Neighborhoods

San Diego is one of the only cities that truly has something in it for everyone. In town, a whole day could easily be spent visiting a museum, touring the worldly renowned San Diego Zoo or even playing golf in Balboa Park. It isn't really known as a city of neighborhoods, but San Diego neighborhoods do exist in this bastion of suburbia and boast these very places.

Listed ahead are some of the highly recommended urban neighborhoods in San Diego. These places have wonderful restaurants and an interesting mix of businesses, and most of them are also close to public transportation, making them convenient destinations for tourists on San Diego travel and also the local residents.

1) Kensington: Found on the southeast rim of the Mission valley, this side of town is home to many attractive, expensive Spanish-styled houses, and is one of the peaceful areas amidst the hubbub of the city.

2) Mission Hills: Found west on Washington street, Mission Hills can be recognized by the grand homes, hilltop streets that wind upwards and the perfectly manicured lawns. Ponce's Restaurant and the Ken Club Bar must be visited here.

3) Hillcrest: North of Balboa Park, Hillcrest is a colorful, lively neighborhood that hosts a great deal of cultural diversity, as compared to the rest of San Diego's neighborhoods. Hillcrest is a gay-friendly neighborhood, full of great restaurants, and a mix of apartments and bungalows.

4) North Park: Situated at the north edge of Balboa Park, North Park contains numerous apartments, tidy pockets of craftsmen homes and the pre-interstate retail stretches of El Cajon Blvd and University Avenue. The Chicken Pie Shop and the Red Fox Lounge found here are must visits!

5) University Heights: Found directly between North Park and Hillcrest, University Heights is a small, retail area found at the north end of Blvd Park, and once again, contains a mix of craftsmen bungalows and apartments. The Trolley Park must be visited when you travel to San Diego University Heights, along with the Twiggs Coffee House and Parkhouse eatery.

6) Little Italy: This is an ethnic enclave situated within downtown San Diego that has recently gained popularity amongst residents and tourists. Amongst its must-visit eateries, Mimmo's Italian Village and Filippi's have to be mentioned for the great food and dining.

7) South Park: Found south of North Park (but east of Balboa Park), South Park is a quiet neighborhood with several boutiques and innumerable independent stores.

8 )Golden Hill: Adjacent to South Park, this part of the San Diego neighborhoods has the famous M-Theory Records and the South Park Grill. Along with its apartments and bungalows, there are a large number of stately old mansions found here as well.

The best way to experience any of these neighborhoods is to walk through them! San Diego neighborhoods are truly worth your visit and time.