Hillcrest
Hillcrest is an uptown neighborhood in San Diego northwest of Balboa Park. The Hillcrest area is recognized for its tolerance and diversity exemplified by being the center of gay and lesbian life in San Diego. Visitors enjoy browsing in the locally-owned businesses that include restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, trendy thrift-stores, and independent specialty stores. The grid streets of Hillcrest and the high population density make pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks relatively high throughout the day.
Special events happen in Hillcrest every year. The San Diego Gay Pride is a celebration for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community during the last three weekends in July. The San Diego Gay Pride Parade and two day festival in Balboa Park are well attended by locals and visitors, making it the largest civic event in the city of San Diego. http://sandiegopride.org
Another annual event is the "CityFest" in August, a street festival featuring live entertainment, food, beer garden and street vendors. Book Fair and Mardi Gras are also events held each year in Hillcrest. Hillcrest also has a weekly farmers market where you can get fresh produce and other goods.
Being the center of the commercial and residential gay and lesbian community in San Diego, most gay bars are located in this neighborhood.
Hillcrest sign overtop the street is located at the interesection of 5th and University Avenue.