Secret Swing and Secret Garden Trail
La Jolla Secret Swing and Secret Garden Trail
Seeing pictures of La Jolla's Secret Swings on social media inspired me to discover them, so when my son wanted to visit the Birch Aquarium, I knew today was going to be the day - a two birds, one rock sort of deal. Searching for any easy-on-the-knees trails in the surrounding area revealed two - Secret Swing Trail and Secret Garden Trail.
The location though is not-so-secret as it basically begins at the free parking lot of the Birch Aquarium. You just need to know where to look. The parking lot is one-way, shaped like a U. Right at the top of the U-Turn is where the trail begins. The (not-so) Secret Swing is right after that short climb (see below).
There's usually a line for pictures and today was no different. However, as it was early in the day I only had to wait behind a small group. The spot is beautiful and serene. It calms the soul and brings out the best in people. One member of the group even volunteered to take pictures and a video of me on the swing. Awww 💗 Thank you, nice stranger!
This Secret Swing is one of the three secret swings in La Jolla. Urban legend says there's more and I'm on the hunt now.
Since that short climb up the hill is neither an exercise nor a hike, I made my way to a trail going north, hugging the coast. The gorgeous Pacific Ocean was to my left. What a view! Heading to the tress (see below), a number of teepee-ish structures appeared. My phone does not identify the location at all. I am imagining UCSD students having bonfire parties here. There's also a bench sweetly dedicated to a father/grandfather.
After a brief respite I was back to my adventure. I kept heading north, crossed Expedition Way to Discovery Way to La Jolla Shores Drive. To the right are the Coast Apartments. Across the street, I crossed to Horizon Way and turned-right to Ellentown Road.
At the end of Ellentown Road is a private driveway, not to a single residence, but to a neighborhood. It is a beautiful driveway! From La Jolla Shores Drive, there are these little doors that look like it leads to Secret Gardens.
There is a sign by the La Jolla Shores Drive that simply states, "Private Driveway. Enter at your own risk." Oops!
I wonder if the residents know that a phone's map app identifies this as the Secret Garden Trail. They probably know but are relying on the goodness in people to keep it a secret. I encourage you to go, explore, and experience it, but please respect the neighborhood and its citizens.