San Diego is a popular destination for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches and world-class attractions. But if you’re looking for something more than the usual tourist fare, you might want to check out these 10 offbeat experiences that will make your visit to San Diego unforgettable.
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Explore the underwater park at La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a scenic spot where you can swim, snorkel or kayak with sea lions, seals, fish and other marine life. But did you know that there’s also an underwater park that covers six kilometres of ocean bottom and kelp forest? The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park is a marine reserve that protects the diverse ecosystem and offers a unique opportunity to see underwater sculptures, artificial reefs and historic shipwrecks. You can join a guided tour or rent your own equipment to explore this hidden gem.
Enter the secret sea cave at Sunny Jim Cave Store
Sunny Jim Cave Store is a small shop that sells souvenirs, snacks and drinks. But it also has a secret entrance to a sea cave that was once used by smugglers and bootleggers. For a small fee, you can descend 145 steps through a dark tunnel to reach the cave, which opens up to the ocean and offers stunning views of the waves and cliffs. The cave is named after a cartoon character from the early 1900s, whose profile resembles the shape of the opening.
Experience Mexican wrestling at Lucha Libre Taco Shop
If you love tacos and wrestling, you’ll love Lucha Libre Taco Shop. This quirky restaurant is dedicated to the Mexican sport of lucha libre, which features masked wrestlers performing acrobatic moves and stunts. The walls are decorated with wrestling memorabilia, posters and masks, and the menu offers delicious tacos, burritos, nachos and more. You can even sit in a special booth called the Champion’s Booth, which is reserved for winners of trivia contests and other challenges.
Visit the haunted Whaley House Museum
The Whaley House Museum is a historic house that was built in 1857 by Thomas Whaley, a prominent businessman and pioneer. The house served as his family residence, as well as a general store, a courthouse, a theatre and a morgue. It is also said to be one of the most haunted houses in America, with reports of ghostly sightings, sounds and smells. You can take a self-guided tour of the house during the day or join a night tour for a spookier experience.
See the world’s largest lemon in Lemon Grove
Lemon Grove is a small city in San Diego County that is known for its citrus industry and its giant lemon statue. The lemon is 10 feet long, six feet wide and four feet high, and weighs about 3,000 pounds. It was built in 1928 as part of a float for the Fourth of July parade, and later became a permanent landmark on Main Street. The lemon has the words “Best Climate On Earth” painted on it, which is the motto of Lemon Grove.
Discover the hidden art at Chicano Park
Chicano Park is a park under the San Diego-Coronado Bridge that was created in 1970 by local residents who wanted to preserve their cultural heritage and prevent the construction of a highway patrol station. The park is home to more than 80 murals that depict the history, struggles and achievements of the Chicano community in San Diego and beyond. The murals are colorful, vibrant and expressive, and reflect various artistic styles and influences. The park also hosts cultural events, festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
Ride the carousel at Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping and dining complex that offers a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment options. But one of its most charming attractions is the carousel, which dates back to 1895 and is one of the oldest in the country. The carousel has 54 hand-carved animals, including horses, giraffes, lions and dragons, as well as two chariots. You can hop on for a nostalgic ride and enjoy the music from an antique band organ.
Watch the model trains at San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Model Railroad Museum is the largest museum of its kind in North America, with more than 27,000 square feet of exhibit space. The museum features four enormous scale model layouts that depict various regions of California and their railroads. You can see detailed scenes of mountains, deserts, cities and countryside, as well as hundreds of trains running on more than two miles of track. The museum also has a toy train gallery, a library and a children’s area.
Learn about the hidden history of San Diego at the Chinese Historical Museum
The Chinese Historical Museum is a museum that showcases the history, culture and contributions of the Chinese community in San Diego and beyond. The museum is housed in a former Chinese mission building that was built in 1927 and is the last remaining structure of Chinatown. The museum has exhibits on topics such as immigration, discrimination, education, business and art. You can also see artifacts, photographs, documents and artworks that tell the stories of the Chinese American experience.
Experience the magic of cinema at Cinema Under the Stars
Cinema Under the Stars is an outdoor movie theatre that offers a cozy and romantic setting to watch classic and contemporary films. The theatre has a 20-foot screen, surround sound and infrared heating. You can relax on comfortable reclining chairs, loveseats or ottomans, and enjoy free popcorn, candy and blankets. You can also bring your own food and drinks, or order from nearby restaurants. The theatre shows movies every Thursday to Sunday night, year-round.
