San Diego is beautiful, filled with history and boasts some of the best cuisine in the country. But it also has some interesting tidbits you’ve probably never heard of. Check out these fun (and strange) things to know about San Diego and start planning your trip.
1. It’s illegal to shoot jackrabbits from the back of a streetcar. You can still take a ride on the trolley system that connects San Diego’s east and west sides to downtown. Just don’t bring a gun!
2. San Diego produces more avocados than any other place in the country. Bring your appetite and chow down on the freshest guacamole in the city.
3. San Diego is skater heaven. Olympian Shaun White was born here in 1986 and the legendary Tony Hawk was raised here, too. Bring your board and shred at one of the 10 top parks in the area.
4. San Diego County is home to the most missions in the country. Visit Mission San Diego de Alcala, Mission San Luis Rey, Mission San Antonio de Pala and Mission Santa Ysabel by taking the California Missions Trail.
5. La Jolla has a cave you can walk in and explore. Sunny Jim Cave has 145 stairs that take you through the cave to where it opens up by the ocean.
6. A 375-foot Suspension Bridge offers a spectacular view of the Sessions Canyon 70 feet below. Located in the Bankers Hill residential area, the Spruce Street bridge is supported by cables and originally designed to take pedestrians across the canyon to get to a trolley line. But, it’s now a secret spot known mostly by locals … and now you.
7. Take a carousel ride on one of the few remaining roundabouts built by master amusement park carver Charles I.D. Looff. Constructed in 1895, the Looff Carousel is located at Seaport Village. But don’t let the touristy location fool you. It’s well with the $3 cost to ride.
8. Visit Friendship Park. On most days it’s pretty quiet, but on weekends, the park is buzzing with people looking to visit with relatives on the other side of the border. While families used to be able to hug, hold hands, share food and just visit, security was strengthened after Sept. 11. It now has two well-guarded fences separating the two countries. And each Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., U.S. Border Control lets people trickle into the supervised area.
9) Visit a haunted house. The Whaley House Museum is a classic mid-19th Century Greek Revival architecture. The property, which actually consists of four buildings, is located at the corner of San Diego Avenue & Harney Street in Old Town San Diego for the County of San Diego. While history buffs will appreciate the architecture and style of the buildings, those interested in paranormal activity will also enjoy a visit. The Travel Channel’s “America’s Most Haunted,” calls the house the most haunted house in the U.S. Alleged hauntings of the Whaling House have been reported since the house first opened in 1960.
Of course, you can always stick to the beaches, waterfront and downtown, but now you know there are some unique options and things to know about San Diego. When you come here to check out all of these weird and wonderful things, make sure to rent a vacation rental with a pool; fun for everyone!
