1. The Harper’s Topiary Garden, Mission Hills

This is one of the most whimsical, unusual, and totally unexpected places in the city. A local couple shaped over 50 shrubs into dinosaurs, people, spirals, animals and abstract shapes.

Why it’s unique:
It looks like a mix between Dr Seuss and Alice in Wonderland. Nothing else in San Diego looks like it.

Best shot:
Take a wide angle photo from the sidewalk looking up at the tiered, sculpted hillside.

2. The Secret Swing in La Jolla (when it reappears)

The swing gets removed and rebuilt constantly, but when it pops back up, it offers one of the most magical shots in the city.

Why it’s unique:
The swing overlooks the entire La Jolla coastline, framed perfectly with cliffs and ocean blue.

Best shot:
Shot from behind the swing with the sea filling the background.

3. The Pink Lady House in Coronado

A stunning historic home painted the perfect shade of bubblegum pink.

Why people love it:
It is playful, timeless, and looks like a Wes Anderson set.

Best shot:
From across the street, framed with palm trees.

4. The Hillcrest Neon Sign at Blue Hour

The Hillcrest sign looks good at any time of day, but at blue hour (just before sunrise or right after sunset), it glows in the most cinematic way.

Why it’s cool:
It captures the energy, color, and culture of Hillcrest.

Best shot:
Standing under the sign looking toward University Avenue.

5. The Gliderport Cliffs, Torrey Pines

Less photographed than Sunset Cliffs, but just as breathtaking.

Why it’s special:
You get cliffs, paragliders, ocean mist and wide open sky. The scale looks dramatic in photos.

Best shot:
Facing north toward the endless stretch of cliffs.

6. The Darlington House, La Jolla

Most people only see this spot for weddings, but the architecture is gorgeous for content.

Why it’s special:
Moroccan tile, archways, courtyards and old world charm.

Best shot:
Through the archways or in the mosaic courtyard.

7. Mission Trails "Cliff Jumpers Ledge"

Hidden near the reservoir, there is a rocky outcrop overlooking the water that creates stunning, moody shots.

Why it’s unique:
It feels like a deserted national park inside San Diego.

Best shot:
Silhouette shot at sunset facing the water.

8. Liberty Station’s Hidden Spanish Steps

Most people walk the main areas, but tucked behind some of the buildings are gorgeous old steps lined with palms.

Why it's a gem:
Clean lines, pastel tones and perfect symmetry.

Best shot:
Looking straight up the staircase framed by the palm trees.

9. Ocean Beach Tide Pools at Low Tide

These tide pools look like another planet.

Why it’s unique:
Layered rock formations, reflective puddles and textures everywhere.

Best shot:
Close ups of the textured rock with the ocean behind.

10. The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

This hidden pedestrian bridge is a local favorite.

Why it’s cool:
It floats over a canyon and sways gently, which looks incredible in photos.

Best shot:
Centered on the bridge, looking straight ahead.

11. Bankers Hill Plane Path

This is where planes fly so low you can see the landing gear.

Why it’s epic:
You get urban architecture plus a giant plane overhead in the same shot.

Best shot:
At the corner of Laurel Street and Front Street, timed with landing planes.

12. “The Portal” at the Mingei Museum

The giant circular opening at the front of the Mingei Museum in Balboa Park makes an incredible modern photo backdrop.

Why it’s unique:
Minimalist, architectural and unexpected in a historic park.

Best shot:
Stand centered in the circle for a clean symmetrical shot.

13. Oceanside’s “Top Gun” House

The restored blue Victorian house from the movie is now a café with vintage decor.

Why guests love it:
It is nostalgic, coastal and quirky.

Best shot:
From the street with the pier in the distance.

14. The Meditation Gardens in Encinitas

Monks, koi ponds, lush greenery and ocean overlook.

Why it’s unforgettable:
It feels peaceful, clean and tropical.

Best shot:
By the koi pond with the Pacific in the background.

15. Secret Rooftops in Little Italy

Some public buildings and mixed-use rooftops offer open access with skyline views.

Why it’s great:
You get colorful buildings, planes, and the harbor all in one frame.

Best shot:
Facing west at golden hour when the buildings glow.

16. The Zoro Garden Butterfly Exhibit

A sunken garden in Balboa Park with butterflies circling through tall trees.

Why it’s special:
It has an enchanted, hidden fairy-garden vibe that you cannot get anywhere else.

Best shot:
At ground level looking up through the trees.

17. Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial

The 360 degree view is insane, and few visitors actually photograph the memorial itself.

Why it’s beautiful:
You get sweeping views of La Jolla, the ocean and all of coastal San Diego.

Best shot:
Silhouette shot at sunrise.

18. The Old Adobe Chapel in Old Town

A quiet and photogenic historic site with rustic white walls and exposed wood.

Why guests love it:
Minimalist but full of character.

Best shot:
Wide shot from the front with shadows hitting the adobe walls.

19. Sunset at Fiesta Island—Totally Underrated

The light hits the water here in a soft, golden way that feels cinematic.

Why it’s unique:
Water reflections and skyline views without crowds.

Best shot:
Facing downtown as the sky turns pink.

20. The Cabrillo National Monument Tide Pools

Guests who discover this spot always rave about it.

Why it’s spectacular:
Layered stone, low tide pools and dramatic cliffs that feel untouched.

Best shot:
On the rocky ledges with the Pacific behind you.