San Diego Neighborhoods

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.

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.

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.

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.