arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin
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. 

Discover Hillcrest

What's Hot|
What's On|

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.

Discover

Nightlife and Day Drinks

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

Discover

San Diego Farmers Markets

Find open-air shopping all around the county!

Discover

FIGHT INFLATION on This Elevated Wine Tasting

Mar 11 - ongoing

We call ourselves “The Inflation Fighters”. We LOVE to bring you a high-end; VIP wine tasting experience for a low price. We haven’t changed our all inclusive pricing since 2010!

You get door-to-door transportation; ample pours of wine; wine tour; and a winery meal included in ONE-LOW-PRICE!

 

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

Available Wed through Sundays, for 2 to 100 guests. Single guests welcome.

 

WHY CHOOSE US?

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

• Enjoy local San Diego County wineries (the original California Wine Country) not Temecula.

• With thousands of 5-STAR reviews, you’ll receive a top-notch adventure!

• Serving tens of thousands of happy guests since 2010.

 BOOK NOW: https://sandiegobeerwinespiritstours.com/tours/chauffeured-vineyard-adventure/

Discover

Romantic Winery Adventure

Mar 8 - ongoing

Book your tour now or buy a gift certificate for future. It's the perfect Valentine or ANY DAY celebration. 

Treat your loved one, YEAR ROUND!

Enjoy door-to-door transportation, award-winning wines, a full meal and romantic vineyard views.

This luxurious chauffeured tour will take you through San Diego's scenic countryside, where you'll have the opportunity to taste the finest wines in the region. You'll also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, as well as learn about the history and culture of San Diego.

Relax and unwind as you soak up the sun and take in the stunning views of the vineyards. Our expert guide will ensure that you have a fantastic time and that your needs are taken care of.

Celebrate love with a delightful day of wine and treats!

Book your elevated experience NOW!

 

Discover

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!

 

Discover

Jazz Thursdays!

Aug 3, 2023 - ongoing

Jazz every Thursday hosted by the legendary band master Tony Muhammed and Negociants house band.

Discover

What's Hot

View All

San Diego LGBTQ+ Pride Parade & Festival

Discover

Nightlife and Day Drinks

Discover

San Diego Farmers Markets

Discover

What's On

View More Events

FIGHT INFLATION on This Elevated Wine Tasting

Mar 11 - ongoing
Discover

Romantic Winery Adventure

Mar 8 - ongoing
Discover

Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round!

Feb 15 - ongoing
Discover

Jazz Thursdays!

Aug 3, 2023 - ongoing
Discover

Hillcrest on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

History & Heritage

Save 10% off any San Diego Walks Tour

San Diego Walks
Valid: Mar 21 - ongoing

We offer tours of Balboa Park, Old Town, Liberty Station and Coronado. Use code BEST10 at time of booking to save 10%    

Team Building

Best Wine Tour Save $5-California Wine Month!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Feb 22 - ongoing

We heard it through the grapevine that it’s once again California Wine Month.   That’s exactly why we’d like to propose a toast to our favorite month of the year,...

Team Building

$20 off 4 Tickets to a St. Patrick's Day Wine Tour

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Feb 15 - ongoing

           Call 858.551. 5115 to book and get $20 off per ticket when you puchase 4 tickets. Join us on a deluxe VIP wine tour for glorious wine tastings...

Related Articles and Features

Filter List

Areas of Interest

Where to Stay

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish