The 8 Coolest Neighborhoods in San Diego
San Diego, the second largest city in California, is a diverse place. Want a beachside party? Try Pacific Beach. Want to keep the beach but ditch the party? Try the calmer yet no less beautiful La Jolla. Or head further inland to the hipster shops and restaurants of North Park, or swing by Hillcrest, San Diego’s most LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood. Here’s our pick of the best.
1. Little Italy
Historical Landmark
2. Gaslamp Quarter
Historical Landmark
3. Old Town San Diego
Museum
4. Hillcrest
Architectural Landmark
Hillcrest is San Diego’s most LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood and the site of the city’s annual Pride parade since its inception in the 1970s. You can enjoy one of the many restaurants here, including Bread & Cie bakery, Snooze for brunch, and the ever-vibrant gay burger joint, Urban Mo’s. There are several wine bars in the area too. Balboa Park, home to the California Tower and the San Diego Zoo, sits to the south of the neighborhood.
5. Pacific Beach
Natural Feature
Tucked between Mission Beach and La Jolla is Pacific Beach, a youthful oceanside neighborhood characterized by spectacular coastline and a buzzing nightlife scene, particularly along Garnet Avenue. This neighborhood is home to the Crystal Pier Hotel, which takes the form of several charming bungalows dating back to the 1930s, on the pier.
6. La Jolla
Park
7. Barrio Logan
Art Gallery
North Park
Once intended as a lemon grove and recently pegged as a hipster neighborhood, North Park is home to art galleries, craft beer, cocktail lounges, modern restaurants, and trendy shops. Every second Saturday, the area hosts Ray at Night, an evening art walk from 6pm to 10 pm, where guests can visit over a dozen galleries as well as enjoy outdoor performances. Beer lovers should note that North Park is also home to a tasting room for the popular brewery, Modern Times.
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