Even if you’ve lived in San Diego your entire life, there’s likely still some places left for you to explore. San Diego is actually home to lots of hidden gems, you just have to look hard enough. Before you waste another weekend in front of the TV, take a look at these 5 hidden gems in San Diego and then strap on your adventure shoes and start exploring!

1. Musical Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Erik Jenkins (@revjenkins) on May 9, 2015 at 12:15pm PDT

Head over to the bridge that spans the Martin Luther King Jr. Freeway on 25^th street to play a musical instrument bridge. Bring a pipe or a stick with you and run along the rails and play a tune. This is the perfect place to bring kids because they can play music without disturbing your neighbors! The carillon (series of bells that play a tune when hit in order) was created by Roman de Salvo. Make sure to play the pipes in order first before creating your own tune.

Directions

2. Sunny Jim Cave

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The San Diego Scout (@thesandiegoscout) on Aug 2, 2019 at 11:55am PDT

You can access this iconic spot by visiting the Cave Store in La Jolla and then going through hand-carved tunnels to access 7 caves. This is an easy way to see sea caves without swimming or kayaking to them. The best part, you get to see the hand-carved Sunny Jim! The Cave Shop charges $5 for adults and $3 for children to visit the caves through their tunnel.

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3. Ho Chi Minh Trail

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by єνα. м (@eva_monchi) on Aug 22, 2019 at 10:21am PDT

The secret surfer trail that leads to Black’s Beach is no longer a secret. This challenging path features slot canyons, lots of sandstone and wooden planks. The paths are narrow and difficult to climb down which accounts for half the fun! Although the trail is slippery and steep, it’s a gorgeous view all the way done. The trail should be avoided during rainy days or after rainy days as it gets very slippery. Once you reach the beach, you will be on the South end of Black’s Beach (the non-nude side).

Directions

4. Queen Califia’s Magical Circle

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jimi Califas (@jimiftw) on Aug 28, 2019 at 9:31pm PDT

Located inside Kit Carson Park in Escondido, Queen Califia’s Magical Circle is a sculpture garden inspired by California’s historic, mythic and cultural roots. The garden contains nine large sculptures including a giant snake and a maze entry. The sculptures have unique mosaic embellishment that showcases the artist, Niki De Saint Phalle’s work. Bring your kids to explore this majestic garden.

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5. Salk Institute La Jolla

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Christina Leynes (@christinaleynes) on Oct 22, 2019 at 9:39am PDT

Visit some of the best architecture in San Diego at the Salk Institute. The developer of the first polio vaccine, Jonas Salk, dreamed of creating a collaborative environment where researchers could contemplate the future of humanity and explore life. After he was gifted with 27 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean in 1960, Salk partnered with Louis Kahn, an architect, to create his research center. Its bold structure was completed in 1965 and is now a designated historic site. You can tour the Salk Institute to see its wondrous architecture yourself. You must pay to tour the building. Find more information here.

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Love San Diego? Make it Home Permanently

There’s no better way to show your hometown how much you love it than by committing to it with a house. If you’re ready to make San Diego your home permanently so you can continue to explore all of its amazing hidden gems, give me a call to start looking for homes for sale in San Diego.