If it’s bustling beaches, sunshine, surf, and shoreline entertainment that speaks to your travel style San Diego’s coastal neighborhoods of Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Bird Rock are exactly where you’re going to want to be. Here, there are a ton of popular stops to add to an itinerary, and just as many off-the-beaten-path experiences waiting to be enjoyed as well. When you’re heading this way and looking for something new to enjoy on your next trip to San Diego, the following are the top 10 hidden gems in the area not to overlook.
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Graffiti Shack
Located near the Mission Bay Jetty channel, Graffiti Shack is an abandoned fisherman’s hut that has been successfully transformed into an inspiring art canvas! A visit here is a chance to admire the ever-changing street art mural that’s vibrant and provides a unique backdrop for photos. Whether you come to add your own skillset to the project or you’re just in the mood to observe, it’s a symbol of San Diego’s urban art scene that’s worth your while to experience for yourself.
Bahia Belle Cruises
If you’re someone who is looking to pair maritime history with sightseeing during your stay, stepping aboard a Bahia Belle Cruise could end up being the highlight of your trip. Docked at 998 W Mission Bay Drive, these vintage sternwheeler boat cruises are a great way to enjoy the view out and over Mission Bay. Most cruises are just 45 minutes, but there are options to book longer sailings with cocktails and live music to enjoy, too.
Kate Sessions Park
When you’re spending quality time in Pacific Beach and looking for a great view to enjoy, a visit to Kate Sessions Park is a must. This hidden-away cliffside park spans 79 acres and is located on Mount Soledad, overlooking Mission Bay. While the panoramic views are a treat, this is also a great place to enjoy yoga, a pet-friendly stroll, or a drink at sunset.
Calumet Park
From the picture-perfect beaches to explore to the gentle tide pools to enjoy, Calumet Park in Bird Rock is another place that’s well worth having a camera ready to capture the view, no matter when you arrive. A visit to Calumet Park is a great choice when you’re looking to escape the crowds for a while during your stay and focus on a tranquil moment in nature.
Olive Café
Travelers who need to fuel up well for a day of Southern California fun ahead will enjoy savoring breakfast or lunch over at Olive Café in Mission Beach. Located at 805 Santa Clara Place, the Olive Café is a locally-loved stop built around cozy vibes and a menu featuring organic coffee and espresso. They’re open daily from 7:00 am until 2:00 pm, and whether you go for the cinnamon roll French toast, an acai bowl, or a BLT, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Tourmaline Surfing Park
Pacific Beach is a surfing mecca, but when you’re looking for a place to hit the waves that’s a bit more relaxed, the Tourmaline Surfing Park is a great solution. Located on the North Pacific Beach and Bird Rock border, this surf park is more tucked away, and a great place to work on your skills while watching expert longboarders, too. In addition to surfing, you can head this way to check out the views out and over the ocean from the surrounding cliffsides at your own preferred pace.
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
Whether it’s your first cup of the day or you’re looking to re-energize in the afternoon, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is a hidden gem destination in the heart of Bird Rock that’s sure to please. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is loved locally by coffee enthusiasts for their combination of ethically sourced beans and bold flavors. They have several locations, but if you pick up a pour-over at their stop near Calumet Park, you can successfully combine two delightful experiences on this list!
The Fishery
Situated on Cass Street in Pacific Beach, The Fishery offers visitors access to a unique dual seafood market and elegant dining experience right on-site. It’s a one-stop hub in the area for picking up fresh fish, oysters, poke, and more when you’re excited to serve up seafood in your vacation rental during your stay. It’s just as suitable a destination when you’re looking to sit down for a date night with the one you love most and leave the cooking to the professionals!
Oscars Mexican Seafood
Yet another hidden gem eatery in Pacific Beach, located on Emerald Street, is Oscars Mexican Seafood. Don’t let the small storefront fool you because this is a place where you’re guaranteed to find big flavors. Oscars is known for serving up fan-favorite fish tacos, and options to include house-made salsa and spicy shrimp in your order only give your meal even more of a kick. While there is limited seating here, many visitors choose to grab their meal and head straight to the beach to enjoy it.
Mission Bay Bike Path
While Mission Bay is a well-known destination, its namesake bike path offers visitors access to hidden-away destinations when they’re exploring on two wheels. In total, the bike path is a 12-mile loop that leads along sandy coves, around waterfront cafes, and directly into pocket parks. That makes it easy to customize your day of cycling and sightseeing according to your own unique travel style.
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