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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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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.

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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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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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Taste of Hillcrest

Apr 13, 2024

Over 25 fantastic Hillcrest restaurants are participating, giving foodies a chance to sample some of their best and signature dishes. From quaint cafes, French and Italian style bistros to five-star dining delights, this is the most anticipated self-guided culinary walking tour in San Diego! Sample bites such as Pad Thai, Sashimi, Italian Antipasto, or Classic American Comfort Food! Your taste buds are going to go wild on this culinary journey throughout Hillcrest! Enjoy with your friends, the gorgeous weather, and one unforgettable tasting adventure!

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Mother's Day VIP Tour

Mar 7 - ongoing

This year, Mother's Day, or any day, you can celebrate Mom on a fabulous Chauffeured Vineyard Adventure!

Treat mom to an special day of wine tasting and food pairing in San Diego's gorgeous wine country. 

Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure
Moms deserve the very best! And so do you!
Book your VIP, elevated experience NOW!
Available Wednesday through Sundays, YEAR ROUND 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.

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HOME OF THE FAMOUS WINERY TRAIN TOUR OF SAN DIEGO

Feb 20 - ongoing

The deluxe Chauffeured Winery Tour has been delighting tens of thousands of guests since 2010! It's our most popular tour because we take you to the actual vineyards so you get the whole experience seeing the grapes being grown and learning about how the wine is made. It's also very relaxing and VIP in that we pick you up at your home/hotel. You don't have all the walking and logistics of the getting to the train station and buying the train ticket. It's our most elevated, deluxe experience. Guaranteed, you'll love it! 

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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

Hand to God at The Roustabouts Theatre Co.

Mar 7 - Mar 31, 2024
Discover

Taste of Hillcrest

Apr 13, 2024
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Mother's Day VIP Tour

Mar 7 - ongoing
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HOME OF THE FAMOUS WINERY TRAIN TOUR OF SAN DIEGO

Feb 20 - ongoing
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Hillcrest on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Team Building

Show Your Badge and Save on Winery Tours!

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

SHOW YOUR BADGE and receive 10% off San Diego's Favorite Winery Tour! Indulge on the Chauffeured Vineyard Adventure  as we discover San Diego's finest wineries!  ...

Breweries

Gift Certificates Make Great Stocking Stuffers!

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

Delight your loved ones with the gift of unforgettable experiences in San Diego! Our exclusive gift certificates are now available with a fantastic 15% discount. Why Choose Us? Unforgettable...

Team Building

$20 off 4 Tickets-Father's Day Tour OR $5 off each

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

Celebrate Dad throughout the month of June! Tours run daily, year round. BOOK A FATHERS DAY TOUR  and get $20 off 4 tickets. Singles and couples: Enjoy $5 off each ticket! Treat...

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