Visit the Gallery and Make A Day of It!
• Your itinerary to get the most out of a visit to San Diego’s Fabulous Hillcrest •
Located minutes from downtown and Balboa Park, Hillcrest is the center of San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ scene. Locally owned businesses bring a vibrancy to the neighborhood with a variety of bars, restaurants, coffee houses, boutiques and unique shops. Wide sidewalks, bike paths and motorized scooters will help you explore this uptown neighborhood.
Anytime of day, the neighborhood shimmers with a welcoming vibe but if your schedule allows, you might want to coordinate a visit to take advantage of the community’s special events. On Sundays (9 AM - 2 PM) underneath the towering Hillcrest Pride Flag on Normal Street, you’ll find one of the region’s best Farmer Markets. On the First Thursday of the month (5 - 10 pm), Mural Alley behind The Studio Door is blocked off for a lively night of entertainment, art, food and music. Hillcrest celebrates Pride in mid-July with a mile-long parade starting with events under the Pride Flag and leading to Balboa Park for a grand festival.
With over 200 restaurants and bars, everyday is filled with possibilities but with limited time, you’ll be forced to make choices. To help get the most of your trip, The Studio Door has picked some of our favorite spots for you to consider while you shop, dine, drink and explore the city’s gayborhood.
Public Art Spaces
Art is everywhere in Hillcrest from wall and halls to outdoor murals and hidden spots. Discover influential and emerging artists in a neighborhood that values creativity.
Mural Alley
Directly behind the gallery is a wonderful collection of murals and the location fo the monthly First Thursday Walk in ART at night. This just scratches the surface of Hillcrest’s murals and public art , which is scattered across the one mile neighborhood.
Hillcrest Neighborhood Sign
Just around the corner from the gallery is the neighborhood landmark sign. San Diego has a unique collection of community identity signs and this one gives us great pride. No trip to the neighborhood would be complete without an Instagramable moment to mark your arrival in Fabulous Hillcrest.
The Hillcrest Pride Flag
Located on the median of Normal Street at University Avenue is Pride Plaza with a 65’ tall flag pole the displays a 30' rainbow flag. Don’t forget to get to snap a picture walking the rainbow crosswalk and look for the rainbow striped fire hydrants along the street.
Vermont Street Bridge
One of Hillcrest’s best kept public art secrets is located not far from the flag behind The Hub shopping center. The 420’ long pedestrian bridge is a work of art with icons and quotes about time, walking and bridges from Dr. Seuss, Dr. Martin Luther King, Kate Sessions and more. Designed by Stone Paper Scissors.
Boutiques
Neighborhood shopping is a great way to support small business and make your visit memorable. Hillcrest has a wide variety of boutiques including vintage clothing, gay apparel, lingerie, art supplies and gifts.
Village Hat Shop
[3821 4th Ave] - Trust us, you didn’t know that you needed a hat until you step into this amazing shop. With thousands of designs and quality brands, they offer the best selection of hats you will ever find.
Earth’s Elements
[421 University Ave] - Needing a metaphysical lift? We have a crystal shop with all the esoteric books and items you need for your mind, body and soul.
Ace Hardware
[1003 University Ave] - While you might not need to pick up household goods and home decor while traveling, you should stop in to check out their incredible gifts. This isn’t your father’s hardware store.
Food
Breakfast
Bread and Cie
[350 University Ave] - This cafe and bakery offers artisanal French breads and pastries. So good that you can find their bread sold throughout San Diego. Try to grab a spot on the sidewalk to people watch.
Sunnyboy Biscuit Company
[3749 Park Blvd] - Great homestyle cooking specializing in buttermilk biscuits, country comfort scratch cooking, and house made pastries. You can’t miss out on canned jellies in their general store. Tasty!
Also Snooze and Crème de la Crêpe
Lunch
Sisters Pizza
[3603 Fourth Ave] - Reinforced with tasty varieties of pizza and Mediterranean meals, friendly employees, good music, quality beer and wine, Sisters Pizza aims to create stronger communities through acts of kindness.
Chocolat Bistro
[141 University Ave] - A European inspired bistro, creperie & cremerie serving panini sandwiches, brick oven pizza and delicious pasta dishes. Save room for the gelato and fruit sorbet.
Also Taste of Denmark
Dinner
Parma Cucina
[3850 5th Ave] - Make a reservation for this small restaurant. The owners are native Italians and their food sets them apart from a city filled with Italian Restaurants. We always go in on family style and share the dishes.
Also Arrivederci, Au Revoir and Trust.
Dessert
Babycakes
[3795 4th Ave] - No trip to the neighborhood would be complete without a visit to this bakery famous for its cupcake-sized cakes. Have a bite while your are here and trust us, get another one to take home. If you don’t, you’ll wish you had.
Figaro Desert Cafe
[412 University Ave] - Low key, late night cafe offering cakes, pastries, desserts & gelato, plus coffee & expresso drinks. Satisfy your sweet tooth.
Libations & Craft Cocktails
Urban Mo’s Bar and Grill
[308 University Ave] - The flagship of our own Mo’s Universe, this hetro-friendly gay bar is known for its Drag Queens, it’s Burgers and it’s welcoming Staff.
InsideOut
[1642 University Ave] - Craft cocktails at the bar or in the lounge by the pool is a sure delight. Also a great stop for a special dinner or for weekend Brunch.
Before you head back to your accommodations …
On your way out of Hillcrest, drive down Park Boulevard, pass the San Diego Zoo and park in first of Balboa Park parking lots you come across (right before the pedestrian bridge that goes over Park Blvd). This will position you near Spanish Village Arts Center [1770 Village Pl], a quaint community of local artists. Go directly to Studio 18 to meet “America’s Favorite Artist” RD Riccoboni. He will help you make the most of your time in the Village.
The Studio Door
3867 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday. 11 AM - 6 PM.
and by appointment.