Everyone loves San Diego for its beautiful beaches, and popular attractions like Balboa Park and the famous zoo. But did you know that beyond the usual hotspots and touristy areas are unique activities and attractions that are absolutely worth your time? Visitors looking for fun attractions in San Diego often overlook the hidden gems that the locals cherish. From whimsical gardens and secret coastal swings to historical landmarks with odd backstories, stepping off the beaten path provides a completely different perspective of the city. Here is a curated list of unique things to do in San Diego that you probably never thought to try.
- San Diego Museum of Us
- Harper’s Topiary Garden
- Zoro Garden
- The Kissing Statue
- Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
- Mushroom Beach House
- Sunny Jim Sea Cave
- The Secret Swings in La Jolla
- Queen Califia’s Magical Circle
- Stay Close to the Action in San Diego
- Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Gems
San Diego Museum of Us
Our first attraction is located in Balboa Park, but you probably did not even know it is there. It is the Museum of Us. Who is the “us,” you may be wondering? Well, it is a museum dedicated to humans. Come here to take a journey throughout human existence. It explores different races, tribes, and cultures and how they have adapted and what they have endured through history.
A highlight is the Living with Animals exhibit, paying homage to man’s best friend, the dog. You will also get to know the history of San Diego and California and who settled it. The museum’s displays are engaging and interactive, and you will come away having learned something you might not have known. If you enjoy deep cultural dives, this is an incredible stop to add to your itinerary.
Harper’s Topiary Garden
This is a quirky living art installation in the neighborhood of Mission Hills. Harper’s Topiary Garden was created by Edna Harper in 1994 and features over 50 meticulously trimmed plant sculptures, including animals and surfers. Observe the garden and try to identify what the sculptures are. Some are pretty easy to identify, while others are intricate and well-disguised.
You can see how much work and dedication went into crafting each and every shrub. You cannot enter the private garden property, but the public sidewalk gets you close enough to appreciate the details. After identifying the sculptures, be sure to stay a while to see great views of the downtown skyline from this elevated height. This is one of those things you might not know about San Diego unless a local points you toward it.
Zoro Garden
Another gem located in the massive Balboa Park is Zoro Garden. Zoro Garden has quite a unique history. It was once a nudist colony during the 1935 California-Pacific Exposition. Now it has been completely reimagined as a sunken stone park and protected butterfly release zone.
Each year there is an annual butterfly release, where everyone celebrates with butterfly themed crafts. You can even get seeds to grow butterfly friendly plants in your own home. Come to Zoro Garden and enjoy a moment of total solitude in the middle of a busy city. If you look closely, you might see a Monarch butterfly or a hummingbird flitting from flower to flower among the historic stone walls.
The Kissing Statue
This is an iconic statue that has gotten much more popular throughout the years, but being able to see it in person is a really unique experience. Standing 25 feet tall at Tuna Harbor Park is a statue that has had many names, including Unconditional Surrender, Embracing Peace, and simply the Kissing Statue. This enormous statue commemorates the end of World War II.
While its portrayal has sparked some debate and controversy regarding the historical context of the original photograph, the statue remains a wildly popular photo op along the waterfront. When you come see it, you can easily combine your trip with a stop at the massive USS Midway Museum aircraft carrier parked just a few hundred yards away.
Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
This is a small museum but it is entirely worth the visit. As the oldest standing structure in downtown San Diego, the Davis-Horton House gives you a look into the Victorian times of the city’s early development. The house was actually built on the East Coast and shipped around Cape Horn to be assembled in California.
There is a pamphlet with information you can read along on your self-guided tour. To really get the most out of the museum, consider speaking to one of the docents on site. They will happily answer questions and explain the exhibits and artifacts of this unique museum. Stop by the gift shop on your way out for a treasure to remember your visit, and then step right outside into the modern Gaslamp Quarter for dinner.
Mushroom Beach House
This is one of the most unique local landmarks in the entire county. Located along the steep cliffs of Black Beach in La Jolla, this mid-century style structure is a marvel of engineering and coastal architecture. It was designed by architect Dale Naegle in 1968, featuring a futuristic mushroom design intended to withstand earthquakes and cliff erosion.
It was built for Sam Bell, the potato chip mogul of Bell’s Potato Chips. He was interested in having a special beach house where he and his visitors could enjoy privacy while admiring the beach views. The home is made mostly out of concrete with an upper deck that overlooks the ocean. To reach the house from the cliff above, a private funicular elevator was installed. The house is not open to the public, but it is a highly unusual attraction worth checking out from the sand below during a low-tide beach walk.
Sunny Jim Sea Cave
If you are looking for weird things to do in San Diego, climbing into a sea cave through a gift shop definitely makes the list. The Cave Store in La Jolla looks like a normal souvenir shop from the street. However, if you pay a small admission fee at the counter, you gain access to a dimly lit, hand-dug tunnel that leads straight down into the coastal cliffs.
In 1902, two laborers spent two years digging the tunnel with picks and shovels. Today, you can walk down the 145 wooden steps to reach the viewing platform inside the Sunny Jim Sea Cave. You can hear the ocean roaring into the cavern and watch kayakers paddle by the opening. It is the only sea cave in California that is accessible by land.
The Secret Swings in La Jolla
Seeking out unique experiences in San Diego often requires a bit of an uphill hike. The Secret Swings in La Jolla are an unofficial, community-maintained art project hidden in the trees above the Birch Aquarium. Locals hang tire swings, wooden benches, and rope swings from the thick branches of the eucalyptus trees.
Because these swings are technically unauthorized, they are frequently removed by the city, only to mysteriously reappear a few weeks later. If you manage to find one of the swings intact, you are treated to a sweeping, panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the La Jolla coastline. It is a fantastic spot to take photographs at sunset.
Queen Califia’s Magical Circle
Located in Kit Carson Park in Escondido, Queen Califia’s Magical Circle is a massive, incredibly vibrant sculpture garden created by the late French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. This is her only American sculpture garden, and it is a breathtaking display of mosaic art.
The garden features nine freestanding sculptures, a circular maze, and native trees and shrubs. The artwork is covered in thousands of pieces of colored glass, mirrored tiles, and ceramic stones that glitter brilliantly in the Southern California sun. The garden is only open to the public on specific days of the week, so you must check the city schedule before you drive inland. If you enjoy finding hidden artistic treasures, this is a must-see location.
Stay Close to the Action in San Diego
Stay central to these unique activities and attractions with a premium vacation rental. Find the perfect home base for your trip, whether it is a beachfront condo, a bungalow by the coast, or a luxury villa in the hills. We have a rich selection of properties with high-end amenities like private pools, expansive ocean views, and pet-friendly options. Providing exceptional San Diego property management means our guests always arrive to a flawlessly clean and fully equipped home.
Go check out these hidden gems you did not think to try. Whether you want to explore the San Diego Botanical Gardens, hike to the Secret Swings, or walk through a sea cave, you need a comfortable place to recharge at night. When you plan your trip, be sure to choose premium accommodations. If you need help finding a rental, you can always contact our local team for guidance. We love helping travelers build out sightseeing journeys across San Diego that go far beyond the typical tourist traps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Gems
How long does it take to walk through the Museum of Us?
Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits inside the Museum of Us. If you add the California Tower tour to your admission, plan for an extra 45 minutes to climb the stairs and take in the panoramic views.
Can you go inside the Mushroom Beach House in La Jolla?
No, the Mushroom House is a privately owned residence. It is completely closed to the public. However, you can easily view its unique architecture from the public sand of Black Beach below during a low-tide walk.
Is Queen Califia’s Magical Circle open every day?
No. The sculpture garden in Escondido is very sensitive to weather and vandalism, so it operates on limited hours. It is typically open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to noon, and on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
Is it safe to hike to the Secret Swings?
The hike up the hillside above the Birch Aquarium involves steep dirt paths that can be slippery. While the hike is short, you must wear proper closed-toe shoes. Use caution when sitting on the unauthorized swings, as they are not regulated by the city.
How much does it cost to see Harper’s Topiary Garden?
Viewing the topiary garden is completely free! It is a private residential yard, so you simply park on the public street in the Mission Hills neighborhood and admire the incredible landscaping from the sidewalk.
Written by Kimberly Jackson
Founder & Owner
A native San Diegan with over 16 years of real estate and management experience, Kim is dedicated to making the vacation rental process stress-free and financially beneficial for her clients. When she isn’t securing bookings, you can find this powerhouse single mom surfing with her three sons, boxing, hiking, playing beach volleyball or supporting local businesses.
