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. San Diego’s diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone, from foodies to nightlife enthusiasts to beach lovers. If you’re looking to move to the West Coast, here’s your guide to the best neighborhoods in San Diego.
The top neighborhoods in San Diego
- Hillcrest
- Little Italy
- North Park
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Ocean Beach
- La Jolla
- Normal Heights
- South Park & Golden Hill
- University Heights
Read on for more details of each!
1. Hillcrest
Best neighborhood for the LGBTQ+ community
The best neighborhood for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, dog owners, and lovers of nightlife, Hillcrest offers residents a diverse and extremely walkable neighborhood. One of San Diego’s historically LGBT-friendly communities, the vibrant 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, voted the “Best Gay Bar” by Yelp in 2019, 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.
Hit all the shopping spots in Hillcrest by strolling down University Avenue, then join the locals for breakfast at Snooze A.M. 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
Best neighborhood for cultural cuisine
Considered the best neighborhood for families, foodies, and those looking for a more quiet community, Little Italy is a welcoming family-friendly and food-centric enclave. Originally a community built on the backs of hardworking fishermen and Italian families, this quaint neighborhood has remained true to its roots.
Little Italy boasts outdoor patio cafes, renowned restaurants, and the Little Italy Mercato Farmers Market. The market, open Wednesdays and Saturdays, is the go-to spot for satisfying cannoli cravings, authentic cappuccinos, and all the classic Italian comfort food you could imagine.
For a fun nighttime event, Pali Wine Co. hosts comedy nights once a week, where you can taste great wine and food while laughing at up-and-coming comics from San Diego and Los Angeles. 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 ArtWalk
3. North Park
Best neighborhood for students and creatives
The best neighborhood for students, young professionals, and creatives, North Park offers reasonable rent, craft breweries within walking distance of your house, and art galleries. Residents enjoy the locally owned coffee shops and restaurants that 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 Bluefoot Bar and Lounge, The Office Bar, or Bar Three Piece. If something hearty is on your mind, check out the extensive menu of Mexican favorites 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
Best neighborhood for singles and nightlife
Gaslamp Quarter is the best neighborhood for singles, students, and those looking to be in the heart of the action. 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), and the Tipsy Crow Underground Club is your go-to spot for wings, beer, and music. The Gaslamp Quarter is one of San Diego’s biggest attractions, so if you’re ready to party and dance the night away, 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
Best neighborhood for beachfront living
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 more removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, so this laid-back, oceanside neighborhood is the best place 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
Best neighborhood for water activities
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
Best neighborhood for families
A charming neighborhood northeast of Balboa Park, Normal Heights is a quaint, residential area that’s perfect for families and young professionals. 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: Adams Avenue Street Fair, Summer Movie Series
8. South Park & Golden Hill
Best neighborhood for young professionals
The best neighborhood for young professionals, dog owners, and culinary enthusiasts, South Park & Golden Hill offers residents an enclave of small-town charm with all the amenities of living in a large city. The neighborhood is conveniently located near highways and public transportation, making commuting to Downtown San Diego and beyond a breeze.
Made up of a distinct mix of residential and commercial districts, this neighborhood is filled with rolling hills that deliver spectacular views of San Diego and a thriving culinary and entertainment scene. Walking down the tree-lined residential streets, joggers and dog owners catch glimpses of historic and eclectic architectural homes and landmarks. It’s a short walk to Balboa Park, where many residents spend a sunny day enjoying various outdoor recreational activities, including golfing, walking along hiking trails, and picnicking on the greens.
Browsing the dozens of unique small businesses, such as Gold Leaf, and enjoying a meal at one of the neighborhood’s diverse eateries, like Station Tavern, are favorite pastimes of residents. There’s a strong sense of community in South Park & Golden Hill. Local businesses receive the full support of the community boards and residents, and they frequently hold social and cultural events that fill the streets with residents and visitors.
The vibe of South Park & Golden Hill: Charming and breathtaking
Notable characteristics of South Park & Golden Hill: Historic homes among sprawling hills and unique shops
Must-do activities in South Park & Golden Hill: Bravo School of Art, Vinyl Junkies Record Shack
9. University Heights
Best neighborhood for commuters
University Heights is the best neighborhood for families, artists and musicians, young professionals, and commuters looking for convenient access to the greater San Diego area. Located in the heart of San Diego, University Heights is one of the most accessible neighborhoods in the city, with I-8 and I-805 close by and a robust public transportation system. It’s also one of San Diego’s most walkable communities. Many restaurants, art galleries, and social, recreational, and entertainment activities are within a few minutes’ walk.
Families flock to University Heights for its highly rated public schools, ample green spaces, and tons of family-friendly activities, like free summer concerts. The diversity of the neighborhood adds to its charming close-knit community feel.
University Heights’ culinary and entertainment scenes are booming with various cafés and restaurants, shops, and markets that offer countless options for a day or evening full of shopping, dining, and entertainment. There’s also strong support for the artistic and LGBTQIA+ communities with several art galleries and collectives, including the Diversionary Theatre, an LGBT-centered playhouse, and live music venues like Park & Rec that showcase local talent.
The vibe of University Heights: Diverse and eclectic
Notable characteristics of University Heights: Thriving cultural and culinary scene among dozens of green spaces
Must-do activities in University Heights: Trolley Barn Park, San Diego Zoo
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.
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