San Diego is well-known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural landmarks, but there’s so much more to this city if you look beyond the usual tourist stops. Thanks to Atlas Obscura, a treasure trove of lesser-known attractions and strange wonders, you can discover a side of San Diego that few people know about. If you're a curious traveler or just someone looking to experience something new, this list of must-see spots is for you!

1. The Whaley House

Touted as one of the most haunted places in the United States, the Whaley House in Old Town San Diego comes with a chilling past. Once a family home, granary, courthouse, and gallows, it has seen its fair share of death and tragedy, leading to many ghost stories.

2. The Hotel del Coronado's Haunted Past

Another spooky spot, this grand hotel on Coronado Island has welcomed many guests, including celebrities, since the late 1800s. It's also said to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman who died under mysterious circumstances.

3. The World's Largest Lemon

Nestled in the town of Lemon Grove, just east of San Diego, you’ll find a 10-foot-tall concrete lemon. This quirky monument pays tribute to the area’s agricultural past, making it a perfect photo op for lovers of the unusual.

4. Harper’s Topiary Garden

A residential front yard in Mission Hills has been transformed into a wonderland of living sculptures. You can stroll by to see whimsical animals, figures, and shapes all made out of meticulously manicured hedges.

5. Sunny Jim Cave

Accessed via a man-made tunnel that runs through a souvenir shop, Sunny Jim Cave is one of the few sea caves in San Diego that you can explore by foot. It offers a surreal view of the Pacific Ocean from a hidden angle.

6. The Mushroom Beach House

Located on the coast in La Jolla, this bizarre house looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie with its mushroom-shaped roof. It’s privately owned, but you can still catch a glimpse of it from certain vantage points along the shore.

7. Balboa Park’s Hidden Cactus Garden

While Balboa Park is famous for its museums and gardens, the cactus garden is one of its lesser-known attractions. It's a tranquil spot filled with rare and unique desert plants, perfect for a quiet moment away from the busier areas.

8. The Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Designed by the legendary architect Louis Kahn, this modernist masterpiece in La Jolla is not just a working research facility but also an architectural icon. While tours are available, the dramatic design and views of the Pacific Ocean are worth seeing from the outside alone.

9. Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

Perched on a hill overlooking San Diego, this memorial offers breathtaking views of the city and coastline. It’s a place of quiet reflection and remembrance, with plaques honoring thousands of veterans.

10. The USS Midway Museum's Secret History

While the USS Midway Museum is a popular tourist attraction, the ship itself holds countless fascinating and lesser-known stories. From hidden passageways to the life of sailors on board, the Midway has a rich history waiting to be uncovered.

11. The Unarius Academy of Science

This spiritual group, founded in the 1950s, is known for its eclectic beliefs about past lives and extraterrestrial influences. Their headquarters in El Cajon features a collection of out-of-this-world artwork and memorabilia that reflects their unique worldview.

12. The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

Hidden in a quiet neighborhood, this suspension bridge offers a thrilling, slightly nerve-wracking walk above a canyon. It’s a peaceful yet exciting place to experience a slice of San Diego’s past.

13. Chicano Park Murals

Located beneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge in the neighborhood of Barrio Logan, this park is home to the largest collection of outdoor murals in the country. These powerful works of art tell the story of the local Chicano community and their struggles for justice.

Atlas Obscura has truly captured the essence of San Diego’s hidden magic. Whether you’re a local looking for new experiences or a visitor eager to dive into the city’s quirky history, this list promises adventure and discovery around every corner.