Hidden Gem Experiences In San Diego

Photo courtesy of @Sandiegofamilyadventures

FREE Spend a day doing the self-guided Seven Bridges Walk, a 5.5-mile urban adventure that takes participants through some of San Diego’s unique neighborhoods (and across seven bridges, of course). Start on the east side of the Park Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge (near the Rose Garden). www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sevenbridge-walk

FREE Explore eight restored jail cells at The Headquarters at Seaport (San Diego’s old Police Headquarters) downtown, also the location of shops and restaurants. Be sure to snap a photo in front of the lineup wall. www.theheadquarters.com/history

Learn how to build sandcastles like a pro! Schedule a family sandcastle-building lesson at www.sandiegosand.com.

FREE La Jolla Secret Swing Enjoy breathtaking views (and snap an awesome photo) from a hidden swing in La Jolla. 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!

Take a 50-minute gondola ride through the canals of the Coronado Cays. Cruises are private and accommodate up to six people. www.gondolacompany.com

Experience Petco Park as players and staff do with a fun and informative behind-the-scenes tour. Learn the history of the ballpark and the San Diego Padres while touring a dugout, the Western Metal Supply Co. building, the Padres Hall of Fame, a private luxury suite, press box and more. www.mlb.com/padres/ ballpark/tours

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

Learn the basics of falconry—holding and releasing birds of prey in a group or private class at Torrey Pines Gliderport. Instructors provide the history of falconry, raptor ecology and conservation. Open to all ages. www.totalraptorexperience.com

Get close to and feed gorgeous exotic birds at the Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary in Del Mar. Reservations required. www.freeflightbirds.org

Flip your own pancakes (and enjoy a delicious breakfast) at Flap Your Jacks in North Park (tables come with griddles on top). www.flapyourjacks.com

Take a 1.5-hour guided tour on three exciting ziplines at La Jolla Zip Zoom in Pauma Valley. Kids must be at least 65 lbs. and 48” tall. www.lajollazipzoom.com

26 • SD Family’s Out&About 2021 • San Diego Coastal