above). Photo credit: @SanDiegoFamilyAdventures
Photo credit: All Colors Photography
Adventure through ANNIE'S CANYON, a 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
Inside Miner’s Diner (Julian’s favorite burger spot and soda fountain) is a HIDDEN "CANDY MINE" offering barrels of old-fashioned sweets and treats for purchase. While in the diner, be sure to check out the miniature Santa Fe train circling above.
Photo credit: All Colors Photography
Play a LIFE-SIZED GAME OF CHESS at Civita Park in Mission Valley.
Photo courtesy of Michele Hancock
DAVE'S ROCK GARDEN is a favorite of artists, families and 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
Fans of the iconic 1986 movie, Top Gun, love this! “Hidden” in plain sight, is High Pie in Oceanside (a house turned hand pie bakery). What's so special about it? The house was made famous in Top Gun as it was the HOME OF MAVERICK'S GIRLFRIEND, CHARLIE (Kelly McGillis, Tom Cruise’s co-star). Super fun photo opportunity!
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.
The Official TONY GWYNN MUSEUM is located inside AleSmith Brewing Company in Miramar. Stop by to learn about San Diego’s own Mr. Padre.
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.
OCEANVIEW SWIMMING at the Inn at Sunset Cliffs. People not staying at the Inn can pay for up to four day passes to use their oceanfront swimming pool (pending availability). Call the day of to check schedule: 619-222-7901.
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.
Did you know that Balboa Park is home to the WORLD'S LARGEST PIPE ORGAN? Stop by Spreckels Organ Pavilion to catch a glimpse of the organ, which boasts over 4,500 pipes. Better yet, catch a free concert.
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.
Flip your own pancakes (and enjoy a delicious breakfast) at FLAP YOUR JACKS in North Park (tables come with griddles on top).
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
Take a 50-minute GONDOLA RIDE through the canals of the Coronado Cays. Cruises are private and accommodate up to six people.
Take a fun and informative BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR of Petco Park. Learn the history of the ballpark and the San Diego Padres while touring a dugout, the Western Metal Supply Co. building, the Padres Hall of Fame, a private luxury suite, press box and more.
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 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.
Star Wars fans? Take a photo on Mark Hamill Drive in Clairemont Mesa, a nod to the actor’s childhood home of four years.
Embark on a unique boating experience! RENT A PINK DUFFY BOAT or choose a nighttime “glow ride” on a pedal boat, both available at Eco Boat Rentals in Point Loma.
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!
Built in 1912, the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge (a historic landmark) sways as you walk across and view the canyon below. Spruce St. & First Ave., between Hillcrest and downtown.
Photo credit: @SanDiegoEditor
Passersby are surprised to discover two rescued harbor seals, Gracie and Billy, who reside in a large seal habitat in front of the Bahia Hotel in Mission Bay. Free to visit.
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.
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
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). Peruse old jail cells, historic photos and police memorabilia, all free to explore. www.theheadquarters.com/history
Visit the Nautical History Gallery & Museum in Liberty Station, a small gallery offers=ing a look at U.S. Navy ships and how they've evolved over time. See models, artifacts, photographs, uniforms and toys detailing the history of naval aviation. Free admission. www.nhgallery.org
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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