Breweries, surf shops, and beachfront street fairs; there’s sure a lot to love about living in San Diego. You can get it all in this seaside city, but you’ll have to choose your neighborhood first. Some San Diego neighborhoods cater to foodies, some to the nightlife-enthusiasts, and others are all about that laid-back beach vibe. If you’re looking to move to San Diego, here’s your guide to the best neighborhoods in San Diego.
The 7 best neighborhoods in San Diego
Read on for more details of each!
1. Hillcrest
This historically LGBT-friendly San Diego neighborhood is a local favorite. It’s just a few minutes from both downtown and Balboa Park, has a great nightlife scene, and boasts vibrant, pedestrian-friendly streets. Rainbow flags hanging from shops and restaurants will signal your entrance into Hillcrest.
Check out The Loft if you’re in the mood for a no-frills night; this dive bar is a real crowd-pleaser for cheap drinks and good times. Urban MO’s Bar & Grill is a great spot for a tasty brunch, dinner, or just a casual night of drinks. In fact, it won Lyft’s 2017 “Most Visited Restaurant in San Diego”, so you know it’s a good time.
Hit all the shopping spots in Hillcrest by strolling up University Avenue, then join the locals for breakfast at Snooze An AM Eatery. Need a more in-depth guide to the neighborhood? We’ve got you covered with our Hillcrest neighborhood guide.
The vibe of Hillcrest: Energetic and inclusive
Notable characteristics of Hillcrest: Extremely walkable neighborhood
Must do activities in Hillcrest: Hillcrest Farmers Market, Cinema Under the Stars
2. Little Italy
Originally a community built on the backs of hardworking fishermen and Italian families, this quaint neighborhood has managed to stay true to its roots. Little Italy boasts outdoor patio cafes, renowned restaurants, and the Little Italy Mercato Farmers Market. The market is the go-to spot for satisfying cannoli cravings, authentic cappuccinos, and all the classic Italian comfort food you could imagine.
The neighborhood’s annual Little Italy FESTA! brings traditional Italian music, arts, crafts, and food to the streets to celebrate the culture and community that has called San Diego home for years. As far as San Diego neighborhoods go, this is a top contender for locals and visitors alike.
The vibe of Little Italy: Cultured and community driven
Notable characteristics of Little Italy: The go-to San Diego neighborhood for Italian fare
Must do activities in Little Italy: Taste of Little Italy, Mission Fed Art Walk
3. North Park
Reasonable rent, craft breweries within walking distance to your house, and art galleries are just a few of the reasons we named North Park one of the best neighborhoods in San Diego. North Park is popular among young professionals, hipsters, and students alike, and the locally-owned coffee shops and restaurants are happy to cater to them.
It’s close to other neighborhoods like Hillcrest and Normal Heights but maintains its own bustling nightlife and entertainment scene. Grab drinks at West Coast Tavern, Tiger! Tiger!, ou North Park Beer Company, ou get some cheap eats at The Taco Stand. Then, head to University Avenue where there’s always something going on—from weekly farmers’ markets to annual art festivals.
The vibe of North Park: Trendy and hip
Notable characteristics of North Park: Top destination for craft beer and boutique shopping
Must do activities in North Park: The Observatory North Park, Coin-Op Gameroom
4. Gaslamp Quarter
Out of all the San Diego neighborhoods, the Gaslamp Quarter is where the city comes to party. Between the clubs, dive bars, lounges, and sports bars, this neighborhood has just the place for the night out you’re envisioning. Trailer Park After Dark is one of the hippest spots in town, and it’s located right in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.
The Shout! House mixes cocktails with a wildly entertaining dueling piano show (trust us, and it’s worth the line you’ll have to wait in). Gaslamp Tavern is your go-to spot for wings, beer, and sports, and The Tipsy Crow’s Underground Club is perfect if you want to dance the night away. The Gaslamp Quarter is one of San Diego’s biggest attractions, so if you’re ready to party, this is your neighborhood.
The vibe of Gaslamp Quarter: Exciting and lively
Notable characteristics of Gaslamp Quarter: Epicenter of nightlife in San Diego
Must do activities in Gaslamp Quarter: Balboa Theater, San Diego Padres game
5. Ocean Beach
A surfer’s paradise and scenic wonderland, Ocean Beach is nestled along the Pacific Ocean and gives off that iconic, SoCal beach vibe. The neighborhood itself is full of old-school bungalows, walkable main streets, and surf shops, with the Pacific Ocean and the pier just steps away.
The annual Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off brings the neighborhood (and visitors) together in June, as performers, arts and crafts vendors, and chili aficionados breathe life into the streets of Ocean Beach. It’s a bit farther removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, so this laid-back, oceanside neighborhood makes it the best neighborhood in San Diego for beach lovers.
The vibe of Ocean Beach: Bohemian and relaxed
Notable characteristics of Ocean Beach: Surfers paradise with prime ocean views
Must do activities in Ocean Beach: The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, OB Farmers Market, OB Murals
6. La Jolla
Another one of those scenic beachside San Diego neighborhoods, La Jolla is popular among both UC San Diego students and recent college grads alike. La Jolla Village offers shopping, restaurants, and watering holes for the locals, so they don’t need to trek south into the city center. The seaside cliffs at Torrey Pines State Reserve offer hiking trails with breathtaking views and the La Jolla Underwater Park attracts scuba divers, snorkelers, and kayakers to its nearly 6,000 acres. It’s no wonder we named La Jolla one of San Diego’s best beaches.
The vibe of La Jolla: Luxe and picturesque
Notable characteristics of La Jolla: Unique destination for water activities and coastal exploring
Must do activities in La Jolla: Birch Aquarium, La Jolla Playhouse
7. Normal Heights
A charming neighborhood northeast of Balboa Park, Normal Heights is a quaint, residential area. Don’t overlook it, though; this neighborhood boasts plenty of hip coffee shops, gastropubs, and antique stores dotting Adams Avenue—one of the main thoroughfares.
Try the pizza and brew at Blind Lady Ale House—consistently ranked in the top 100 draft houses in the country—or grab a cocktail and charcuterie board at the uber-retro Sycamore Den. Cool down with some award-winning flavors from Mariposa Ice Cream (try Coconut Almond Fudge or Mexican Chocolate) and relax at Ward Canyon Neighborhood Park.
The vibe of Normal Heights: Charming and pleasant
Notable characteristics of Normal Heights: Residential area with a vibrant dining scene
Must do activities in Normal Heights: Trolley Barn Park, Summer Movie Series
Living in San Diego not only offers access to the best beaches, but some of the top destinations for shopping, eating, and must do activities. If you’re considering a move to America’s Finest City, you can’t go wrong with one of these top San Diego neighborhoods.
Contenu associé
