Copyright timesofsandiego
San Diego has a way of hiding odd and fascinating stories beneath its well-known attractions. Beyond the beaches, theme parks, and bustling harbor, the region has a history full of quirky incidents, unexpected innovations, and feats of engineering. Here are five little-known tales that reveal a side of San Diego most visitors never hear about. 1. The Plunge’s Swimming Scandal (1940s)Mission Beach’s iconic saltwater pool, the Plunge, sparked controversy when city officials swapped the saltwater for fresh water in the 1940s. Locals were outraged, missing the ocean-like swimming experience they had grown to love. Despite the uproar, the Plunge endured and remains a cherished part of San Diego’s recreational history. 2. UFO Wave of 1947While Roswell often gets all the attention for UFO sightings, San Diego had its own summer of mysterious aerial phenomena. In 1947, numerous residents reported seeing “flying discs” over the county. Local newspapers speculated about secret military experiments or extraterrestrial visitors, leaving behind a chapter of quirky local lore. 3. The Birth of the San Diego Zoo (1916)Dr. Harry Wegeforth founded the San Diego Zoo after animals imported for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition were quarantined. Unable to release them, Wegeforth envisioned a permanent zoological park. He reportedly told his brother, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had a zoo?” That vision became one of the world’s most renowned zoos, attracting visitors from around the globe. 4. The Rise of the Tuna Industry (1920s)The 1920s saw San Diego emerge as a hub for tuna fishing and canning, drawing workers from across the country. This booming industry helped define the city’s maritime identity and left a lasting mark on the region’s economy and culture. 5. The Goat Canyon Trestle (1932)In the rugged desert of Carrizo Gorge stands the Goat Canyon Trestle, the largest wooden railroad trestle in the world. Completed in 1932, it was called an “impossible railroad” due to the difficult terrain. Though no longer in active use, the massive structure endures as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and ambition. These stories show that San Diego’s history isn’t just sunny and scenic—it’s also strange, surprising, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
