San Diego Hidden Gems You Must Visit On Vacation
A visit to San Diego is not complete without a stop at some of the most popular places that the city is so well known for including the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and Seaport Village. But there’s much more to discover in this charming town that many vacationers don’t know about. Read on for some of San Diego’s most delightful hidden gems.
Mission Bay Park
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, this lovely park offers hours of walking, jogging, hiking or just admiring the striking views of the San Diego Bay. It’s all natural here, with beautiful trees, wide open spaces and few crowds. Pack a lunch, bring along water and enjoy one of San Diego’s prettiest eco-attractions and a top hidden gem.
Torrey Pines State Park
Another hidden gem that locals love and beckons those with an affinity for nature, Torrey Pines State Park is just outside the city of San Diego. Escape the touristy attractions and experience the city as a local by spending a few hours watching the hang gliders as they take off to fly over the ocean. Bring along a picnic and find a shady spot to relax and enjoy the views.
San Diego SEAL Tour
A unique way to see the local sights, this tour takes place on an amphibious vehicle that goes from the street to the water without the need to do anything but change gears! Kids love it, adults love it and it’s a great way to check out some of the city’s hidden sights & gems by land and water. First, you’ll be transported through the city streets, going past popular San Diego places and then, the bus/boat will plunge right into the bay.
Potato Chip Rock
Get your most comfortable sneakers on and hike on over to this really cool hidden gem & natural phenomenon that is an awesome photo op and a must-see-in-person San Diego eco-attraction. Located at the peak of Mount Woodson, Potato Chip Rock will require a bit of walking, in total about 8 miles; but it’s harder on the way up than on the way down. Bring water and head out early when it’s cooler.
Mount Soledad
Sitting atop the La Jolla neighborhood, Mount Soledad offers an incredible, panoramic view of the ocean and the city of San Diego. Here, you’ll see the famous Mount Soledad cross, erected in 1954 and the third of its kind (the first one was erected in 1913). The cross is 29 feet tall and was meant to identify La Jolla as a Christian neighborhood. Until the 1960s, Jews were denied the opportunity to purchase homes in La Jolla.
Sunset Cliffs
Considered by many locals to be the best spot in San Diego to watch the sunset, Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma offers an incredible view of this daily event. Perched above the Pacific Ocean, you can even climb down onto rocks below to witness the waves crashing into the cliffs. Make sure you bring your camera to this amazing hidden gem!
Mingei International Museum
Technically not hidden, this gem of a museum is located within Balboa Park. While perhaps not as high profile as the other museums in the park, this cultural establishment offers a unique experience to visitors of all ages. Here, you’ll see exhibitions of folk art, craft and design from cultures around the world. There are more than 20,000 items to view from 141 different countries. Six galleries and an Art Reference Library, The Collector’s Gallery and a museum store beckon guests to explore.
Tickets - Select Your Journey
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Splash into San Diego and Sea It All with our Ultimate SEAL Tour! Journey through both the city streets and the sparkling bay in our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles, which are Coast Guard-approved for safety and fun. This unique, one-of-a-kind tour allows you to truly see it all—from San Diego’s hidden gems on land to a spectacular splash into the water for a different perspective.
Book your ticket now and embark on an unforgettable adventure where the city’s vibrant life meets the tranquility of the sea.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Embarcadero
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets
- Splash down for a cruise through the waters of San Diego Bay
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket)
- 4.5-star review rating
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Old Town Trolley Tours: As you explore the scenic coastal landscape, you’ll learn why San Diego is called “America’s Finest City.” Since 1989, Old Town Trolley Tours has provided sightseeing tours highlighting the best of San Diego.
SEAL Tour: Splash into San Diego’s most unique sightseeing adventure! Both tour bus and boat, the San Diego SEAL Tour journeys through San Diego by land AND sea. Our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles are Coast Guard approved, ensuring you a safe, one of a kind experience.
- Old Town Trolley Tours:
- 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
- Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops
- FREE discount coupons ($30 value)
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
- FREE map brochure with day planner
- SEAL Tour:
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- SEAL Tour departs from Seaport Village
- State-of-the-art U.S. Coast Guard certified Hydra-Terra vehicles
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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SEE THE WHALEY HOUSE BY DAY & NIGHT
Daytime Self-Guided Tour: Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.
Evening Guided Tour*: Crossover to the dark side of San Diego history in California’s Oldest Town and let us enchant you with spirited tales of the past.
- Daytime Self-Guided Tour:
- Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
- Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
- Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
- Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
- Evening Guided Tour:
- As seen on the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel and Discovery Channel.
- Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions.
- Approximately 30-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds.
- Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal.
- Tour tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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Ghosts & Gravestones
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Dying to Take a Ride on the Dark Side? Travel back in time with us and learn of the spirits of the notorious wild characters like Gunslingers, Gamblers and Ladies of the Night who lived and died in San Diego. It is possible that their spirits live on in the dark recesses of our historic buildings and neighborhoods.
- Hop aboard the Trolley of the Doomed
- Join our spirited & entertaining tour built on stories, history, mystery and legends
- Travel back and hear about the spirits of characters who lived & died in San Diego
- Hear stories of how Pioneer Park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down
- Journey through Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery
- Includes outside of the Whaley House and grounds. Tour does not enter the house.
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO AT NIGHT
San Diego sparkles at night, and what better way to see it than with Old Town Trolley Tours! Hop aboard our trolley for a picturesque evening you won’t forget.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Old Town Market
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Approximately 1 hour and 40 minute tour
- See San Diego’s famous sights illuminated at night
- Take in romantic views of the city and cruise past notable landmarks
- Highlights include The Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado’s Ferry Landing, USS Midway and more
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