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Welcome to

Hillcrest

The center of San Diego's LGBTQ+ community

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.

Just south of Hillcrest sits Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in North America and a hub for recreation, arts and culture, and community gatherings. The park is home to 16 museums and performing arts venues, ornate Spanish-Renaissance architecture, 1,200 acres of beautiful gardens and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

View the LGBTQ+ Travel Guide for more on planning a trip to San Diego.

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Getting to Hillcrest

Just a stones throw from Balboa Park and downtown San Diego, Hillcrest is accessible from three primary directions. From downtown, head up Fifth Avenue, along Balboa Park's western edge and through Bankers Hill. Once you've reached Robinson Avenue, you'll be in the heart of Hillcrest. As the neighborhood is popular with the San Diego LGBTQ+ community, look for businesses flying a rainbow flag and you'll know you've arrived! From the east, exit University Avenue from Interstate 805 and head west. A few short blocks places you squarely in the center of the main shopping and dining area. For those traveling from the airport or Interstate 5, exit on Washington Street, and head east "up the hill" and exit on University Avenue. You'll pass through Mission Hills (worth the stop too!) before entering Hillcrest. 

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San Diego LGBTQ+ Pride Parade & Festival

With world-famous Balboa Park as its festival site and a mile-long parade route stretching through one of the most gay-friendly neighborhoods in the nation, San Diego LGBTQ+ Pride attracts nearly 200,000 locals and visitors to its annual three-day celebration in July.

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Nightlife and Day Drinks

A happening spot for San Diego's LGBTQ+ community with bar, nightclubs, restaurants and Pride.

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San Diego Farmers Markets

Find open-air shopping all around the county!

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Disney's ALADDIN, The Hit Broadway Musical

Apr 3 - Apr 7, 2024

Discover a whole new world at Disney’s ALADDIN, the hit Broadway musical.

From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of ALADDIN, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
Hailed by USA Today as “Pure Genie-Us,” ALADDIN features all your favorite songs from the film as well as new music written by Tony® and Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Newsies) with lyrics penned by the legendary Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tony Award winner Tim Rice (The Lion King, Aida), and book writer Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer).

 

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Hand to God at The Roustabouts Theatre Co.

Mar 7 - Mar 31, 2024

The Roustabouts Theatre Co is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of HAND TO GOD directed by Artistic Director/Founder Phil Johnson. A darkly comedic and outrageously entertaining play that will leave audiences laughing, gasping, and questioning their own beliefs.

 

 

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Trivia Wednseday

Aug 2, 2023 - ongoing

Trivia hosted by Sunset Trivia every Wednseday!

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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round!

Feb 15 - ongoing

You've heard of the Famous San Diego Winery Train Tour? Well, we have you covered with an even better adventure!

We've been running the Chauffeured Vineyard Adventure since 2010!

We take care of EVERYTHING. Just be ready at your door (hotel/home) and we'll whisk you away to gorgeous San Diego Wine Country!

You deserve the very best! Book your VIP, elevated experience NOW!

 

TASTE and SEE the best of San Diego’s wine, food and sights for one low price!

Winery Getaways - Wed. thru Sundays, year round!

 

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What's Hot

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San Diego LGBTQ+ Pride Parade & Festival

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Nightlife and Day Drinks

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San Diego Farmers Markets

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What's On

View More Events

Disney's ALADDIN, The Hit Broadway Musical

Apr 3 - Apr 7, 2024
Discover

Hand to God at The Roustabouts Theatre Co.

Mar 7 - Mar 31, 2024
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Trivia Wednseday

Aug 2, 2023 - ongoing
Discover

Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round!

Feb 15 - ongoing
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Hillcrest on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Team Building

San Diego’s Fang-tastic Chauffeured Winery Tour

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2024

Howl you doin’, good lookin’? Trying to come on down to San Diego this October for a spook-tacular winery tour? If you are bone to be wild this October – keep reading:  We...

Tours & Sightseeing

Family Friendly- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Feb 2, 2024 - ongoing

Enjoy an Amazing Race type adventure with your family and Save 20% when you use Promo Code SDFUN. Only $39.20 for a Team of 2-5 people. Have fun and do something unique! Covid Friendly outdoor...

Team Building

FREE Gift when you book a New Years Wine Tour

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Mar 11, 2024 - ongoing

BOOK A CHAUFFEURED WINERY TOUR for the New Year and celebrate with the experts.  AND get a Special FREE GIFT!  TOURS RUN DAILY, Year round. Visit  custom-appointed wineries...

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