San Diego Hidden Gems

Enjoy breathtaking views 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.

Discover Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, hidden in Kit Carson Park in Escondido. Large-scale whimsical sculptures and the circular “snake wall” make perfect play structures. Limited hours. www.escondido.org/queen-califias-magical-circle

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. For up to six people, ages 6 and up. www.museumofus.org/ exhibits/california-tower

Hidden inside Miner’s Diner (restaurant and soda fountain in Julian) is the “Candy Mine” offering barrels of old-fashioned sweets and treats for purchase. www.minersdinerjulian.com

Dave’s Rock Garden is a treasured spot for families, artists 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. Located at 200-298 B St., Encinitas.

Stop by Harper’s Topiary Garden to admire and snap a photo of 50 life-size topiaries sculpted into playful creatures. 3549 Union St., Mission Hills.

During low tide, you might catch a glimpse of the SS Monte Carlo, which crashed ashore on New Year’s Eve 1936. The ship’s remains can sometimes be seen in front of the Coronado Shores Condos.

Snap a unique photo of your family in front of police lineup wall at The Headquarters at Seaport downtown (the former site of San Diego’s Police headquarters). Find old jail cells, historic photos and police memorabilia, all free to explore. www.theheadquarters.com/history

Hotel guests and visitors are thrilled to discover two rescued harbor seals, Gracie and Billy, who have resided for many years in a seal habitat at the Bahia Hotel in Mission Bay.

Did you know you can see Bethany Hamilton’s infamous surfboard at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside? Read about it on page 15.

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

Encinitas

www.encinitasca.gov

Candles on Tap

687 S Coast Hwy. 101 #155

760-395-7161 www.candlesontap.com

Customize and pour your own candle from 100 unique fragrances at San Diego’s first candle bar. Take home a one-of-a-kind, personalized candle. Flameless options available. Reservations encouraged.

Cottonwood Creek Park

95 N. Vulcan Ave.

Spend the day at this relaxing park, featuring unique play structures, grassy lawns, picnic facilities, creekside trails, a gazebo, tennis courts and a basketball court. Walking distance to restaurants and shops.

Encinitas Community Park

425 Santa Fe Dr.

Read about it on page 26.

Moonlight State Beach

400 B St.

The crown jewel of Encinitas, this beach has it all: swim, surf, sand, playground, beach rentals (boogie boards, beach umbrellas, etc.), firepits, lifeguards and now, Beach Wolf Restaurant at the “concession stand,” serving elevated food (allday breakfast sandwiches, tacos, seafood specialties), snacks, organic coffee, shaved ice and more.

San Diego Botanic Garden

300 Quail Gardens Dr. (at Ecke Ranch Rd.)

760-436-3036 www.sdbgarden.org

Adults love strolling the many gardens, but there’s plenty for kids to do as well. Climb Toni’s Tree House in Hamilton Children’s Garden, splash in the Mountain Stream and enjoy the miniature railroad at Seeds of Wonder.

San Dieguito Heritage Museum

450 Quail Gardens Dr. 760-632-9711 www.sdheritage.org

Explore north county coastal history at this museum housed at Heritage Ranch. Open Fridays and Saturdays. Discounts for kids under 12.

Swami’s Beach

1298 S. Coast Hwy. 101

Enjoy cliff-top coastal views, a grassy area for picnics and a great stretch of sand for family walks. Small parking lot has stairs down to the beach.

Oceanside

www.ci.oceanside.ca.us

Buccaneer Cafe

1508 S. Pacific St. www.buccaneer-cafe.com

A hidden gem at Buccaneer Beach Park and across the street from Buccaneer Beach. Meet friends for an espresso or acai bowl at this unassuming snack shack. Locals recommend the Kitchen Sink Breakfast Burrito and fluffy pancakes. Sunset Tacos available Fridays from 4-7:30 pm (April to Sept).

Buena Vista

Audubon Nature Center

2202 S. Coast Hwy.

760-439-2473 www.bvaudubon.org/nature-center

Explore interactive exhibits, a bird-viewing deck and walk along the nature trail. Nature education programs and fun-filled activities for kids. Closed Sun./Mon.

California Surf Museum

312 Pier View Way

760-721-6876 www.surfmuseum.org

Dive into surf culture, learn about the science and history of surfing and explore special exhibits, including Courageous Inspiration, the compelling story (and surfboard) of Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and returned to her beloved sport three weeks later.

Guajome Regional Park

3000 Guajome Lake Rd.

760-724-4489 iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Walk the trails, enjoy playgrounds, ponds, a basketball court and large grassy area. Spend the day or reserve a camping spot and stay the weekend to explore it all.

3178 Vista Way

760-606-4359 www.iflyworld.com/oceanside

A safe, family-friendly environment to experience the thrill of skydiving. Vertical wind tunnels create an indoor adventure with the help of trained instructors.

Mission San Luis Rey

4050 Mission Ave.

760-757-3651 www.sanluisrey.org

Self-guided and behind-the-scenes tours explore the historic church, museum, gardens and architectural beauty of this 1798 “King of the Missions.”

Solana Beach www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us

Annie's Canyon Trail

498 Solana Hills Dr. www.naturecollective.org/location/ annies-canyon-trail

Adventure with the family through this unique, easy-to-moderate slot canyon. Enjoy beautiful coastal views and climb through sandstone walls. Not stroller-friendly. v

Lic.# 376600498

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido

619-231-1515; www.sdzsafaripark.org

Transport to the savanna and discover over 300 species of African and Asian animals. Adventures and close-up wildlife experiences available via the Africa Tram, caravan, zipline and tethered helium balloon.

Photo credit: @SDplaygroundmom