Welcome to Mission Hills
A peaceful community with a comfortable and friendly vibe.
It seems that Mission Hills may give its residents the best of everything. This tasteful San Diego neighborhood boasts many prestigious homes with fantastic architecture and plenty of terrific eateries, boutiques, and activities. The population of the community averages about 5,500.
Mission Hills has a walkability score of 70 percent, making it easy to get to and from the various eateries and bars the neighborhood offers. And if you feel like experiencing a different vibe occasionally, it's conveniently located near other neighborhoods such as Hillcrest, Old Town, and San Diego Bay.
The development of Mission Hills started in 1908. Many original homes are still standing and have undergone restorations to preserve their original architecture. Many more stylish dwellings were added to the area in the 1950s and 1960s.
Kate Sessions, the woman behind much of the development of Mission Hills, also founded Mission Hills Nursery in 1910. Mission Hills Nursery remains an integral part of the community today.
What to Love
- Walkability
- Location
- Interesting architecture
- Peaceful
- Tasteful homes
- Great investment
Local Lifestyle
Many families live in Mission Hills and enjoy activities such as bike rides, neighborhood walks, and free community events such as concerts or classic movies in the park. Most people own their homes which contributes to a sense of pride and involvement in the community.
The residents appreciate their neighborhood's peacefulness and love exploring other parts of the city. Low-key and tranquil best describes the overall feel of the Mission Hills area.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Most of the eateries in the Mission Hills area are upscale but comfortable and welcoming. Fort Oak receives accolades as one of the finest restaurants in San Diego. The hearth in the center of the restaurant makes diners feel at home and is used to create delicious wood-fired dishes. They also feature seafood and a raw bar.
Cardellino's restaurant will satisfy your hunger and delight your senses if you're craving Italian. Not only do they serve all kinds of homemade pasta and wood-fired, hand-tossed pizza, but they also offer dishes such as lamb chops and bluefin tuna. They create everything with fresh ingredients and lots of care.
For the freshest Mexican cuisine in town, head over to La Puerta. The owners hail from Sinaloa and enthusiastically share their authentic recipes. They also serve the freshest cocktails. It's excellent for delicious Mexican food, genuine hospitality, and terrific service.
Harley Gray in Mission Hills offers a contemporary American menu. They provide a casual and comfortable atmosphere. Their restaurant consistently receives high praise, and they're also known for community events and activism.
You won't run out of shopping options in Mission Hills, with plenty of malls and boutiques in the neighborhood and nearby communities. Mission Hills Nursery represents the most iconic retail place in the area. Founded by community influencer Kate Sessions in 1910, it still lives on under the ownership of the Palafox family. It's a pretty spectacular place and worth a visit, even if only for the historical perspective.
Things to Do
Beautiful natural surroundings, great weather, and a rich history set the stage for plenty of events in Mission Hills. The Mission Hills Summer Concerts in the Park started more than 27 years ago. Over 500 music enthusiasts gather at Pioneer Park on Friday nights during the summer to enjoy free music, and it's also a major social event.
The Presidio is a historic city park founded in 1769. The park marks the spot where the first European settlements started in the Western United States and now serves as a landmark site and a beautiful greenspace for all kinds of events and activities,
Balboa Park represents one of the most beautiful places in San Diego. The thirty acres of land were once barren, but community activist Kate Sessions stepped up and made a deal with the city in 1892 that she would plant over 100 trees a year in the park and 300 trees a year throughout San Diego. Balboa Park now showcases many species of trees and flowers and attracts locals and tourists throughout the year.
Schools
San Diego’s private and public schools receive high ratings and accolades. In Mission Hills, many parents choose to send their children to an independent, private school.
- Frances Parker is a private preparatory school that serves students from K-12, and has received full accreditation from the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
