Unveiling San Diego’s Unusual Past: 11 Quirky Historical Gems That Shaped the County

UFOs, odd caves and weird looking birds called Emus.

Yes, San Diego County, with its sun-soaked beaches and rich history, holds countless stories. Beyond its well-documented military and cultural legacies, the region is brimming with lesser-known, unusual tales that add a layer of intrigue to its past.

These peculiar historical gems showcase San Diego as a hub for innovation, creativity, and even the occasional oddity. Some on the list you might already know about, while others might surprise you and make you want to visit them sooner rather than later. Here are 11 historical gems to explore and learn more about. Of course, there are many more!

1. The Plunge’s Swimming Scandal

The Mission Beach Plunge, originally opened in 1925, was touted as the largest saltwater swimming pool in the world. However, controversy struck in the 1940s when officials replaced the saltwater with fresh water—a move that upset many locals who cherished the pool’s ocean-like experience. Today, “The Plunge” remains a cherished icon, but few realize its salty origins.

2. The Mysterious Whaley House

The Whaley House in Old Town is a well-known tourist attraction, often labeled one of the most haunted houses in the United States. But its history goes beyond ghostly tales. The house served as San Diego’s first commercial theater, a general store, and even a courthouse. The blending of such disparate functions in one building adds to its mystique and charm.

3. The UFO Wave of 1947

While Roswell is famous for UFO sightings, San Diego had its own close encounters. During the summer of 1947, multiple residents reported seeing “flying discs” over the county, according to reports. Newspapers speculated wildly, linking the sightings to secret military tests or extraterrestrial visitors. While explanations remain elusive, the 1947 UFO wave has become an odd chapter in the region’s lore.

4. La Jolla’s Secret Cave

Sunny Jim Cave in La Jolla has a clandestine past. Accessible through a hand-dug tunnel from a nearby gift shop, the cave was allegedly used by smugglers during Prohibition to bring alcohol into the United States. This underground passage, hidden in plain sight, is now a favorite spot for adventurous tourists, sources say.

5. The Goat Canyon Trestle

Deep in Carrizo Gorge lies the Goat Canyon Trestle, the largest wooden railroad trestle in the world. Built in 1932, it has been called an “impossible railroad” due to the challenges of its construction in the rugged desert terrain. Although abandoned now, the trestle stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and perseverance, sources say.

6. The Giant Sea Serpent Hoax of 1868

Another Nessie? In 1868, newspapers in San Diego reported sightings of a massive sea serpent near Point Loma. Locals flocked to the coastline, hoping for a glimpse of the creature. Though later revealed to be a hoax, the sea serpent frenzy captivated imaginations and remains a quirky part of the city’s maritime history, sources say.

7. Julian’s Gold Rush Ghost Towns

Julian, a quaint mountain town known for its apple pies, was once a bustling hub during San Diego’s 19th-century Gold Rush. Surrounding Julian are ghost towns and abandoned mines that tell the story of prospectors who sought fortune in the region’s rugged hills. Exploring these remnants offers a glimpse into a bygone era of boom and bust, according to sources.

8. The Forgotten Chinatown of San Diego

While San Francisco’s Chinatown is world-famous, San Diego once had a thriving Chinatown of its own. Located near today’s Gaslamp Quarter, it was home to Chinese immigrants who worked in fishing and railroad construction. Over time, the neighborhood was overshadowed by development, but historical markers and community efforts aim to preserve its memory, sources say.

9. The Great Emu Escape of 1996

In the mid-1990s, an emu farm in rural San Diego County made headlines when dozens of the large, flightless birds escaped their enclosures. The sight of emus wandering suburban neighborhoods was both humorous and chaotic, with animal control teams and local residents scrambling to capture the runaway flock. It’s a quirky anecdote that locals still chuckle about today, according to reports.

10. Point Loma’s Rare Eucalyptus Forest

Point Loma is home to one of the few naturalized eucalyptus forests in California. While eucalyptus trees are not native to the U.S., they were introduced during the 19th century as part of a misguided plan to supply wood for railroads. The Point Loma forest thrives today, offering a unique ecological feature that connects San Diego to its pioneer days.

11. The San Diego Chicken’s Iconic Legacy

Ted Giannoulas, better known as “The Famous San Diego Chicken,” became a Pop Culture phenomenon in the 1970s. Originally a local radio station mascot, the Chicken’s comedic antics at Padres games turned him into a national sensation. He’s widely credited with pioneering the concept of sports mascots as entertainers, leaving an unusual but lasting legacy on sports culture, sources say.

Not The Usual

San Diego County’s history is far from ordinary. These unusual tales—from sea serpent hoaxes to underground caves and wandering emus—offer a fresh perspective on the region’s past. Exploring these stories not only deepens our appreciation for the area but also reminds us of the quirky, colorful, and unexpected events that have shaped its identity. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, San Diego’s offbeat history is worth diving into—because sometimes, the strangest stories are the most fascinating.

Let us know if you would like to suggest more odd gems: debbies@timeofsandiego.com

Debbie L. Sklar is a contributing editor to the Times of San Diego. For more historical stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age and others visit here.

Sources:

1. Whaley House History: https://www.whaleyhousesandiego.com/history/
2. Goat Canyon Trestle Information: https://www.sandiegohistory.org/
3. La Jolla Caves and Smuggling Tales: https://www.lajollacaves.com/
4. Julian Gold Rush and Ghost Towns: https://www.julianca.com/history/
5. San Diego UFO Reports of 1947: https://www.ufohistory.com/sandiego
6. The Great Emu Escape of 1996: Local news archives, San Diego Tribune.