The hub of San Diego’s gay and lesbian life is just north of downtown in the neighborhood of Hillcrest. A welcoming neighborhood that many San Diego gays and lesbians call home, Hillcrest is lined with trendy restaurants, shops, hip salons and spas, as well as the largest concentration of gay and lesbian-owned businesses in the city.

You will also find gays and lesbians living, playing and running businesses in nearby North Park, Mission HIlls, and University Heights. North Park is the area just north of Balboa Park and is currently in the midst of a revitalization. Gays and lesbians mingle with straights in this community, which is home to a number of restaurants, second-hand and specialty shops. Guys, this is where you’ll find a handful of leather and bear bars. 

Mission Hills is mostly a residential neighborhood that’s known for its historic architecture. One of San Diego’s oldest communities, University Heights is located between Hillcrest and North Park. This neighborhood is gay-friendly, but quieter than Hillcrest. University Heights hosts a handful of coffee shops and restaurants. Each of these great neighborhoods are easily (and probably best explored) by foot or on bicycle.