San Diego is unique among cities its size in that it doesn’t have the congested and impersonal feel of a city at all. This can be attributed to the beautiful weather and a culture of hospitality, but what can’t go unnoticed is the contribution of the 100 interesting neighborhoods that comprise it. San Diego is the sum of its parts, an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, each with its own unique personality. You can experience the hipster allure of North Park, the seaside luxury resort feel of Coronado Island, La Jolla’s upscale family-friendly vibe, or the twenty-something casual surf scene of Pacific Beach. Depending upon your mood and preference, there is a place for you in America’s Finest City.
No matter what your taste, you’ll find what you’re looking for in San Diego’s diverse neighborhoods, but you’ll have to visit again and again to fully appreciate all the city has to offer. The classic summertime vacation brings throngs of sun worshipers to the sandy beaches of the Mission Beach and Pacific Beach communities. In the fall, you can follow a San Diego Chargers game in Mission Valley with the city’s craft brew scene in North Park. In winter, where you can snow ski the mountains in the morning and surf the waves in the afternoon, take in the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights from the Downtown Marina District. Don’t miss Mission Federal ArtWalk, the largest art event on the West Coast, held each spring in Downtown’s Little Italy. Any time of year is the best time to come to “Sun Diego.”
Peruse some of the most interesting San Diego neighborhoods with the snapshots below to find what fits your mood and personality. When you hit on a few of your favorites, read the neighborhood’s full profile to find out about its roots and historical evolution into what you see today, the highlights of the neighborhood that you won’t want to miss, and a brief explanation of the surprising things to see and do in the neighborhood. Let this be your neighborhood guide to experiencing all San Diego has to offer on a more intimate level. The neighborhoods of San Diego welcome you!
Neighborhood Map
Vicinity Map
La Jolla
La Jolla is the jewel by the sea with an array of sophisticated boutique hotels, shops, restaurants, and resorts. It is a family-friendly vacation destination with abundant marine life, beautiful beaches, great surfing, premier golfing, and adventure sports.
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach is the embodiment of California Dreamin’ offering a mix of casual and trendy tourist and surf shops, sports and beach bars, and delectable eateries. It sports one of the best beaches for swimming, surfing, and sunning; the longest boardwalk; and the iconic Crystal Pier.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach is the more casual and laid-back brother to Pacific Beach, and has the bigger and better beach. Local bars, shops, and eateries have a down-to-earth neighborhood vibe. Family-friendly Belmont Park and the flashy Wave House beach party complex anchor the neighborhood.
Mission Bay
Located at the south end of Pacific Beach, Mission Bay is best known for its wide range of outdoor recreational activities like jet skiing, camping, fishing, biking, sailing, swimming, and kayaking. It draws more than 15 million visitors per year who love the great outdoors.
Old Town
Old Town is the birthplace of San Diego and reflects its Kumeyaay, early pioneer, and Spanish cultural roots. Carefully preserved architecture, more than one hundred specialty stores, thirty restaurants, twelve art galleries, and twenty-five historic sites and buildings make up Old Town.
Mission Hills
Mission Hills is an affluent neighborhood with a close-knit community vibe and killer views of San Diego and the bay. It is known for being family-oriented and promoting a simple lifestyle. Take a family bike ride, or enjoy a classic movie under the stars in this tranquil neighborhood.
Mission Valley
Mission Valley is at the center of the city with easy access to every major San Diego attraction. It is home to the San Diego Chargers’ Qualcomm Stadium, Hotel Circle, upscale shopping malls, a challenging golf course, and a regional park for hiking and biking.
Downtown
Downtown San Diego, also known as Centre City, is the dazzling waterfront cultural, financial, and entertainment center of the city with seven distinct districts ranging from subtly charming to bold and overstated – Little Italy, Cortez Hill, Columbia, Core, Marina, East Village, and the Gaslamp Quarter.
Gaslamp Quarter
The historic Gaslamp Quarter is the heart of San Diego’s downtown nightlife. The Gaslamp’s 16 blocks include 94 historic buildings from the Victorian Era. The daytime shopping mecca transforms into a sophisticated after dark playground with fine dining, live music, dancing, and theatre.
Little Italy
This scenic Italian neighborhood is one of the most culturally active of the Downtown districts. Primarily comprised of Italian retail shops, restaurants, art galleries, home design stores, and residential units, the charming neighborhood hosts numerous annual events including ArtWalk and Little Italy Festa.
Marina
Once an area of wharfs and warehouses, the spectacular waterfront Marina district is now one of the most glamorous and expensive neighborhoods in San Diego with luxury high-rise condos and hotels, sophisticated dining, maritime museums, upscale shopping, and the San Diego Convention Center.
East Village
The newest Downtown neighborhood of East Village is an edgy mix of reclaimed warehouse chic and new construction ultra-modern, and has been likened to Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. Anchored by the Padres’ Petco Stadium, the trendy district offers upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Coronado Island
Coronado can best be described as seaside luxury. It is connected to mainland San Diego by the stunning Coronado Bridge, is home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado, has the only white sand beach in San Diego, and boasts over 100 upscale shops and restaurants.
Hillcrest
Hillcrest has been dubbed the Greenwich Village of San Diego. It is a diverse urban neighborhood and the heart of San Deigo’s LGBT community. The cultural hotspot with a multi-ethnic vibe offers boutique shops, wine bars, ethnic restaurants, and the annual San Diego Pride Parade and festival.
North Park
Right next door to Hillcrest, North Park is known best for its 30th Street Corridor craft brew scene. The culturally diverse neighborhood with Craftsman cottages, diners and cafes, boutiques, book stores, coffee shops, microbreweries, and the Ray Street Art District is a must-visit San Diego neighborhood.
Tijuana
From hipsters to foodies to health enthusiasts, Tijuana caters to a new kind of tourist these days with the introduction of Baja Med cuisine, boutique hotels, holistic spas, cultural attractions, and a vibrant art scene that all add to the allure of modern-day Tijuana.
Del Mar
The Hollywood of San Diego, this neighborhood has been entertaining crowds since Bing Crosby opened the Del Mar racetrack. Thoroughbred races, upscale shops and restaurants, family-friendly beaches and parks, and the popular San Diego County Fair all welcome you to Del Mar.