Explore Mission Hills in Uptown San Diego
Upon first glance, the stately Spanish Revival architecture and charming gardens of Mission Hills can make the neighborhood seem deceptively sedate. But there’s actually a whole lot to see and do and eat (especially eat) in this Uptown community, one of San Diego’s first suburbs.
Besides Mission Hills’ unique boutiques and beautiful parks, the neighborhood is home to several of San Diego’s most buzzed-about restaurants, serving up a delicious range of cuisines from traditional Mexican to California modern. On top of that, Mission Hills is perched just above Old Town San Diego and Mission Valley, giving it some of the best views in the city. Stop in, look around, grab a fork and enjoy!
Mission Hills Nursery
Mission Hills Nursery
Where: 1525 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103
This inviting garden center boasts a pair of rare distinctions: Not only is it San Diego’s oldest nursery (opened in 1910), but it was founded by a storied figure in San Diego history: Botanist and landscape designer Kate Sessions. Today the nursery remains a go-to place for gardening aficionados, as well as those who just want to explore and relax in the place’s “secret garden”-like setting.
Fort Oak
Fort Oak
Where: 1011 Fort Stockton Drive, San Diego, CA 92103
This Mission Hills restaurant, set in an Atomic Age car dealership, serves up bold, smoky, wood-fired flavors complemented by an acclaimed raw bar menu. At Fort Oak, stacks of American red oak are set ablaze to create signature dishes such as the lamb merguez kefta, hearth-roasted carrots, and heritage pork chop.
Summer Concerts in the Park
Summer Concerts in the Park
Where: Pioneer Park, 1521 Washington Place, San Diego, CA 92103
A popular and longtime Mission Hills tradition, Summer Concerts in the Park is a free neighborhood event that unfolds on Friday evenings in July. Blankets and picnic baskets are musts, and you can’t beat the setting: Pretty and historic Pioneer Park.
Wolf in the Woods
Wolf in the Woods
Where: 1920 Fort Stockton Drive Suite C, San Diego, CA 92103
Tucked away above Mission Hills’ main thoroughfare of Fort Stockton Drive, Wolf in the Woods offers an intimate and classy dining experience. This tapas-style spot, named Restaurant of the Year by San Diego Magazine, is perfect for date night or sharing small plates with friends. And diners rave about its distinctive design, inspired by the folklore and arts of native New Mexico.
Communion
Communion
Where: 901 W. Washington St., Suite 801, San Diego, CA 92103
When it comes to beautiful views, San Diego's Communion is the latest sensation. The restaurant sits high above the Mission Hills neighborhood, affording panoramic skyline views. And its ever-changing menu is globally inspired and locally sourced, highlighting ingredient-driven plates with a modern sensibility.
El Indio
El Indio
Fun Fact: Taquitos, or rolled tacos, were invented at this beloved Mission Hills institution during World War II. Still going strong (as the daily lines to order will attest), El Indio is part of upper India Street's International Restaurant Row, which dates to the 1890s and also includes such go-to spots as Shakespeare Pub & Grill and Saffron.
National Comedy Theatre
National Comedy Theatre
Where: 3717 India St., San Diego, CA 92103
A Mission Hills institution since 1999, National Comedy Theatre wows audiences on the regular with its zippy, interactive improv shows. The theater insists its performances have "been proven to be the most fun allowed by California law,” and on top of that the shows are appropriate for all audiences and there are no drink or age minimums.