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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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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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Step-On Guide Services

Aug 19, 2024 - ongoing

Experience the Best of San Diego with Our Expert Tours

Renowned for our intimate small group walking tours, we are thrilled to extend our expertise to larger groups as well. With over 20 years of experience, our owner Jennifer has been guiding bus tours in San Diego, delighting diverse audiences including inbound tour operators, cruise ship guests, and visitors from Los Angeles.

Discover San Diego with Jennifer, who will captivate your group with engaging stories and insightful commentary about the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks. Each tour is customized to your group’s unique interests, ensuring a memorable experience tailored to your schedule.

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New Year's Eve at Cellar Hand

Dec 31, 2024

Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable dining experience at Cellar Hand! Enjoy a 5-course pre-fixe menu showcasing our hyper-local cuisine, thoughtfully crafted to highlight the best seasonal flavors. The menu will include Sterling caviar dip, local spiny lobsters, Thompson Heritage Ranch pork, and Land & Feast ranch bone marrow. Elevate your evening with supplemental wine pairings from our exclusively California wine list—reserve your table now for a celebration to remember!

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Winemaker Night with Aaron Walker

Dec 12, 2024

We're excited our new series 'Hand Made'–featuring the winemakers behind our all-California wine list! First up is Pali Wine Co,'s Aaron Walker, joining us on Thursday, December 12. Aaron will be pouring four of his favorites including Pali's estate-grown Chenin Blanc, plus Pinot Noir, Cabernet Pfeffer, and Syrah. Chef Logan and his team will be serving a food pairing to perfectly complement each pour. We hope you join us for this special tasting experience, and look forward to seeing you at this first of many Winemaker Nights!

The wine tasting will be $45 per person, available alongside our full menu and Chef Logan's one-day-only complementary pairing.

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Celebrate Life on a VIP Wine and Food Adventure

Oct 7 - Dec 31, 2024

Treat yourself and your loved ones, you deserve it!

Celebrate life every day on a fabulous Chauffeured Vineyard Adventure Tour! 

You'll love this afternoon of wine tasting in San Diego's gorgeous inland valleys. 

Highlights of this VIP Tour include:

- Approx. 6 hour VIP guided adventure to two stunning and unique local wineries.
- Ample tastings and pours of local wines (beer options available).
- Entertaining commentary on local history, and viticulture.
- Door-to-door transportation (from most San Diego locations).
- Wine tasting appreciation presentation, and guided winery tour.
- Delicious Winery Meal.
- Complete coordination by San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours.

Perfect for mothers day; fathers day; birthdays; bachelorettes; etc.

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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

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Step-On Guide Services

Aug 19, 2024 - ongoing
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New Year's Eve at Cellar Hand

Dec 31, 2024
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Winemaker Night with Aaron Walker

Dec 12, 2024
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Celebrate Life on a VIP Wine and Food Adventure

Oct 7 - Dec 31, 2024
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Hillcrest on Instagram

 

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Wineries

Wine Tour Gift Certificates Make Great Gifts!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 9, 2024 - ongoing

Delight your loved ones with the gift of unforgettable experiences in San Diego! Our exclusive gift certificates are now available with a fantastic 10% discount.  Call for your discount:...

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...

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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