Hidden spots
The places your hotel concierge forgot to mention.
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The Coronado Ferry
A 15-minute boat ride across San Diego Bay with skyline views, for about the price of a fancy coffee. Skip the bridge…
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Coronado Beach and the Secret Sand Sign
A wide, sparkly beach in front of the Hotel del, with a giant secret message spelled out in the dunes. You just…
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Ocean Beach Wednesday Farmers Market
Every Wednesday evening, Newport Avenue shuts to cars and fills with food stalls, fruit, crafts and street performers. OB at its most…
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Ocean Beach Dog Beach
One of the first leash-free beaches in the country, open 24 hours. Hundreds of happy dogs, zero chill. Even if you didn’t…
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El Campo Santo Cemetery
A tiny 1849 cemetery in Old Town with outlaws, pioneers and a reputation for ghosts. Five spooky minutes off the tourist strip.
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Annie’s Canyon Trail
A short hike that squeezes you through a sandstone slot canyon and up ladders to a view over the lagoon. Small trail,…
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Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial
A free hilltop memorial with a 360-degree view of San Diego, from the ocean to the mountains. The best view in the…
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Kate Sessions Park
A big grassy hill above Pacific Beach with a view over Mission Bay all the way to downtown. Bring a blanket and…
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Cabrillo Tide Pools
Octopus, anemones and crabs in rock pools at the tip of Point Loma. Check the tide chart first, or you’ll be staring…
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Chicano Park
Huge, bold murals painted on the pillars of the Coronado Bridge. A National Historic Landmark and the best free art in San…