We all need to get off the beaten path sometimes. San Diego is known for beautiful beaches and great museums, but this city of almost 1.5 million people in Southern California has a lot going on beneath the surface as well. We collected the 13 best secret things to do so you can get a truly and uniquely San Diego experience while you’re here. No matter how long you plan to stay in the city, these 13 secret things to do in San Diego are a great addition to any traveler’s itinerary! Pool Days Most people don’t know that many pools in San Diego are accessible with a day pass. If you don’t have the funds to stay at a fancy hotel you can still enjoy their swim up bars, lazy rivers, and oceanfront properties for a fee. Passes generally run between $15 and $40 each and you can start planning with this list of ten pools that allow guests and non-guests alike to use their facilities. ‘Top Gun’ Film Locations Much of this famous 80’s movie was filmed in San Diego and you can still visit some of the sites today. Spend a few hours snapping photos outside Charlie’s House or grabbing a bite to eat Kansas City Barbeque, where Tom Cruise and Anthony Edwards rocked out on the piano. If you’re a die-hard fan, challenge yourself to track down all eight locations around the city. Border Field State Park This is certainly one of the most unique secret things to do in San Diego. Border Field State Park is 15 miles south of San Diego and, as the name suggests, sits right on the border with Tijuana, Mexico. The park is known for salt marshes and sand dunes, but the massive walls and ever-watching cameras are interesting as…

San Diego is an exceptional vacation destination. From the food to the beaches and everything in between, there’s something here to please every traveler. However, if you’ve already seen the famous sites like the USS Midway Museum, La Jolla Cove, and the San Diego Zoo, we have just the list for you. These 11 unconventional places to visit in San Diego are even broken down into easy itineraries to make planning your offbeat trip a breeze. Are you ready to see a whole new side of the city? Check out these 10 unconventional places to visit in San Diego! Unconventional San Diego Day Trip #1 This day trip combines two of the most unconventional places to visit in San Diego. First, jump in your car and drive to the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala in the quiet suburb of Grantville. This small church also has a small claim to fame: it’s the first mission in California. The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was founded in 1769, so in 2019 the church will be celebrating a jubilee year – their 250th birthday! Visit Monday through Friday to take a tour and spend some time in the gift shop and outdoor grounds as well. Just remember that it’s still an active church, so be respectful of the services and parish members when you go. After your stop at the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, drive 80 miles east to to see the Ricardo Breceda Sculptures in the tiny town of Borrego Springs. Along Borrego Springs Road in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, 130 hulking statues depict animals that may have lived there millions of years ago, like dinosaurs, a saber-toothed tiger, giant tortoises, and even a 350-foot serpent. The sculptures were commissioned by Dennis Avery in 2008 and are…

It’s no surprise that San Diego is one of the best food destinations in the country. It was ranked #1 on the Conde Nast list of Best American Cities for Foodies and came in at #9 on the 2018 WalletHub roundup of the Best Foodie Cities in America. You already know it’s time to plan your next trip here. But, where should you eat when you arrive? In a city of 1.4 million people, the options are truly endless. So, we’ve curated the can’t-miss list of 10 trendy restaurants in San Diego that every visitor needs to try. Mister A’s Best for: the view Location: 2550 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 Menu Mister A’s boasts one of the best views in San Diego from their 12th floor restaurant. The restaurant welcomes foodies but photography buffs will also enjoy the expansive vista of the San Diego skyline and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you eat outside on the rooftop or indoors, make sure you dress to impress because a dress code is enforced. With the ever changing scenery beneath your feet, you may just be tempted to stay all day long! C Level Lounge Best for: a waterfront experience Location: 880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 Menu This eatery quickly cemented itself as one of the most trendy restaurants in San Diego because they pair well-cooked food with iconic harbor views. C Level Lounge sits on stilts over the San Diego Bay and offers relaxing views of the skyline and Coronado. Seafood dominates the menu here and the extensive wine and cocktail lists round out a perfect night at this popular spot in San Diego. Buona Forchetta Best for: good food Location: 3001 Beech St., San Diego, CA 92102 Menu No visit to the city is complete without a…

There’s a lot to love about San Diego – including having some of the best beaches in the country. No visit to San Diego would be quite complete without a trip to the beach. There are beaches you can swim at, beaches you can sun at, and beaches with unique wildlife. Check out our five top picks for San Diego beaches. 1. La Jolla Cove La Jolla Cove may be a tiny beach, but it’s truly gorgeous. Sandwiched between sandstone cliffs, visitors are treated to blue-green bay views, snorkelers have plenty to explore, and scuba divers can check out some of the most unique sea creatures in California. This area is part of the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve and has unique fish such as the Garibaldi. 2. La Jolla Shores You’ve only got to head north about a mile from La Jolla Cove to get to La Jolla Shores. This is a several mile long beach that’s beloved for having a gentle surf. As a result, it’s a top choice for people who are just learning to surf, people who enjoy stand up paddle boarding, and parents with young kids. It’s also the only beach within the limits of San Diego that has a boat launch. 3. Swami’s Beach Located south of Encinitas, about 25 miles from San Diego, Swami’s Beach is a top spot for surfers. For those who aren’t quite ready to brave the waves, people watching is prime from the bluff-top park. Sit there and take in some of the scenery Southern California has on offer. 4. Carlsbad State Beach For those who want nothing more than to take in a stunning California sunset, GoCar Tours has you covered. Head out to Carlsbad Beach to see the sun slide into the Pacific Ocean. This is…