University Heights

There may be no actual university in University Heights (although the school that eventually became San Diego State University did have its start here), but you could just about earn a degree in San Diego-ese by exploring this eclectic, culturally rich neighborhood. With a variety of inviting eateries, a strong focus on art and music and plenty of fascinating history, University Heights makes for a fun stop on your journeys through Uptown San Diego, whether you’re visiting for a day or a week. And the neighborhood also offers easy access to Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Mission Valley and other prime San Diego locations.

University Heights Highlights

The Lafayette Hotel & Club

Eccentric animal print and colorful decor in the Lafayette Hotel lobby

Kimberly Motos

The Lafayette Hotel & Club

2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104

Steeped in starry history as a onetime favorite getaway for Hollywood swells, the beautifully restored ‘40s-vintage Lafayette is now a hipster hangout, much-buzzed as both a go-to spot for dining and drinking (with half a dozen separate bars and restaurants) and a great place to stay for a while. It’s not for nothing that the Lafayette was named Esquire magazine’s 2024 national Hotel of the Year; the place is both iconic and iconoclastic (with its over-the-top, ya-gotta-see-this decor), and it’s a must-visit when you’re in the neighborhood.

Kairoa Brewing Co.

4601 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116

You can’t quite see New Zealand from the rooftop bar at Kairoa Brewing Co., nestled in the heart of University Heights. But you can definitely feel the vibe and taste the flavors of the founders’ faraway home country in Kairoa’s cuisine, which blends SoCal coastal influences with traditional New Zealand comfort food. And in its beer, too: Many of the brews are made with imported Kiwi hops. What you will see from up there is a commanding view of a classic San Diego neighborhood, complete with the signature arch of the University Heights sign. Take in that vista as you sip a Rosey Buggah blonde ale and savor a plate of Chicken Confit Panang Curry – or, for Sunday brunch, a slab of Earl Grey Toad Toast. (Not to worry: The dish is 100% amphibian-free.)

Diversionary Theatre

4545 Park Blvd #101, San Diego, CA 92116

One of the oldest LGBTQIA+ theaters in the country, Diversionary Theatre has been a vibrant part of San Diego’s cultural life since the 1980s. Its re-envisioned theater complex along Park Boulevard in the heart of University Heights includes two performance spaces (as well as a play development center) that play host to some of the best theater productions in the city. You’ll also find frequent comedy nights, cabaret shows and other fine fare.

Adams Avenue Unplugged

Along Adams Avenue

Some 80 musical acts take to Adams Avenue each spring for this “musical walkabout” that spans two miles of pavement, with the western end of the festivities in University Heights. Adams Avenue Unplugged features live tunes in venues from restaurants to bars to coffee houses to outdoor patios. And it’s all free for visitors.

Park Boulevard Restaurant Row

Restaurants along Park Blvd. with outdoor seating and colorful trees and signage in University Heights

Park Boulevard Restaurant Row

Along Park Boulevard

The three-block stretch of Park Boulevard from Meade Avenue to Adams Avenue hosts an amazing array of eateries, and you could spend days doing a “belly crawl” through all these University Heights culinary delights. Among the favorites are Parkhouse Eatery, Bahn Thai, Vulture, Muzita Abyssinian Bistro, and El Zarape, plus Park & Rec for cocktails, Lestat’s for coffee and the Pop Pie Co. and Stella Jean’s Ice Cream for dessert.

Hidden Ostrich Signs

Various locations

For a bit of fun neighborhood history, keep an eye out for these whimsical signs. It seems that (according to the local historical society) ostrich farms operated in University Heights in the early 1900s, and were a popular attraction for visitors who came to ride on the big birds' backs. (No ostrich rides today, but the signs do serve as an ode to that quirky past.)

Soichi

2121 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

One of just four restaurants in San Diego to boast a coveted Michelin star, Soichi is where sushi magic happens. Chef Soichi Kadoya, who presides over this intimate Japanese restaurant in University Heights, is the former chef at the previously Michelin-starred Sushi Tadokoro. His namesake restaurant is centered on a chef-driven experience as characterized by the Japanese term omakase, which translates as "I leave it up to you." Michelin says the sushi here "leans straightforward," adding that it is "impressive and flaunts much skill."

Trolley Barn Park

1943 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116

A classic neighborhood gathering spot and something akin to University Heights' town square, Trolley Barn Park sits on the north side of Adams Avenue near the main artery of Park Boulevard. The park includes a playground and grassy picnic areas, and hosts a popular concert series every Friday evening in summer.