San Diego is a unique city in and of itself, with plenty to do and see to keep tourists busy for their entire stay. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique than your typical city tours or other tourist activities, here’s a list of five out-of-the-box ideas for your visit to San Diego. We gathered some of the most unique San Diego experiences so you can make your next vacation a memorable one.
1. Visit Whaley House
If hauntings and the paranormal are your thing, Whaley House is your destination the next time you visit San Diego. Once the home of the famous Thomas Whaley and his family, this haunted house is a historic-albeit haunted-landmark perfect for a unique trip idea.
The home was a few things before it became a landmark; from a house to a general store and even a theater. Designated by the Travel Channel as “The most haunted home in the United States” this chilling old house will give you a fright if you’re brave enough to take a tour after dark.
A paranormal investigation tour is hosted on the last weekend of every month, so if you want to participate, be sure your trip coincides with this point in time and you’ll see exactly why locals claim this house is haunted.
You’ll get special access to roped-off rooms, and get to watch the San Diego Ghost Hunters use specialized paranormal-detecting equipment to (hopefully) entice some spirits into revealing themselves. If you’re easily spooked, Whaley House might not be the destination for you.
2. The Museum of Man
If you’re a history buff, or just into museums, San Diego boasts a unique attraction known as The Museum of Man. The first thing you may notice is the incredible architecture on the front face of the building, complete with a 200-foot tower with a chiming clock at the top.
The museum is home to several amazing exhibits on mankind, everything from cannibals to The Lemon Grove Mummy. The museum also boasts an impressively expensive (one of the most expensive in the country, actually) collection of Egyptian artifacts. No touching!
The museum wasn’t always a museum; in fact, it started out as The California Building, with only a small archeological exhibit inside. The museum is home to many special events throughout the year, so be sure to check the website before planning your trip!
3. Poolhouse San Diego
If you’ve never experienced the wonder of a San Diego rooftop bar, there’s no better place to start than at Poolhouse. Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, this lounge is truly unique in that it’s situated on a rooftop for open-air ambiance and refreshing poolside experience.
The Poolhouse is open from 11 am to 5 pm daily, serving lunch, appetizers and snacks, and craft cocktails for the ultimate afternoon lounging session. Enjoy great music and fun people while you sip on a signature cocktail by the poolside!
Sunday is the best day to be at Poolhouse and is the only day that the lounge offers bottle service. But hurry! Making your reservation as early as possible is the best way to guarantee you and your guests reserve a spot.
4. Women’s Museum of California
With very few museums dedicated specifically to the achievements of women, The Women’s Museum of California is a truly great testament to the prowess and achievements of women throughout history. Originally founded in a living room, the museum’s idea grew from infancy to realization in this former Naval training facility located on Historic Decatur Rd. in San Diego.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 12 pm to 4 pm, so you’ll need to plan accordingly or you’ll miss the four-hour window. Admission is only $5, so this destination is certainly one of the cheaper sights to see in San Diego, though it will leave you feeling richer for having learned such elegant history.
The naval training facility has been transformed into an arts and culture district, and The Women’s Museum is only one of many attractions here. Spend the day admiring art and exposing yourself to other cultures in this unique part of the city.
5. Lucha Libre Taco Shop
San Diego is home to some world-class restaurants, but it’s also home to some unique restaurants as well. Once such place is the Lucha Libre Taco Shop, with several locations throughout the city. This Mexican-wrestling themed novelty taco shop has a unique flair to it, as well as being voted as having the “best burritos in the city”.
There is always a Mexican wrestling film playing on the TV, and the walls are decorated with plenty of Mexican wrestling memorabilia for the die-hard fan or the curious onlooker. The “Champions Booth” can be purchased during your stay, and includes a full-service food package fir for a champion.
Founded in 2008, the restaurant has made a name for itself among the countless Mexican cuisine spots in and around San Diego. Its unique theme and atmosphere make this a must-see on our list of five out-of-the-box tourist ideas.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve been to San Diego once or a hundred times, there’s always something new to discover in this southern-California city. These quirky spots will offer you a different sort of tourist experience, but one that is no less enjoyable and memorable. Think outside the box with these incredibly unique destinations.
Leave a Reply