12 Cool Secret Spots in San Diego (2024)

Ahhh, San Diego! The city of sun, surf, and the California lifestyle in all its glory. This city is definitely a photogenic one, and you’ll find plenty of spots ideal for snapping ‘Gram-worthy pics. But with over three million people calling the city home… the best IG spots can get a little crowded — and overused. But don’t worry. If you’re looking for fresh new spaces to mix up your content calendar, we can help you out. Below, you’ll find 12 cool secret spots in San Diego, perfect for revolutionizing your photos. 

You’ll notice that many of these spaces are available for you to book through Peerspace, the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals. Peerspace makes it easy to discover and book the coolest secret spots in San Diego and cities across the globe. You’ll see what we mean in a moment! For now, let’s get to our favorite secret spots in San Diego.

1. Embrace the best of San Diego in this Lakeside modern farmhouse

You can find plenty of Instagrammable murals throughout the city. But if you’re ready to snap a pic in front of a San Diego mural no one has seen before, check out this unique event space. 

This vibey modern farmhouse in Lakeside features beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. But the mural above the outdoor pool with views overlooking Winter Gardens and the mountains in the background provides a truly one-of-a-kind experience that is pure San Diego.

Check out this rave review from a Peerspace user who booked a private event here: “This home was so beautiful so modern so peaceful we had an amazing evening here!! You will not regret booking this beautiful place such a clean home with a backyard view you won’t forget. We celebrated my boyfriends birthday here and everyone kept saying how pretty this place was ! Maggie is very responsive throughout your stay !! THANK YOU !”

2. Centro Cultura de la Raza at Balboa park 

Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s most popular parks for tourists and residents alike. But with so much space to wander in, there are plenty of hidden gems to be found on park grounds — like the Centro Cultura de la Raza. 

This section of the park helps celebrate Chicano, Latin, and Indigenous art and culture. There’s plenty of beautiful artwork here that would make amazing Insta backdrops — like the mural near the plaza entrance!

3. Enjoy a bespoke experience at the one-of-a-kind Disco Church 

Our next secret spot in San Diego will take you to church — Disco Church, to be precise. This unique San Diego space is a “one-of-a-kind, colorful and eclectic space, full of quirky surprises in every corner.” It’s like someone put a disco club and a tropical midcentury home into a blender.

“EPIC location,” says photoshoot director Lyna N. “So many great backdrops to use inside and out for a funky cool vibe. And [the] owners were so inviting and helpful as well! Thanks Disco Church for a rad photoshoot!”

Check out more Instagram photo ideas in San Diego here!

4. Paris-meets-jungle at this European-themed home

Want to travel to an exotic Parisian maison without leaving the area? Then head to this gorgeous Parisian-themed tropical oasis home in Sherman Heights. It is a 126+-year-old Victorian home that the host has revamped to look straight out of La Belle Époque with its amazing architectural and decor scheme. It’s especially ideal for elegant lifestyle photoshoots, especially its kitchen and master bedroom, both of which are sophisticated and moody.

You can also head outdoors and enjoy The Jade Manor’s stylish tropical backyard, complete with furniture and lush gardens.

5. Make beautiful content in this East Village natural light loft

If you’re looking for secret spots in San Diego to make your latest creative project come to life, then consider this downtown beautiful natural light loft. It is a 1,300-square-foot studio with an open floor plan, massive floor-to-ceiling windows, and furniture that you can use in your shoot. There’s a beautiful bed and clawfoot tub that we in particular think would be perfect for a boudoir shoot. But overall, anything you picture could come to life here!

6. Escape to a mountain ranch with ocean views 

You’ll have to drive outside San Diego to reach this hidden gem of a California ranch in Pala. But the trip is oh so worth it. Not only are there tons of rolling fields and an adorable barn for you to snap picks with, but the ranch also has views of the mountains, valleys, and even the ocean. 

It’s a chance to enjoy California’s natural beauty at its finest. And since you can only book the ranch on Peerspace, chances are, your friends won’t have pics here. 

7. Follow your path to Annie’s Canyon trail 

Annie’s Canyon is a seriously underrated hiking trail near Solana beach. You can hike through a short slot canyon that’s totally suitable for adventurers of all fitness levels. There you’ll enjoy stunning views of the gorgeous white canyon walls, and the views from the lookout point will probably take your breath away. It’s the perfect hidden spot in San Diego for nature lovers! 

8. Relax at an eclectic space by the beach 

Want to travel back in time to the San Diego of the 70s? This hidden gem in Point Loma has you covered. 

According to the Peerspace hosts, “the OB Time Machine and surrounding area will have you feeling as though you have arrived on a 1970s-themed movie set.” Plus, you’ll have access to some of San Diego’s best beaches —  including Dog Beach. It’s a great spot to snap pics if you want variety in your content. 

9. Experience a resort-like luxury estate with unbeatable views 

Located in Lakeside San Diego, this luxury Lakeside estate overlooks a lake and features several gorgeous nooks to snap pics. And when we say the views here are unbeatable, we mean it. Seriously, look at them! It’s like a postcard came to life.

Want something bold and daring for your next shoot? Then check out these boudoir photoshoot ideas in San Diego next!

10. Explore the beauty of Torrey Pine Beach

Also known as Black’s Beach, this hidden spot in San Diego can give you seriously unique views of the coast. The beach features a gorgeous intersection of ocean and cliffside, which can give you some dramatic Instagram shots. 

Just be aware that some beach-goers have been known to use this spot as a nudist beach — so mind where you point your camera. 

11. Wine and dine at a 1927 home with a dreamy deck

Snapping pics at this historic craftsman home in University Heights can help you fulfill one of your wildest, craziest dreams — owning property in San Diego. Just kidding! But seriously this is a gorgeous hidden spot. 

Beyond the cozy and quaint vintage interior, the house’s outdoor deck surveys beautiful views of the mountains and valley. There are tons of adorable nooks and crannies here that look great on camera. It’s like a hidden gem within a hidden gem!

12. Head Down Under without leaving town by visiting Australian garden at Balboa Park 

You can get a taste of the land down under at this hidden spot in San Diego. Balboa Park houses a unique and often overlooked Australian garden, where plants from Australia flourish in the sunny San Diego climate. This is an awesome opportunity to shoot pics with some seriously unique foliage as your backdrop. And another fun reason to explore Balboa Park with your camera! 

Secret spots in San Diego: conclusion

There are so many amazing secret spots in San Diego that it was hard to narrow down our options on this list! As you can see, you can easily stumble upon some of the city’s best-kept hidden secret spots when you know where to look. And when you want a hidden gem to call your own for a few hours, that place to look is on Peerspace. We connect you to amazingly stylish secret spots hosted by dedicated locals who can make the experience amazing, whether you’re planning an event or a production. Check us out to find your next as-yet-undiscovered gem!

Find unique secret spots in San Diego on Peerspace