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Welcome to

Hillcrest

The center of San Diego's LGBTQ+ community

Everyone is welcome

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.

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.

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.

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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Taste of Hillcrest

Apr 13, 2024

Over 25 fantastic Hillcrest restaurants are participating, giving foodies a chance to sample some of their best and signature dishes. From quaint cafes, French and Italian style bistros to five-star dining delights, this is the most anticipated self-guided culinary walking tour in San Diego! Sample bites such as Pad Thai, Sashimi, Italian Antipasto, or Classic American Comfort Food! Your taste buds are going to go wild on this culinary journey throughout Hillcrest! Enjoy with your friends, the gorgeous weather, and one unforgettable tasting adventure!

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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round!

Feb 15 - ongoing

You've heard of the Famous San Diego Winery Train Tour? Well, we have you covered with an even better adventure!

We've been running the Chauffeured Vineyard Adventure since 2010!

We take care of EVERYTHING. Just be ready at your door (hotel/home) and we'll whisk you away to gorgeous San Diego Wine Country!

You deserve the very best! Book your VIP, elevated experience NOW!

 

TASTE and SEE the best of San Diego’s wine, food and sights for one low price!

Winery Getaways - Wed. thru Sundays, year round!

 

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Romantic Winery Adventure

Mar 8 - ongoing

Book your tour now or buy a gift certificate for future. It's the perfect Valentine or ANY DAY celebration. 

Treat your loved one, YEAR ROUND!

Enjoy door-to-door transportation, award-winning wines, a full meal and romantic vineyard views.

This luxurious chauffeured tour will take you through San Diego's scenic countryside, where you'll have the opportunity to taste the finest wines in the region. You'll also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, as well as learn about the history and culture of San Diego.

Relax and unwind as you soak up the sun and take in the stunning views of the vineyards. Our expert guide will ensure that you have a fantastic time and that your needs are taken care of.

Celebrate love with a delightful day of wine and treats!

Book your elevated experience NOW!

 

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HOME OF THE FAMOUS WINERY TRAIN TOUR OF SAN DIEGO

Feb 20 - ongoing

The deluxe Chauffeured Winery Tour has been delighting tens of thousands of guests since 2010! It's our most popular tour because we take you to the actual vineyards so you get the whole experience seeing the grapes being grown and learning about how the wine is made. It's also very relaxing and VIP in that we pick you up at your home/hotel. You don't have all the walking and logistics of the getting to the train station and buying the train ticket. It's our most elevated, deluxe experience. Guaranteed, you'll love it! 

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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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Taste of Hillcrest

Apr 13, 2024
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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round!

Feb 15 - ongoing
Discover

Romantic Winery Adventure

Mar 8 - ongoing
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HOME OF THE FAMOUS WINERY TRAIN TOUR OF SAN DIEGO

Feb 20 - ongoing
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Hillcrest on Instagram

 

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$10 off Wine Tours-Labor Day Celebration

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Sep 1 - Sep 30, 2024

Stop and smell the Rosé during Labor Day month. Looking to relax and make a pour decision or two? Well, you’ve come to the wine place! The San Diego Chauffeured Winery Tour is...

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Show Your Badge and Save on Winery Tours!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Feb 15 - ongoing

SHOW YOUR BADGE and receive 10% off San Diego's Favorite Winery Tour! Indulge on the Chauffeured Vineyard Adventure  as we discover San Diego's finest wineries!  ...

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Show Your Badge & Save at So Diego

So Diego
Valid: Jul 10, 2023 - ongoing

So Diego is a San Diego Tour company offering locals and visitors unique ways to explore America's Finest City. Learn the history of the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Old Town and La Jolla while...

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