Hidden Sea Caves, Abandoned Amusement Parks and
San Diego may be known for its beaches, craft beer and near-perfect weather, but America’s Finest City is also packed with quirky, offbeat attractions hiding in plain sight. From an abandoned amusement park turned haunted house to a secret seaside cave once used by bootleggers, here’s a list of unexpected—and totally cool—things to do in San Diego. Cool Things to Do in San Diego
“Fallen Star” Crooked House at UCSD
Defying gravity in the best way possible, Fallen Star is a quirky, blue cottage that looks like it was plucked from the pages of a fairytale and precariously placed atop the Jacobs Hall engineering building at UC San Diego. Created by artist Do Ho Suh, this mind-bending art installation is fully furnished, has its own rooftop garden, and offers killer views of the campus.
Location: La Jolla
Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience
Immerse yourself in a glowing underwater wonderland at Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience at SeaWorld. Watch as moon jellies, Pacific sea nettles, and other mesmerizing species drift through floor-to-ceiling aquariums, pulsing with bioluminescent beauty.
With its hypnotic ambiance and stunning visuals, this SeaWorld exhibit feels like stepping into a living dream. Along the way, uncover fascinating facts about jellyfish—ancient creatures that have roamed the oceans for over 500 million years. Don’t forget to snap a few Insta-worthy shots of these ethereal “lava lamps” of the sea!
Location: Mission Bay Park
Things to Do in San Diego
Coronado Golf Cart Rentals
Exploring Coronado just got a whole lot more fun. Forget about cars and hop in a golf cart instead—because let’s be honest, everything is better with the top down and the wind in your hair. Zip around the island, cruise along Orange Avenue, and take in all the best sights without the hassle of parking.
Location: Coronado
The Haunted Amusement Park at Marshal Scotty’s Playland
Once a bustling amusement park, Marshal Scotty’s Playland now stands eerily abandoned—but every Halloween, the ghosts of funfairs past come back to life. This annual haunted attraction transforms the remnants of the park’s roller coasters and carnival rides into a terrifying, spine-chilling experience that’s perfect for thrill-seekers.
Location: El Cajon
Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave
Secret tunnels, hidden passageways and a whole lot of history—Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave is the only sea cave in California accessible by land. Originally used by bootleggers to smuggle whiskey during Prohibition, this La Jolla gem is now a cool underground attraction where visitors can descend a winding staircase to a breathtaking oceanfront cavern.
Location: La Jolla
Things to Do in San Diego
Mushroom House
Floating UFO or architectural masterpiece? The Mushroom Beach House, perched on the cliffs above Black’s Beach, is one of San Diego’s most peculiar hidden gems. Built in the 1960s, this quirky, futuristic home is an Instagrammable landmark worth the trek to see in person.
Location: La Jolla
Grange Garden
A cozy cafe where you can sip coffee and hang out with bunnies? Sign us up. Grange Garden is part coffee shop, part urban farm, and 100% adorable. With a lush, garden-like setting, it’s the perfect place for animal lovers to kick back and enjoy a latte while making some fluffy new friends.
Location: Solana Beach
Smallest Book in the World
If you thought pocket-sized books were small, think again. The San Diego Central Library is home to the smallest book in the world, measuring just 1mm by 1mm. It’s so tiny, you’ll need a magnifying glass to see it—but trust us, it’s worth checking out for the bragging rights alone.
Location: East Village
SS Monte Carlo Shipwreck
Not your average beach day—when the tide is low, remnants of the SS Monte Carlo, a Prohibition-era party ship, peek out from the ocean just off the coast of Coronado. Once home to high-rolling gamblers and bootlegged booze, this shipwreck now sits as a haunting reminder of San Diego’s wild past.
Location: Coronado
The Munchkin House
A real-life fairytale cottage? Almost. The Munchkin House in La Jolla is a pint-sized, storybook-style home that’s long been the subject of urban legends about its (tiny) former residents. While the myths may not be true, the charm of this quirky little house definitely is.
Location: La Jolla
Encinitas Boathouses
Tucked away in Encinitas, these two blue-and-white boathouses have never actually been in the water. Built in the 1920s, they’re quirky, nautical-themed residences that have become local landmarks and a fun photo-op for anyone cruising down Highway 101.
Location: Encinitas
Things to Do in San Diego
Alta Dena Drive-In Market
A hidden gem straight out of the 1950s, Alta Dena Drive-In Market is a nostalgic roadside stop where you can grab a snack, sip on a classic soda, and soak up the retro vibes. Think of it as a drive-thru experience with a serious old-school cool factor.
Location: Clairemont
Miniature Taco Bell
In San Diego, a charming nod to fast-food history stands hidden in plain sight—the Miniature Taco Bell. This tiny tribute is a scaled-down replica of the original Mission-style Taco Bell, which operated from 1965 to 2008. The mini Taco Bell sits just across from the drive-thru of a modernized location at College and University Avenues. Though easy to miss, it serves as a nostalgic homage to the brand’s roots in San Diego.
Location: El Cerrito
Public Otter Swim Encounters
Because who wouldn’t want to swim with otters?! At Nurtured by Nature, you can do just that in one of San Diego’s most unique and heartwarming wildlife experiences. This Public Otter Swim Encounter lets visitors get up close with these playful creatures while also meeting an array of other fascinating animals.
As their primary source of fundraising to support operations & charitable activities, each program is limited to eight spots per session, available for $650 per person, and lasts 3–4 hours. The experience features a 35-minute to 1-hour swim with otters, along with hands-on interactions with at least six additional species, which can include sloths, armadillos, foxes, capybaras, hornbills and lemurs.
Location: Valley Center
Annie’s Canyon
A hidden slot canyon in Solana Beach? Yes, it exists. Annie’s Canyon is a narrow, sandstone-filled wonderland that feels more like a scene from Utah’s red rock deserts than Southern California. It’s a short but adventurous hike with jaw-dropping views at the top.
Location: Solana Beach
Ho Chi Minh Trail
A scenic and slightly sketchy hiking trail that leads to Black’s Beach, Ho Chi Minh Trail winds through rugged sandstone cliffs, narrow pathways, and dramatic drop-offs. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for adventurous hikers and surfers looking for an epic shortcut to the shore, it’s a must.
Location: La Jolla
The Whaley House
One of the most haunted houses in America? You bet. The Whaley House in Old Town has a long history of ghostly encounters, eerie sounds, and unexplained paranormal activity. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, this historic landmark is still worth a visit for its spooky charm.
Location: Old Town
Queen Califia’s Magical Circle
Tucked away in Escondido, Queen Califia’s Magic Circle at Kit Carson Park is a vibrant, mosaic-filled sculpture garden straight out of a dream. Designed by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle, this whimsical wonderland features colorful, oversized creatures that make for an artsy and magical escape.
Location: Escondido
The Gondola Company
A slice of Venice in Southern California? Yes, please. The Gondola Company in Coronado offers dreamy, private gondola rides through the peaceful canals of the Coronado Cays. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or just want to live your best Italian-inspired life, this is the way to do it—a bottle of wine highly encouraged.
Location: Coronado
Think you’ve seen it all in San Diego? Think again! Whether you’re in the mood for a secret swing, an eerie shipwreck or an underground sea cave, this list proves there’s always something new to discover in SoCal’s favorite city.
