San Diego Hidden Gems

Photo credit: All Colors Photography

Civita Park – Play a life-sized game of chess at Civita Park in Mission Valley.

Dave’s Rock Garden is a favorite of artists, families, beachgoers and passersby. Take a stroll through the garden and enjoy a delightfully landscaped oasis with 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.

Stop by Harper’s Topiary Garden in Mission Hills to admire 50 life-size topiaries sculpted into playful creatures. 3549 Union St., San Diego.

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 $10 pp (up to four) for a day pass to use their oceanfront swimming pool (pending availability). Call the day of to check schedule. 619-222-7901

Learn how to build sandcastles like a pro! Schedule a family sandcastle-building lesson at www.sandiegosand.com. Not recommended for kids under 5.

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. www.museumofus.org/exhibits/california-tower

FREE Enjoy breathtaking views (and snap an awesome photo) from La Jolla’s secret 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! “Hidden” in plain sight, the big draw of High Pie in Oceanside is that it’s the house (now hand pie bakery) made famous by the iconic 1986 movie, Top Gun, as it was the oceanfront residence of Charlie (Kelly McGillis), Tom Cruise’s co-star. Super fun photo opportunity!

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. www.escondido.org/queencalifias-magical-circle

Take a family “daycation” at one of San Diego’s favorite resort destinations. ResortPass offers single-day access to local pools, spas, cabanas and more at dozens of hotels and resorts across the county. Prices and amenities vary by location. Get the details at www.resortpass.com/hotel-day-passes/ San-Diego-3.

Literally hidden inside Miner’s Diner (Julian’s favorite burger spot and soda fountain) is a “Candy Mine” offering barrels of old-fashioned sweets and treats for purchase. While in the diner, be sure to check out the Santa Fe train circling above.

Find more San Diego hidden gems in our full list at www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/out-about/hidden-spots-insan-diego-for-families.

#sdoutandabout • SanDiegoFamily.com • 15