The Best of San Diego and Hillcrest
Neighborhoods
Everyone is welcome!
Located only a few miles north of San Diego's bustling downtown, the vibrant uptown neighborhood of Hillcrest stands as San Diego's LGBTQ+ central hub, offering an array of bars, restaurants, coffee houses, boutiques and unique shops.
Lauded for its welcoming vibe and pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalk patios, the area's east end is marked by a towering rainbow Pride flag just off Hillcrest's main thoroughfare of University Avenue, at the corner of Normal Street. The landmark serves as the starting point for San Diego LGBTQ+ Pride's annual mile-long parade held each July. A block away, down Harvey Milk Street, is where the San Diego LGBTQ+ Community Center resides.
Spanning a dozen blocks west from the Pride flag along University Avenue is a colorful mix of ethnically diverse restaurants, nightclubs and acclaimed wine bars. You'll also discover home decor shops, distinctive boutiques, the Uptown District shopping plaza and the country's only openly gay brewery, Hillcrest Brewing Company. This lively stretch also hosts one of the largest farmers markets in San Diego from 9AM – 2PM on Sunday. A great place to shop for local produce, arts and crafts, the market also offers a wide range of gourmet stalls with hot and cold cuisine.
University Avenue leads into the neighborhood's "village" area designated by the historic, neon "Hillcrest" sign. On intersecting Fifth Avenue, you'll find a concentration of new and established restaurants, as well as a few dessert-centric eateries. Thrown into the mix are vintage clothing shops, book outlets and the multiplex Landmark Cinemas for taking in independent and foreign films.
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Hillcrest
3960 Normal StEveryone is welcome!
Located only a few miles north of San Diego's bustling downtown, the vibrant uptown neighborhood of Hillcrest stands as San Diego's LGBTQ+ central hub, offering an array of bars, restaurants, coffee houses, boutiques and unique shops.
Lauded for its welcoming vibe and pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalk patios, the area's east end is marked by a towering rainbow Pride flag just off Hillcrest's main thoroughfare of University Avenue, at the corner of Normal Street. The landmark serves as the starting point for San Diego LGBTQ+ Pride's annual mile-long parade held each July. A block away, down Harvey Milk Street, is where the San Diego LGBTQ+ Community Center resides.
Spanning a dozen blocks west from the Pride flag along University Avenue is a colorful mix of ethnically diverse restaurants, nightclubs and acclaimed wine bars. You'll also discover home decor shops, distinctive boutiques, the Uptown District shopping plaza and the country's only openly gay brewery, Hillcrest Brewing Company. This lively stretch also hosts one of the largest farmers markets in San Diego from 9AM – 2PM on Sunday. A great place to shop for local produce, arts and crafts, the market also offers a wide range of gourmet stalls with hot and cold cuisine.
University Avenue leads into the neighborhood's "village" area designated by the historic, neon "Hillcrest" sign. On intersecting Fifth Avenue, you'll find a concentration of new and established restaurants, as well as a few dessert-centric eateries. Thrown into the mix are vintage clothing shops, book outlets and the multiplex Landmark Cinemas for taking in independent and foreign films.
Cute neighborhood just west of Hillcrest down the hill. Great restaurants and shopping. Cloak and Petal for sushi is a must!
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Little Italy
Cute neighborhood just west of Hillcrest down the hill. Great restaurants and shopping. Cloak and Petal for sushi is a must!
Food & Treats
Some good food options nearby in the neighborhood and a couple farther out.
Delicious Mexican food to grab and go or you can eat in also but sit outside as it's a bit divey inside. Their in-house refried black beans are to die for. The vegetarian version of the California burrito with 'Impossible Meat' is a must try!
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El Zarape Restaurant
4642 Park BlvdDelicious Mexican food to grab and go or you can eat in also but sit outside as it's a bit divey inside. Their in-house refried black beans are to die for. The vegetarian version of the California burrito with 'Impossible Meat' is a must try!
One of the best places in town for authentic Thai food. Two locations both are close to the house. The 5th avenue location is larger with more seating and nicer ambiance. Get the panning curry or the basil fried rice!
Bahn Thai at Hillcrest
3766 Fifth AvenueOne of the best places in town for authentic Thai food. Two locations both are close to the house. The 5th avenue location is larger with more seating and nicer ambiance. Get the panning curry or the basil fried rice!
Delicious and fresh vegetarian Thai food.
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Plumeria Vegetarian Restaurant
4661 Park BlvdDelicious and fresh vegetarian Thai food.
This is one of the most fun spots to have a meal with friends. Don't miss their Cadillac margarita - fortunately it's in walking distance!
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Baja Betty's
1421 University AveThis is one of the most fun spots to have a meal with friends. Don't miss their Cadillac margarita - fortunately it's in walking distance!
Right on the corner by the house this is the spot for southern comfort and a delicious filling breakfast!
Sunnyboy Biscuit Co.
3749 Park BoulevardRight on the corner by the house this is the spot for southern comfort and a delicious filling breakfast!
On the corner by the house this restaurant has some of the most incredible tapas in the city. It's pricey but worth it for a splurge dinner.
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Trust
3752 Park BlvdOn the corner by the house this restaurant has some of the most incredible tapas in the city. It's pricey but worth it for a splurge dinner.
Fabulous anytime of the day - amazing weekend brunch and lunch and also delicious spot for dinner. ** Make a reservation in advance for brunch.
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Great Maple
1451 Washington StFabulous anytime of the day - amazing weekend brunch and lunch and also delicious spot for dinner. ** Make a reservation in advance for brunch.
An elegant dining experience off the beaten path, the interior design is simple yet beautiful just like the food.
Black Radish
2591 University AvenueAn elegant dining experience off the beaten path, the interior design is simple yet beautiful just like the food.
Brunch, champagne and drag? Need we say more? And it's only one block from the house, enjoy!
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Breakfast and Bubbles
3831 Park BoulevardBrunch, champagne and drag? Need we say more? And it's only one block from the house, enjoy!
One of the most beautiful outdoor patios of any restaurant with a view of the park. They have a great happy hour too - don't miss it if you go to Balboa Park.
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El Prado
El PradoOne of the most beautiful outdoor patios of any restaurant with a view of the park. They have a great happy hour too - don't miss it if you go to Balboa Park.
Great atmosphere for cocktails and a delicious dinner. The steak is excellent as are the martinis. Close to the house. ProTip: Make sure and visit the fun restrooms that face out onto the street.
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insideOUT
1642 University AveGreat atmosphere for cocktails and a delicious dinner. The steak is excellent as are the martinis. Close to the house. ProTip: Make sure and visit the fun restrooms that face out onto the street.
Completely off the beaten path but easily the BEST BBQ in the whole city if not the state of California. There is always a line but you can call ahead for take out. Weekends are the busiest time, but it's well worth the wait if you like BBQ.
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Phil's BBQ
3750 Sports Arena BlvdCompletely off the beaten path but easily the BEST BBQ in the whole city if not the state of California. There is always a line but you can call ahead for take out. Weekends are the busiest time, but it's well worth the wait if you like BBQ.
Wonderful Italian food adjacent to the park. Reservations are a must or you can try for a seat at the bar. The pappardelle with short ribs and also the mushroom polenta!
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CUCINA urbana
505 Laurel StWonderful Italian food adjacent to the park. Reservations are a must or you can try for a seat at the bar. The pappardelle with short ribs and also the mushroom polenta!
Part of the same group that owns Baja Betty's this is one of the main gay bars and restaurants in the city. Not a bad spot to begin an evening with a burger and a beer. The dance club changes themes nightly.
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Urban MO's Bar & Grill
308 University AvePart of the same group that owns Baja Betty's this is one of the main gay bars and restaurants in the city. Not a bad spot to begin an evening with a burger and a beer. The dance club changes themes nightly.
A wonderful French bistro down on Robinson with great wine selection. Try the boeuf bourguignon and the wild mushroom raviolis!
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Au Revoir French Bistro
420 Robinson AveA wonderful French bistro down on Robinson with great wine selection. Try the boeuf bourguignon and the wild mushroom raviolis!
Chocolat Hillcrest
3896 Fifth AveFabulous dessert and gelato!
Not too far a drive from the house at the bottom of Mission Hills this is a standout place for great sandwiches. A good option for a pickup on the way to Black's Beach.
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Rubicon Deli
3715 India StNot too far a drive from the house at the bottom of Mission Hills this is a standout place for great sandwiches. A good option for a pickup on the way to Black's Beach.
The Deli Llama
3702 Fifth AveDelicious sandwiches! You can eat there but they have no public restroom.
Great restaurant and piano bar with cabaret shows.
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Martinis Above Fourth | Table + Stage
3940 Fourth AveGreat restaurant and piano bar with cabaret shows.
Excellent and healthy Thai with daily specials - try the "Brain Food" - delicious!
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Saffron Thai
3737 India StExcellent and healthy Thai with daily specials - try the "Brain Food" - delicious!
Some of the best sushi in the city and great design. The wagyu beef rolls are insane.
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Cloak & Petal
1953 India StSome of the best sushi in the city and great design. The wagyu beef rolls are insane.
Probably the best chicken pot pie you will lever have - they have tons of other ones including vegan - the mashed potatoes and the kale salad sides are amazing. Just up on Park on the corner.
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Pop Pie Co.
4404 Park BlvdProbably the best chicken pot pie you will lever have - they have tons of other ones including vegan - the mashed potatoes and the kale salad sides are amazing. Just up on Park on the corner.
Delicious spot for beautiful California cuisine with a twist. Reservations are a must.
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Wolf In The Woods
1920 Fort Stockton DriveDelicious spot for beautiful California cuisine with a twist. Reservations are a must.
One of the best restaurants in San Diego - classic Californian/Mediterranean food, delicious!
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Herb & Wood
2210 Kettner BlvdOne of the best restaurants in San Diego - classic Californian/Mediterranean food, delicious!
Great Chinese food with a great staff in a super unique space (great for your IG). Pro-Tip: ***visit the space next door Polite Provisions for a cocktail while you wait for a table.
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Fortunate Son
2943 Adams AveGreat Chinese food with a great staff in a super unique space (great for your IG). Pro-Tip: ***visit the space next door Polite Provisions for a cocktail while you wait for a table.
Beaches
By far one of the most striking and beautiful beaches, this clothing optional beach should not be missed. Bonus: this is one of the few beaches in the summer where you can park a car. Even if you don't hike down it's nice to even drive to and take pictures from the top of it. There are several ways to access the beach: there are steps by the Torrey Pines Glider Port you can walk down or the quicker way (but more challenging) is to hike straight down at the north end of the parking lot. Do not wear flip flops on the hike, wear shoes with some grip or go barefoot. From that point at the bottom of the hike the north end is more gay and the south end is more straight.
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Black's Beach
By far one of the most striking and beautiful beaches, this clothing optional beach should not be missed. Bonus: this is one of the few beaches in the summer where you can park a car. Even if you don't hike down it's nice to even drive to and take pictures from the top of it. There are several ways to access the beach: there are steps by the Torrey Pines Glider Port you can walk down or the quicker way (but more challenging) is to hike straight down at the north end of the parking lot. Do not wear flip flops on the hike, wear shoes with some grip or go barefoot. From that point at the bottom of the hike the north end is more gay and the south end is more straight.
A perfect beach if you want light waves and easy access. Parking can be challenging in the summer but better than most beaches in that regard. Also they have bathrooms and there are plenty of restaurants and grocery stores on Coronado Island. Pro Tip: You can see the Navy Seals running on the beach if you go very early in the morning :)
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Spiaggia di Coronado
A perfect beach if you want light waves and easy access. Parking can be challenging in the summer but better than most beaches in that regard. Also they have bathrooms and there are plenty of restaurants and grocery stores on Coronado Island. Pro Tip: You can see the Navy Seals running on the beach if you go very early in the morning :)
Museums and Gardens
Balboa Park has some beautiful sights and this building and the promenade and water garden in front of it are stellar. Just a few blocks form the house.
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Botanical Building and Lily Pond
1550 El PradoBalboa Park has some beautiful sights and this building and the promenade and water garden in front of it are stellar. Just a few blocks form the house.
A beautiful building with some excellent folk art, craft and design. A short walk from the house in Balboa Park.
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Mingei International Museum
1439 El PradoA beautiful building with some excellent folk art, craft and design. A short walk from the house in Balboa Park.
In Balboa Park this is a fine arts museum that has a broad collection with particular strength/focus in Spanish art.
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Museo d'Arte Il San Diego
1450 El PradoIn Balboa Park this is a fine arts museum that has a broad collection with particular strength/focus in Spanish art.
Museo d'Arte Contemporanea - Centro
1100 Kettner BlvdMuseum focused on modern and contemporary works of art from 1950 to the present. Wonderful outdoor sculpture area. A 15-20 minute drive to La Jolla.
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Museo di arte contemporanea di San Diego
700 Prospect StMuseum focused on modern and contemporary works of art from 1950 to the present. Wonderful outdoor sculpture area. A 15-20 minute drive to La Jolla.
Beauty and Shopping
The sweetest staff and a great place to get your mani-pedi for your trip! Close to the house in The Hub shopping center near Trader Joes.
K & K Nails & Spa
1278 University AvenueThe sweetest staff and a great place to get your mani-pedi for your trip! Close to the house in The Hub shopping center near Trader Joes.
Keep your eyebrows in check at Grace! Located upstairs at The Hub, ask for Evelyn or Stevie.
Grace Threading Hillcrest
1060 University AvenueKeep your eyebrows in check at Grace! Located upstairs at The Hub, ask for Evelyn or Stevie.
If you need a mall during your visit this one has pretty much anything you'll need shopping wise. All price points from H&M to Hermes and Gucci. Valet parking and great restaurants and movie theaters too.
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Fashion Valley
7007 Friars RdIf you need a mall during your visit this one has pretty much anything you'll need shopping wise. All price points from H&M to Hermes and Gucci. Valet parking and great restaurants and movie theaters too.
Healthy grocery store just up the street on Park Blvd.
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Sprouts Farmers Market
3015 Clairemont DrHealthy grocery store just up the street on Park Blvd.
Whole Foods Market
711 University AveJust up the street on Robinson
You can get a day pass to this is a wonderful gym with sauna and steaming swimming pool. Located downtown in the East Village a short 10 minute drive w/ free parking garage.
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Fit Athletic Club & Gym
350 Tenth AveYou can get a day pass to this is a wonderful gym with sauna and steaming swimming pool. Located downtown in the East Village a short 10 minute drive w/ free parking garage.
Coffee
On the corner across from the house this coffee shop is a great spot for coffee and treats and even small breakfasts.
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Communal Coffee
2335 University AveOn the corner across from the house this coffee shop is a great spot for coffee and treats and even small breakfasts.
A wonderful coffee shop with food and pastries, great design.
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Better Buzz Coffee Roasters
3745 Mission BlvdA wonderful coffee shop with food and pastries, great design.
Theaters
A luxe theater experience with reclining leather seating and wonderful independent films
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Landmark's Hillcrest Cinemas
3965 Fifth AveA luxe theater experience with reclining leather seating and wonderful independent films