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Welcome to

Hillcrest

The center of San Diego's LGBTQ+ community

Everyone is Welcome at Hillcrest, San Diego

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.

Hillcrest Farmers Market - University Avenue Area - Shopping, Brewery & Fun

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.

Historic Hillcrest Sign Area

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.

South of Hillcrest - Balboa Park

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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Ocean Connectors Wildlife Kayaking Eco Tour

Dec 31, 2024

Be an Ocean Connector and join us on a Wildlife Kayaking adventure!

Did you know that San Diego provides foraging habitat for the Eastern Pacific green sea turtle? This small feeding population consists of about 60 individuals, and we will be on the lookout for these beautiful creatures while paddling through the Chula Vista Wildlife Reserve. Our naturalist guide will point out marine and bird life and teach you about local ecology and conservation efforts.

All equipment is provided: Kayak, life vest, binoculars, and field guides.

Best of all, a portion of your Eco Tour ticket goes to our nonprofit environmental education programs. Learn more at: www.oceanconnectors.org/wildlife-kayaking/

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Happy Hour

Aug 22 - ongoing

Join us Wednesday - Sunday between 4pm - 5pm for the best deals in Hillcrest! Enjoy specials on wine, beer, and spritzes, plus happy hour specials from our for dipping and bar snack menus!

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Holiday Oasis Experience

Nov 7, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025

insideOUT is thrilled to bring back its highly anticipated Holiday Oasis Experience!

Impress your friends and loved ones in our magical and joyful space filled with lights, trees and more! Experience new fare by Executive Chef Johnny Duran while sipping on our new specialty cocktails!

Reservations are on a 30-day rolling basis and can be made through OpenTable or by clicking below! 

Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis, with full bar service.

No reservations needed for lite bites and cocktails in our Eitol Atrium Lounge (see host).

18+ ENTRIES

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Sparkling Sunshine & Wine!

Oct 7 - Dec 31, 2024

Imagine a sunshiny day with a sparkling glass of local award-wining wine in hand. You're relaxing at an exclusive winery estate after a comfortable chauffeur driven ride. You got to be picked up at your hotel and fun tour guide has chosen the optimal route. Between bites of your meal, prepared on the vineyard grounds with local ingredients, you're entertained and educated with an expert wine tasting presentation. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? You deserve the VERY BEST!

Book your deluxe, elevated experience NOW!

Sells out fast! BOOK NOW! https://sandiegobeerwinespiritstours.com/tours/chauffeured-tours/chauffeured-vineyard-adventure
OR CALL: 858.551.5115

We pick up/drop off at all San Diego hotels and provide ample pours of wine; VIP behind-the-scenes tour; a winery meal and tons of FUN for ONE-LOW-PRICE!

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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

Ocean Connectors Wildlife Kayaking Eco Tour

Dec 31, 2024
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Happy Hour

Aug 22 - ongoing
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Holiday Oasis Experience

Nov 7, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025
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Sparkling Sunshine & Wine!

Oct 7 - Dec 31, 2024
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Hillcrest on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Activities

Create Memories Any Day-Just Add Wine!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 11, 2024 - ongoing

BOOK YOUR CHAUFFEURED VINEYARDS ADVENTURE  and receive a FREE souvenier tote bag when you call and mention this ad.  MEMORIES! What's better than sipping wine with the backdrop of...

Tours & Sightseeing

Family Friendly- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Feb 2, 2024 - ongoing

Enjoy an Amazing Race type adventure with your family and Save 20% when you use Promo Code SDFUN. Only $39.20 for a Team of 2-5 people. Have fun and do something unique! Covid Friendly outdoor...

History & Heritage

Save 10% off any San Diego Walks Tour

San Diego Walks
Valid: Jul 24 - ongoing

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

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