Uptown

Unconventional among San Diego's neighborhoods, Uptown encompasses the three unique communities of Hillcrest, North Park, and University Heights, all pedestrian-friendly. In addition to its cultural diversity, Uptown is embraced for its urban boldness, retro style, upscale eateries, and artistic flair. The self-contained residential-commercial Uptown District, on University and 8th avenues, was built to resemble an inner-city neighborhood, with shops and restaurants within easy walking distance of high-priced town houses. To the northeast, Adams Avenue, reached via Park Boulevard heading north off Washington Street, has many antiques stores. Adams Avenue leads east into Kensington, a handsome old neighborhood that overlooks Mission Valley.

Northwest of Balboa Park, Hillcrest is San Diego's center for the gay community and artists of all types. As "San Fran South," Hillcrest is one of the city's most interesting neighborhoods. University, 4th, and 5th avenues are filled with cafés, a superb collection of restaurants (including many outstanding ethnic eateries), and boutiques (among which are several indie bookstores selling new and used books along 5th below University). A haven for the fashionably bold, Hillcrest is sprinkled with thrift stores, clothing boutiques, and funky costume shops. The neighborhood hosts the annual LGBT Pride Event every July, which draws upwards of 150,000 visitors to the streets. It also hosts Cityfest, a street festival held every August, with live bands, food booths, and beer gardens.

North Park,named for its location north of Balboa Park, is centered at the intersection of University and 30th. Unique among the three communities, it has a thriving business district, essentially a "downtown" of its own. Despite the constant renovations upgrading the neighborhood, care has been taken to maintain North Park's vintage atmosphere by retaining the original architectural facades. High-end condominiums and local merchants are often cleverly disguised behind historic signage from barbershops, bowling alleys, and theater marquees of a bygone era. This self-sufficient community offers everything from single-family homes and apartments to nightclubs and shopping.

Sandwiched between Hillcrest and North Park, University Heights has some of the characteristics of both enclaves, and consequently less of a unique flavor. It is home to the Diversionary Theatre, which specializes in productions with a predominately gay and lesbian theme. During the summer, University's Trolley Barn Park hosts free summer concerts for families.