Explore Normal Heights
Normal Heights is one of San Diego’s classic uptown neighborhoods, nestled between North Park to the south and University Heights to the west. Its streets are lined with Craftsman cottages, and you’ll see neighbors walking dogs or chatting on front porches. Adams Avenue anchors the commercial scene, with the vintage Normal Heights sign arching overhead. Normal Heights is home to numerous cool local restaurants, vintage stores, ice cream shops and beloved dive and craft-beer bars. It’s walkable, relaxed and fun to explore any time of year.
Blind Lady Ale House
Blind Lady Ale House
One of San Diego’s most beloved craft beer bars, Blind Lady has its own beer (Automatic Brewing Co.) brewing in the back, and an awesome collection of local brands on draft. Their pizza is as popular as the beer, as is the family-friendly bar’s dedication to the Normal Heights neighborhood and uptown communities.
Adams Avenue Street Fair
Adams Avenue Street Fair
With multiple stages playing live music from all genres, this weekend-long neighborhood festival in Normal Heights is one of San Diego’s signature local events. Adams Avenue is one giant block party, free from cars and full of food, drinks, music, local vendors and more.
Adams Avenue Shopping
Adams Avenue Shopping
Between La Loupe Vintage and Nickelodeon Records, the San Diego Vintage Flea Market and Wild Island Collective, there is a local boutique for every taste and shopper in Normal Heights. Stroll down Adams Avenue and some of the blocks just north or south and you’ll find plants, housewares, vintage clothes, gifts, music and more.
Coffee Shops
Coffee Shops
Lestat’s is among San Diego’s most venerable coffee shops, with plenty of tables for working, reading or chatting, plus a series of music, spoken word and other local live events periodically. More modern coffee spots like Dark Horse have also popped up in Normal Heights, offering direct-trade and their signature cold brew coffee.
Ice Cream Shops
Ice Cream Shops
In addition to coffee shops and craft beer bars, Normal Heights, San Diego has some of the city’s coolest ice cream shops, too. Mariposa is a classic San Diego ice cream shop that makes every perennial "best of” list, while An’s Dry Cleaning has more creative, chef-crafted ice cream flavors and textures. And then there is Cabeto’s Pops, where the cool, sweet treats come on a stick, and Stella Jean’s stylish ice cream shop just over the bridge in Kensington.