10 Instagram Worthy Spots in San Diego

When I was recently visiting my grandmother in San Diego I actually Googled “Instagram in San Diego”. I was trying to explain to my grandmother how I wanted to visit all of these “cool and trendy” places for the ‘gram. While she didn’t quite get what the point was right away, she ended up having a terrific idea. She said how she has lived there all her life and could come up with some way better places that no one would think to go to when searching for the perfect “Instagram Spot”.

10 Instagram Worthy Places in San Diego – that you’ve never heard of 

This also leads me into a new series I’ll be doing on my blog while I am traveling. So keep an eye out for a new 10 Instagram Worthy Spots later this month in a whole new city!

Not only will it make your insta feed more unique than the typical person in San Diego, it will also make you travel and see more of a local side of this amazing city. Going around to all of these places was so much fun! While I visit San Diego about once a year, I haven’t even seen most of these places before and it was so fun to be a tourist and explore the city I was born in.

So to this blog post, I owe a huge thanks to my grandmother for helping me find some really cool places and being my insta grandma for the week. 

Ready to check out 10 Instagram Worthy Spots in San Diego that you’ve never heard of? Keep reading!

 

1. Presidio

Walking around the Presidio made me feel like I was in some European country. It was absolutely gorgeous. The Presidio is a National Historic Landmark and was the first European settlement on California’s coast in 1769. There is a museum to learn even more about the history of this place and trails to explore the landscape. 

Cost: Free

Address: 2811 Jackson St San Diego, CA 92110

2. Mt Helix

What a sight to see. Mt Helix has a huge amphitheater that was built in 1925 that is still used today for religious services, caroling, halloween festivals and more. You can even get married there! If you climb to the top of the amphitheater you’ll find a huge cross and an amazing view.

Cost: Free

Address: 4905 Mt Helix Dr La Mesa, CA 91941

3. San Diego Mission Basilica

The Mission, founded in 1769, is California’s first mission church. It is still very much an active Catholic parish today. Even if you are not the religious type, you can enjoy your time exploring the grounds of this mission.  

Cost: Free

Address: 10818 San Diego Mission Road San Diego, CA 92108

 

 

4. La Mesa Train Station

This train station was first constructed in 1894 and served as an important railway until 1954. Since then it has been used for antique stores, museums, and even a worm farm. Today the train station is used as a museum to teach those the history of its importance.

Cost: Free

Address: 4695 Nebo Drive La Mesa, California 91941

 

5. San Diego Zoo

I’ve been going to this zoo almost every year since I was born and it’s one of my favorite places in the US. The San Diego Zoo is ranked the #1 Zoo in the world, and for good reasons too. With 100 acres of more than 3,500 animals there is a lot to see there! Even though a ton of people like to take Insta’s at the zoo, there are two spots in particular that aren’t as common. At the beginning of the new exhibit of Africa Rocks, there are African flowers and plants that make for a beautiful background. The second being right near the entrance of the zoo, and to the left of the Sandwich Company, there is a mini lagoon type exhibit. It’s always quiet and serene.

Cost: $54 per adult

Address: 2920 Zoo Drive San Diego, Ca 92101

6. Balboa Theatre

Balboa Theatre is right in the heart of downtown San Diego. It’s right next to Horton Plaza and the Westfield Shopping Center. Balboa Theatre is a beautiful orange color that makes taking a fun instagram so perfect! Also-there is a Starbucks close by if you need a quick coffee fix!

Cost: Free

Address: 868 Fourth Ave San Diego, CA 92101

 

7. Old Point Loma Lighthouse

The Old Point Loma lighthouse was built in 1854 and was used until 1891. It eventually became a Cabrillo National Monument in the early 1900’s. The lighthouse also served as a home for those who took care of the light. This lighthouse used to serve the US military.. Inside and along the lighthouse, you can see the radio station, searchlight bunkers and other defense systems.

Cost: $15 per vehicle

Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive San Diego, CA 92106

 

On your way home, stop by OB Garden Cafe and grab a bite to eat! I had the Black Bean and Red Quinoa Burger which was absolutely amazing. I recommend having it with their vegan caesar salad. They also have yoga on their rooftop! Address: 4741 Voltaire St San Diego, CA 92107

8. Lips in Lemon Grove

In 1977, a teenager realized that the rock here looked a bit like lips and painted some on there. Ever since then it’s been a bit of a symbol of Lemon Grove and and people in the city have kept up the repainting of it. It’s a bit tricky to get to the lips as they are across an intersection but remember to look both ways and be quick!

Cost: Free

Address: 7689 High St La Mesa, CA 91941

 

9. Farmer’s Market

The farmer’s markets in San Diego are my favorite place in the world. They are absolutely amazing for grocery shopping, home decor shopping and instagram shots. There is an abundance of markets that can spice up your background props that you can buy to use (such as my flowers) so your hands don’t look awkward. Anyone else always have that problem? Try the coconut pancakes from Thai Chef Saranya. I actually look forward to my annual treat from them each year. If you look coconut these are a must!My favorite Farmer’s Markets are in Little Italy (Saturday 8-2) and Hillcrest (Sunday 9-2).

Cost: Free

Address:

Little Italy: 600 W. Date St San Diego, CA 92101

Hillcrest: 3690 Normal St San Diego, CA 92103

10. Harbor Island

Harbor Island is home to restaurants, hotels and parks but the true reason for going here is the views. Tucked next to the Coasterra Resturant is a walkway to the best view of San Diego you’ll ever see. The view from this spot is absolutely amazing and unbelievable.

Cost: Free

Address: 880 Harbor Island Dr San Diego, CA 92101

 

I had such an amazing time on my trip to California. I can’t wait to go back again and explore even more Instagram worthy spots! Which place are you most excited to visit? Any ideas for a new city for me to explore?  Let me know what kind of blog post you’d like to see next!

Want to read more? Check out my latest blog post here!

-Camille Grey-