Hi,

While visiting San Diego we will be staying near the convention center; I wondered if there is an easy way to get to Hillcrest from there by public transportation.

Also, could anyone recommend some fun shops, vintage or otherwise, in the Hillcrest neighborhood?

Thank you

I know Hillcrest extremely well as up until a year ago, I've lived all of my 12 years of "adult" life in and around Hillcrest. From downtown, there are a number of city buses that head up the hill into hillcrest and branch out to mid-city (the 1, 11, 15, 3, from memory. check out sdcommute.com. as far as shops and places of interest 5th and university is the heart of hillcrest and many shops of interest are clustered around this area.

I used to be a flight attendant with layovers in SAN. One of my favorite things to do was hike of the hill (fr. hotel circle side) to the Hillcrest District. There was a great breakfast place, http://www.crestcafe.com/menu.htm Yummy ricotta pancakes. I also had a very nice lunch at La Vache, http://www.lavacheandco.com/ .

Was just there this weekend. Bluestocking Books is a great vintage bookstore.

Khyber Pass restaurant - Afghan food, amazingly enough - was soooo good. I would love to go back.

Have fun,
Suebob

Thank you for all the helpful replies!

Where exactly is the Hillcrest area located?

Location just north of Balboa Park, roughly bounded by University, 4th Ave, and Park.

If you are staying in the "Hotel Circle" area, it is on the hill behind the Holiday Inn. I used to stay at that hotel, walk up the street behind it and hike up the long, long flights of stairs to the Hillcrest district. Great workout if you want it!