Andra Young, Author at Secret San Diego

Writer at Secret San Diego, always looking for what's to do, and where to be. Originally from Transylvania, I spent years in Amsterdam and lived in a couple of countries across the world. I love reporting on the best food and the coolest spots you may not know of.

Escapes Wellness & nature

Experts In 1869 Called This California Peak “Perfectly Inaccessible;” Today, It’s One Of Nat Geo’s 100 Hikes Of A Lifetime

Earlier this year, National Geographic came up with an epic list: 100 hikes of a lifetime in the U.S.A. And I'm sure it won't come as a shock to anyone...California scored a couple of spots on this list,...

The 2026 ‘State of the Air’ Report Just Dropped, And San Diego Ranked As The 5th Most Polluted County Nationwide

Bad news, San Diego. While we may top charts when it comes to quality of life, happiness, and other topics...it's not all rainbows and butterflies. Recent findings have revealed a severe decline in air qu...

Culture Food & drink Things to do

This Massive Mardi Gras Festival Is Taking Over San Diego; Featuring 10,000 Pounds Of Crawfish, New Orleans Funk, And Free Entry For Kids

If you're looking for a little slice of the Louisiana bayou right in here in SoCal, Gator By The Bay is the place to be. Often described as "Mardi Gras in May," this 4-day festival is the largest and most...

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Just Welcomed A Newborn Pudu — Meet The Pint-Sized Deer Taking The Internet By Storm

San Diego: get ready for an extreme dose of cuteness. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park just welcomed one of the tiniest, most adorable additions to its wildlife family: a baby pudu! A baby what? If you...

Things to do Wellness & nature

6 Reasons You Need To Visit The 2026 Spring Garden Festival, From Live Butterfly Releases To The Year’s Biggest Plant Sale

Mark your calendars for the 2026 Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival, returning on May 2! Spanning nearly 20 acres of the Cuyamaca College campus in El Cajon, this vibrant celebration is hosted in partn...

Culture Food & drink Things to do

For 2 Days Only, Travel The World Without Leaving San Diego At This Free Ethnic Food Fair

Get ready to step into a world of culture, flavor, and celebration - for free! The beloved Ethnic Food Fair returns to San Diego’s Balboa Park on May 2 and 3, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Hosted by the House of Pa...

Culture Things to do

This Beloved San Diego Park Was Saved By Peaceful Protesters In 1970, And Now It’s Hosting A Free Festival With Lowriders And Indigenous Art

San Diego is gearing up for the 56th annual Chicano Park Day celebration, taking place on Saturday, April 25. Held in beloved Barrio Logan, this free, family-friendly event is a local tradition that honor...

Things to do

This Free Weekend Street Fair Features Over 450 Vendors And Pop-Ups, Four Concert Stages, And Local Gourmet Eats

Spring is in the air, and you know what that means - free events, fun festivals, concerts, and so many reasons to spend time outside. And right now...it's almost time to head over to the 101 for the 2026...

This Iconic California Theme Park Is Officially Scrapping Its Fireworks — And Replacing Them With A Spectacular 1,000-Drone Show

A trip to SeaWorld is going to look a little bit different from now on. Look up - but don't expect the usual booms and bangs. After decades of lighting up the night sky with traditional pyrotechnics, the...

How to Turn California’s Official 3-Day Workweek Into a 9-Day Vacation in 2027

As we look ahead to the summer holiday season, anticipating those well-earned days off is a given. However, what if we told you that 2027 is looking even better when it comes to maximizing your PTO in Cal...