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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. 

Discover Hillcrest

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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North Pole by the Sea

Dec 8, 2024

Get into the holiday spirit in Del Mar Village! Enjoy family-friendly festivities throughout the Del Mar Village North Pole Loop, including photos with Santa, letters to Santa, and other children’s activities at Del Mar Plaza, live holiday music, drink specials for adults at L’Auberge Del Mar, and holiday characters. The afternoon will culminate in a holiday tree lighting with hot chocolate for kids and a special Santa and the Grinch appearance in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar at 5:00 p.m.

 

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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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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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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round

Oct 7, 2024 - ongoing

Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure includes:

Ample pours of local wines; appetizers AND full meal (no boxed lunch); sightseeing; history; culture; VIP behind-the-scenes tour; expert tasting presentation; FUN!  

Low Price for a High-End Adventure! We are “The Inflation Fighters”. We haven’t changed our pricing since 2010! All-inclusive, only $184.44

TASTE and SEE the best of San Diego’s wine, food and sights
- Get picked up and dropped back at your hotel or home.
- Relax, drink and eat at exclusive winery estates picked especially for you!
- Fully-guided TASTY adventure.

Sells out fast! Call or book online. Book your Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure TODAY!

Home of the World-Famous Winery Train Tour! - Want to add a train ride to the above package? Call for details: 858-551-5115

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What's Hot

View All

San Diego LGBTQ+ Pride Parade & Festival

Discover

Nightlife and Day Drinks

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San Diego Farmers Markets

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What's On

View More Events

North Pole by the Sea

Dec 8, 2024
Discover

Sparkling Sunshine & Wine!

Oct 7 - Dec 31, 2024
Discover

Happy Hour

Aug 22 - ongoing
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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round

Oct 7, 2024 - ongoing
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Hillcrest on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Wineries

$10 off-Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 17, 2024 - ongoing

Call 858.551.5115 and get $10 off your booking. Or booking online and enter promo code: 24SDTA5 Join us on the Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure  for award-winning wine tastings and wine...

Tours & Sightseeing

Save 20% on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

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

Turn San Diego's Old Town or Balboa Park into a giant game board with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart...

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:...

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