Locals and tourists alike love California’s fair city, San Diego, for all its charm, beauty, relaxing vibes, and excellent food. Most know and adore the city’s iconic destinations, such as Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. Likewise, even non-locals are familiar with staples such as the USS Midway or the tall ships at the Maritime Museum.
However, San Diego has numerous hidden gems to explore. From out-of-the-way eateries to the beauties of nature, there’s so much to discover in this vast city. Indeed, San Diego’s blend of modern luxury, vintage vibes, and natural wonders makes it one of the finest cities in the US.
1. Aubrey Rose Tea Room
For those who enjoy high tea, finding the perfect place can be a challenge. San Diego offers numerous options, including the popular Britannia Tea Room, Westgate Hotel’s High Tea, and the Coral Tree Tea House in Heritage Park. However, the highest rated (based on Google reviews), yet often overlooked, remains The Aubrey Rose Tea Room in La Mesa.
As a connoisseuse of high tea at various locations in San Diego, I find that the Aubrey Rose Tea Room features the best food and tea selections. The finger sandwiches offered include cucumber with cream cheese and egg salad, while sweet treats such as fresh scones and assorted mousse and fruit desserts delight guests. The savory selections, especially the light-as-air cheese puffs, are also to die for.
Of course, their tea selection stands out with the fruit, herbal, and special Aubrey Rose blends always being a hit. Beyond the tea and food, the Aubrey Rose sets itself apart with its quaint and intimate space and old-fashioned decor. They even offer hats, shawls, and boas for guests to wear if they wish. The Aubrey Rose also remains one of the most affordable tea houses in the county, making it one of San Diego’s loveliest hidden gems.
2. Family Christmas Tree Farm
Located in El Cajon, the Family Christmas Tree Farm is a 10-acre Christmas tree farm and pumpkin patch owned and run by the Stokes Family since 1972. The farm offers festive fun for both the Halloween and Christmas seasons. In September and October, visitors can choose from a sea of orange and yellow pumpkins of all sizes. Guests can also take tractor rides through the farm, sip Julian apple cider, play games, and enjoy a scavenger hunt through a hay bale maze.
During the winter months, the Family Christmas Tree Farm allows visitors to choose from a wide range of evergreen trees, including the option to cut down a tree themselves if they desire. Tractor rides and games are also available during Christmas time. Most of all, the farm provides wholesome, low-key fun among the glorious scent of pine trees.
3. 94th Aero Squadron
Tucked away in the heart of San Diego, the 94th Aero Squadron is one of the city’s most beautiful and unique restaurants. The building is modeled after a WW1 era French farmhouse, featuring massive stone fireplaces, beamed ceilings, wood paneling, and an atmosphere that evokes the warmth and romance of a bygone era.
Hanging above diners include actual airplane wings, while the outdoor areas feature biplane replicas and an army jeep. You’ll dine on delicious, home-style cuisine such as prime rib, filet mignon, burgers, salads, chicken, pork chops, and fish & chips. Visitors can also partake in signature cocktails, an impressive wine selection, and other high-end spirits. All in all, the 94th Aero Squadron offers an immersive, old-fashioned experience that patrons won’t soon forget.
4. Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge was built in 1912, but many locals still remain unaware of this beauty. Not for the faint of heart or those with acrophobia, the bridge is 375 feet in length, consists of concrete and suspension cables, and has been nicknamed the “Wiggly Bridge.”
For those who enjoy expansive views, take a trek out to this bridge. Looking down from 70 feet above, the bridge crosses the Kate Sessions Canyon, connecting neighborhoods in Bankers Hill. Rivaling similar constructions, the Spruce Street Bridge was deemed a historic landmark in 1977, yet remains an out-of-the-way spot for locals and tourists alike.
5. Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave
A true hidden gem in every sense of the word, a visit to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave makes visitors feel as if they’ve stepped inside their own seafaring or pirate adventure. Located in La Jolla, guests will enter this centuries-old bootlegger tunnel through the Cave Store and descend 144 steps into the sea cave.
These self-guided trips will be approximately 15 to 20 minutes, allowing guests to explore and take photos before ascending back up the stairs. Consequently, this attraction will not be for those with mobility issues. For everyone else, the only sea cave accessible by land in San Diego has a touch of history and wonder sure to inspire all who visit. Tickets cost $13 and tours run from 9am to 4:30 pm.
6. Lafayette Hotel and Club
Located on El Cajon Boulevard, the Lafayette Hotel and Club leans into nostalgia, maximalist style, and old-Hollywood glamour. The building itself is reminiscent of Colonial-style architecture, while the interiors and outdoor spaces (including the lobby, rooms, pool, and eateries) feature rich colors and patterns, wallpaper galore, canopy beds, checkerboard floors, and ornate lighting fixtures.
Indeed, the blend of various design styles, including Victorian, Gothic, and Mid-Century modern, makes the Lafayette a unique jewel and an absolute feast for the eyes. The hotel features numerous amenities and dining options. Beginners Diner is reminiscent of the 1940s in look and the Americana-influenced menu. The Lobby Bar features a gorgeous glass atrium and hand-painted ceiling, while Quixote is constructed from a decommissioned Catholic Church and evokes a feeling of serenity. The hotel also features a pool bar, a bowling alley, and a reimagined supper club that acts as a live music venue.
During the Christmas season, the Lafayette transforms into a glorious, holiday wonderland, leaving practically no space untouched with decor and a touch of whimsy.
7. Harper’s Topiary Garden
A true labor of love, a couple in Mission Hills constructed this topiary garden in their front yard for all to enjoy. And enjoy it, visitors do. The garden has over 50 plant sculptures, including different types of animals and people.
Although it’s a quick stop and look type of place, that doesn’t lessen its beauty and wonder. Anyone who’s seen the Tim Burton film Edward Scissorhands will feel as if they’ve stepped into that whimsical world, even if just for a few minutes.
8. Mission Bay Beach Club and Superbloom Cafe
The relaxing and chill vibes associated with San Diego are perfectly encapsulated by the Mission Bay Beach Club. The outdoor patio with umbrella-shaded tables and lounge-style couches offers a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful bayfront views.
Visitors can catch up with friends or family, take a stroll down by the water, or indulge in ice cream from the nostalgia ice cream cart. At the Superbloom Cafe, grab a coffee, tea, or juice and enjoy anything from cookies and pastries to salads, paninis, and avocado toast.
9. Prohibition Lounge
Like a speakeasy from the 1920s, San Diego’s Prohibition Lounge gives patrons the “Great Gatsby” experience. From its dark interiors and brick walls to its unassuming Law Office entrance, Prohibition Lounge truly feels like an amazing secret the moment one enters.
The lounge serves specialty drinks and cocktails, wine, beer, and hard liquor. Food options reflect the nostalgic but upscale vibes, such as elevated appetizers and desserts. They also feature live entertainment and dancing, creating a unique and swanky experience.
10. The Barn Florist and Mercantile Store
San Diego has no shortage of Antique stores, from small, quaint little shops to expansive stores like the Antique Mart. Standing apart from the crowd is the Barn Florist and Mercantile Store for its unique personality.
Indeed, The Barn Florist and Mercantile store embodies the small-town cozy vibes that you expect in other parts of the country, or that one sees in Hallmark movies.
Founded in 2015 by Francisca and Manuel Chavez, the store acts as a flower shop, antique store with curated treasures, and coffee shop all rolled into one. A true delight for all who visit, it’s the kind of place that evokes a wistful sense of peace and wholesomeness.