San Diego’s Secret Spots to See

Holding the title of America’s Finest City, San Diego never stops offering cool new spots you haven’t seen, or other hidden sites you will want to (re)visit. Even though it is the nation’s seventh largest city, many will describe San Diego as a city with a small-town vibe. One thing is certain, San Diego is growing in its finest way, and we are introducing some of the best spots worth checking out.

Flower Fields, Carlsbad

Wait for the spring months to visit this wonderful garden where thousands of Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are colored in thirteen beautiful colors. Growers from the Carlsbad Ranch spend months preparing this fifty-acre space for visitors to enjoy the blooming season from March to May. The Flower Fields welcome over 160,000 visitors each spring and hosts various concerts, flower shops, and a photography workshop. This inviting scenery calls for some exceptional pictures, so snap away and you’ll color your days for months ahead.

Indian Flats Campground, Cleveland National Forest

Located in San Diego County, the campground sits at 6,553-feet high and is a great getaway place for camping, hiking, or just spending a day in nature. On a short 0.5-mile hike from the campground down to the East Fork of the San Luis Rey River, you’ll be able to spot fascinating shallow pools in the rocks. This zen-like place is definitely worth a drive when you feel like taking a breather or exploring nature.

Natural History Museum, Balboa Park

The only indoor place on the list, "The Nat" is visited by many, and not so much a secret, but is surely a place full of surprises that locals and tourists should put on their to-visit list. The Board of the museum declared its' commitment "to educate and help people know and love nature" in 1917, and it still has the same mission today. Each month the museum brings "NATtalks" with experts speaking on various topics, nature hikes, workshops, and "Nature & Me Storytime" for small children. Try not to miss the 3D movies in the giant-screen stadium-style theater since it’s included with paid admission.

Encinitas Botanic Garden

Situated in the midst of Encinitas, 37-acres of space is divided into 29 beautiful gardens you will want to spend hours walking around. San Diego Botanic Garden is the current name of this Encinitas secret place that is full of events and workshops to attend throughout the month. Seeds of Wonder, which is designed for preschool age kids, and Hamilton’s Children Garden, which is the largest children’s garden on the West Coast, are perfect places to spend time with kids. These gardens hold more than 4,000 different plants from all over the world, with the nation’s biggest bamboo collection.

Statue of Cabrillo and the Lighthouse, Point Loma

This historical landmark is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. At the very southern tip of Point Loma, it’s a tribute to the brave explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Looking for gold, Cabrillo led the European expedition team which was the first to set foot on the West Coast of the United States in 1542. The small museum near the Cabrillo National Monument is a good spot for catching some quick facts about the expedition and pictures of the ship from the 16th century. Don’t miss visiting the Lighthouse which is representing a by-gone era when ships navigated through San Diego Bay.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

One of those wonders that must be appreciated in person, Torrey Pines will present you its' amazing cliffs that look over the beach below. To experience one of the most breath-taking views in California, there are six hiking trails to choose from, with Beach trails that will take you through a scenic footpath to a steep descending to the ocean via steps. If you visit the reserve in the late afternoon, pick your spot after the hike, and let the sunset come to you. It’s gorgeous!