All NeighborhoodsUrban · Gayborhood core

Hillcrest

A dense, walkable neighborhood north of Balboa Park, recognized for its dining, civic life, and longstanding role as the cultural heart of LGBTQ+ San Diego.

Living in Hillcrest

Neighborhood overview

Hillcrest is a dense, central neighborhood north of Balboa Park, recognized as the cultural heart of LGBTQ+ San Diego. The neighborhood centers on the intersection of Fifth Avenue and University Avenue — marked by the restored Hillcrest neon sign — with the Sunday Hillcrest Farmers Market, the 65-foot Pride flag at Pride Plaza, and a dense restaurant and shopping corridor along University.

Hillcrest is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in San Diego, with a Walk Score of 87, and is the location of UC San Diego Health Hillcrest and Scripps Mercy Hospital. Housing is a mix of older condominium buildings, historic single-family homes, and apartments, and the neighborhood serves as a hub for medical professionals, urban renters, and central-city homeowners.

At a Glance

Region
Urban
Area
Gayborhood core
Your guide
William Routt
William Routt
Routt Home Team

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Local guide

Around Hillcrest

A practical starting point for exploring local places, activities, and transportation. Details can change, so confirm hours, access, transit, and other plans directly.

Where to eat

Bronx Pizza

Cash-only New York slice counter at Washington and Fifth

Hash House A Go Go

Farmhouse brunch on Fifth Avenue, plates the size of plates

Great Maple

Maple-bacon donuts and weekend brunch on Washington Street

Urban MO's Bar & Grill

Patio drag, karaoke, and trivia on University Avenue

Things to do

  • Stand under the neon Hillcrest sign at Fifth and University after dark
  • Sunday Hillcrest Farmers Market on University between Herbert and Park
  • Watch the 65-foot Pride flag at Pride Plaza catch the breeze
  • Walk five blocks south into Balboa Park's museums and gardens
  • Crawl Urban MO's, Rich's, and the rest of the gayborhood after sunset

Getting around

  • Downtown, Mission Valley, North Park, and Bankers Hill are all under ten minutes by car.
  • MTS Route 10 runs University Avenue; Route 215 Rapid links Hillcrest to downtown and SDSU.
  • Scripps Mercy and UC San Diego Health Hillcrest are walkable from most of the neighborhood.
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