09 Sep Secret Swing on the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail in San Diego

First, let me start off by saying that accessing the swing can be dangerous. There is a sign along the trail recommending visitors to not venture off the path. It notes that doing so can lead to injury or death. Anything beyond the path (which includes the makeshift trail to the secret swing) is not maintained. However, the secret swing has become quite popular thanks to social media apps like TikTok, and likely dozens of people visit every single day. The secret swing is just slightly off the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail and offers gorgeous views of the ocean underneath a few palm trees. While it is a beautiful attraction, be cautious of your surroundings if you do visit in order to avoid any possible injuries or accidents.

If you are only in San Diego for the weekend, then you MUST make time to watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs and to hike the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Black’s Beach.

Contents:

1) Location of the Secret Swing in La Jolla

2) Directions to the Swing

3) View from the Swing

4) Other Attractions in the Area

1) Location of the Secret Swing in La Jolla

The secret swing in La Jolla is located just off the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail in San Diego, California. For reference, it is about 15 minutes northwest of downtown San Diego. Additionally, check out La Jolla Cove while you are in the area. It boasts a lot of sea lions as well as water activities.

Parking

There is parking available both along the street as well as in nearby parking lots. First, visitors can park along the side of the street on Coast Boulevard. Second, visitors can park at one of the multiple nearby parking garages or parking lots. For example, there is 1247 Cave St Parking, 1231 Cave St Parking, and Ace Parking.

Nearby Lodging – Secret Swing, La Jolla

Check out lodging accommodations in the town of La Jolla if you would like to stay close by. Otherwise, check out options in downtown San Diego if you want to be right in the heart of the action. 

Nearby Airport

The closest airport is the San Diego International Airport, which is located 20 minutes south from the secret swing. There are a few public transportation options available from the airport to the La Jolla area, though do be aware they take around an hour and a half. Furthermore, you can also choose to rent a car from the airport or utilize a ride share service such as Uber. 

Looking down to see the Secret Swing between the trees

2) Directions to the Swing

The hidden swing is located along the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail. While it is not listed anywhere on google maps, it is not too difficult to find. Walk along the trail until you come to a point where you cross a wooden bridge and see a “Danger Bluff Collapse” sign.

Walking Along La Jolla Coast Walk Trail to the Secret Swing

The La Jolla Coast Walk Trail is a 0.6 mile (~0.97 kilometer) trail along the coast in La Jolla. The west end of the trail begins close to La Jolla Cove and Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave. The east side of the trail begins on Coast Walk Road, which branches off from Torrey Pines Road. Visitors can begin walking along the trail from either end. However, it is most likely you will begin the trail from the west end, walk the entire length of the trail, and then return along the same path to your car or continue your visit at La Jolla Cove.

For a longer trail in the San Diego area, check out Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail. Bonus – it leads to a waterfall.

Danger sign along the path to the Secret Swing

Reaching the Secret Swing in La Jolla

You have come to the right place once you see a sign titled “Danger Bluff Collapse”. Additionally, the sign states that those who venture beyond the sign risk injury or death. It is important to note the grounds beyond this sign are not maintained by anyone, and thus injury could occur if part of the ground collapses, a tree falls, etc. Continue to the swing at your own risk and discretion! If you do decide to continue, remain cautious of your footing and surroundings.

Just past the sign is a rope which visitors can utilize for stability as they venture their way down to the swing. The path is downhill on loose dirt/rocks, and thus it is all too easy to have a foot slide out from underneath you. Furthermore, the path is along a small crevice at this point, large enough for a body to pass through plus a little more. Towards the end of the rope, the crevice is no more and visitors can enjoy flatter ground. However, it is still somewhat downhill at all times with loose dirt/rocks, and thus it is best to remain cautious. The swing is only about 10 feet (~three meters) from the end of the rope.

Visitors can make their way to the swing if no one else is around or wait their turn. The secret swing is becoming more popular, which in turns means it is becoming less “secret“. If no one else is there when you arrive, then you probably only need 15 minutes or so to swing around and snap the perfect picture.

Swinging on the Secret Swing in La Jolla

3) View from the Swing

Once you arrive, swing away! You can try to push off on the ground yourself to start swinging, or you can ask a friend to help out with a push. For the best video or photograph, you might want someone to give you an initial push and then move out of the way. 

Look out into the ocean, and you are likely to see a few people kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling. Sea lions do not frequent this specific area as much, but you never know where they will be – keep your eyes open to spot any. While swinging, take a moment to appreciate the view. It is a beautiful view of the ocean with palm trees overhead. Not every day are you swinging on a secret swing in La Jolla. 

Looking out at the ocean from the Secret Swing

4) Other Attractions in the Area

San Diego has no shortage of attractions and activities to fill up your time. If you have a free day or evening, I recommend you check out one or both of the below hikes!

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail

Drive 25 minutes northeast to arrive at the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail. From there, hike approximately 3.4 miles (~5.5 kilometers) one way to arrive at the Los Penasquitos Creek Waterfall. The waterfall is not large, especially during the dry season. It is more like a short drop off along a creek. Additionally, my recommendation would be to complete this hike when it is slightly cooler outside as there is minimal shade along the trail. Nevertheless, the trail offers a nice hiking experience ending in a creek/waterfall. 

Article for more information: Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail in San Diego

Hiking the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail with a puppy

Ho Chi Minh Trail 

Drive 15 minutes north to arrive at the Ho Chi Minh Trailhead. Then hike approximately 0.4 miles (~0.6 kilometers) one way to arrive at Black’s Beach in La Jolla. This is more of a unique hiking trail due to the fact it has a wooden plank, steep ravines, and a rope at the end which hikers can utilize for assistance in descending the final 20 feet (~six meters) of the trail. During our hike, we even saw a few surfers hiking this trail barefoot while carrying surfboards. Nevertheless, if this is your first time hiking Ho Chi Minh trail, you should wear proper footwear and remain cautious due to the steep drop offs and loose dirt/rocks along the path. 

Article for more information: Ho Chi Minh Trail to Black’s Beach

Hiking the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Black’s Beach

Mount Soledad Memorial

Drive only 10 minutes east to reach the Mount Soledad Memorial. You have to drive up a mountain to reach the memorial, but this means you can then enjoy panoramic views of the water plus the city of San Diego. The official name of the memorial is the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. It exists to honor all veterans, including those who have passed as well as those who are still alive, for their service. 

Article for more information: Mount Soledad Memorial and Cross.

Looking up at the Mount Soledad cross

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Take a quick flight up north to explore Seattle: Day Trip to North Cascades National Park.

For more Seattle adventures: How to Spend One Day in Seattle.