Hillcrest | University Heights | Neighborhood Guide

Welcome to University Heights/Hillcrest

An eclectic, close-knit community in the center of San Diego.

The University Heights and Hillcrest communities of San Diego represent two downtown neighborhoods with a vibrant, relaxed vibe. Though it's a colorful area and located very near Balboa Park, it doesn’t attract too many tourists. Approximately 24,000 people call this area home.

Both neighborhoods offer a plethora of eateries, bars, and unique shops, and it's also very pedestrian friendly. Some say Hillcrest presents a Bohemian feel as it often gets compared to places such as Castro and Greenwich Village.

The name University Heights comes from the fact that when established in 1888, the intention was to make it the location for a branch of the University of Southern California.

A delightfully quirky thing about the area involves the ostrich-themed decor across the city. In the early 1900s, a large ostrich farm was one of the area's attractions. Harvey Bentley owned the farm and would charge visitors a small fee to view and sometimes even ride the ostriches. The ostrich farm no longer exists, but they remember it through paintings, sculptures, and other images.

San Diego's temperatures range from 50 to 77 degrees. The temperatures seldom fall below 44 degrees or above 84 degrees.

What to Love

Eclectic shops and eateries
Close to Balboa Park
Walkable
Strong sense of community
Near perfect weather

Local Lifestyle

Residents of University Heights and Hillcrest love their neighborhoods. They feel a strong sense of community whenever they run errands or meet up with friends for coffee. They're a vibrant population that enjoys the arts and appreciates nature.

The central location makes it convenient to get to everything San Diego offers. However, the comfortable feel, the plethora of shopping and entertainment, and the close-knit community result in most University Heights residents staying close to home. You'll often hear them say they live in the best San Diego neighborhood.

Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping

The wide variety of restaurants in the University Heights and Hillcrest area is part of the reason it's such a fun and comfortable location. Baja Betty's in Hillcrest serves authentic Mexican fare in a beautiful and festive setting. They offer memberships to their Agave Club for those passionate about mezcal and tequila, and you’ll get invitations to monthly tastings and become part of the Baja Betty's family.

You'll experience an upscale yet friendly feel at Madison's restaurant. They offer elegant indoor or outdoor seating and specialize in handcrafted cocktails, small plates, brunch, and delectable desserts.

Parkhouse Eatery oozes casual and intimate charm. The converted house offers three seating areas, including the living room and patio, but the locals especially love the hearth room with the wood-burning fireplace.

And if you're hungry for an unbelievable sandwich or delicious salad, head over to the Big Front Door in University Heights. This buzzy restaurant continues to win awards as one of San Diego's best delicatessens.

They also love their coffee in the University Heights and Hillcrest neighborhoods. Some favorite gathering places include Día del Café, Hawthorn Cafe, and Holsem Coffee.

With its downtown location, University Heights has no shortage of shopping. Some more interesting places include Mission Gallery Antiques, Day to Day Vintage, and Artlexia.

Things to Do

The pleasant San Diego weather sets the stage for lots of fun outdoor activities in the University Heights neighborhood. The University Heights Summer in the Park Concert Series takes place in Trolley Barn Park and offers weeks of free concerts. It's a great event for locals and visitors alike.

The San Diego Gay Pride Parade in mid-June is another fantastic event that draws the crowds to Hillcrest. The Pride events attract thousands of spectators, and many make sure to get a viewing spot for the parade. It's a huge single-day event with colorful floats, marching bands, and many participants representing and celebrating the LGBTQ community.

Schools

The University of California San Diego is the college most associated with the University Heights area. This prestigious school's undergraduate enrollment stands at about 35,000. It's regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Around University Heights | Hillcrest , CA

There's plenty to do around University Heights | Hillcrest , including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

97

Walker's Paradise

Walking Score

76

Very Bikeable

Bike Score

53

Good Transit

Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including TOP Wedding & Events, LydieSFitness, and The OM Experience.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the TOP Wedding & Events page on Yelp	Shopping	4 miles	15 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the LydieSFitness page on Yelp	Active	2.11 miles	17 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the The OM Experience page on Yelp	Active	1.17 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the San Diego Peninsula Shotokan Karate page on Yelp Search 2650 Truxtun Rd on Google Maps	Active	3.24 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Body Bliss Waxing & SkinCare page on Yelp Search 1450 Frazee Rd on Google Maps	Beauty	1.72 miles	39 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Steel Hair Studio page on Yelp Search 1450 Frazee Rd on Google Maps	Beauty	1.71 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Karma Hair Lounge page on Yelp Search 4240 Kearny Mesa Rd on Google Maps	Beauty	4.89 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Aesthetics by Mary Ann page on Yelp	Beauty	1.74 miles	14 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Trinity Mind + Body page on Yelp Search 4026 Hawk St on Google Maps	Beauty	0.73 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Rayne Looks page on Yelp Search 2305 University Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	1.19 miles	14 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Harli Dearborn Salon \| Hairstylist page on Yelp Search 1975 5th Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	1.54 miles	18 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Lisa Leedy Beauty Design page on Yelp	Beauty	2.38 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Michael Joseph Hair page on Yelp Search 3077 N Pkwy on Google Maps	Beauty	2.38 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Chanel's Hair Boutique page on Yelp Search 8818 La Mesa Blvd on Google Maps	Beauty	2.04 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Monet Esthetics and Skincare page on Yelp	Beauty	2.06 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the He Fades She Colors page on Yelp Search 624 Broadway on Google Maps	Beauty	2.25 miles	48 reviews	5/5 stars