Things to Do in Hillcrest, San Diego

Hillcrest is north-northwest of Balboa Park and features Park Boulevard to the east and First Avenue to the west. The neighborhood has a lively atmosphere with various shops and restaurants along its streets.

Martial Arts Museum of AmericaArt Museum
Hillcrest Farmers MarketMarket
Bread & CieBakery

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Top things to do in Hillcrest

Martial Arts Museum of America
★ 4.6 · 2.8k
Art Museum
Venerable art museum with acclaimed works, plus a courtyard bar/bistro with sculpture garden views.
Mon–Tue
10 AM – 5 PM
Wed
Closed
Thu–Fri
10 AM – 5 PM
Sat
10 AM – 5 PM
Sun
12 PM – 5 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Hillcrest Farmers Market
★ 4.7 · 2.1k
Market
Outdoor farmers market held on Sundays with organic produce, gift, clothing & world food stalls.
Website ↗Map ↗
Bluestocking Books
★ 4.7 · 247
Bookstore
Bright retailer stocking a broad range of fiction & non-fiction books for kids & adults.
Website ↗Map ↗
M-Theory Music
★ 4.7 · 291
Record Store
Vibrant music store stocking a range of new & used CDs & records in a variety of genres.
Website ↗Map ↗
Blue Stocking Books & Bindery
★ 4.7 · 247
Bookstore
Bright retailer stocking a broad range of fiction & non-fiction books for kids & adults.
Mon–Tue
11 AM – 6 PM
Wed
Closed
Thu
11 AM – 6 PM
Fri
10 AM – 7 PM
Sat
10 AM – 7 PM
Sun
10 AM – 6 PM
Website ↗Map ↗

Where to eat & drink in Hillcrest

Bread & Cie
★ 4.6 · 1.4k
Bakery· $10–20
Cafe/bakery offering artisanal French breads & pastries, plus sandwiches, salads & breakfast fare.
Website ↗Map ↗
EQ San Diego
★ 4.5 · 656
Nightclub
A nightclub and music venue located in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego.
Website ↗Map ↗
Urban MO's Bar & Grill
★ 4.6 · 2.6k
Bar & Grill· $20–30
Upbeat gay-friendly spot with a happening dance floor, festive theme nights & an outdoor patio.
Mon–Thu
10 AM – 11 PM
Fri
10 AM – 1 AM
Sat
9 AM – 1 AM
Sun
9 AM – 11 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Number One Fifth Avenue
★ 4.4 · 608
Bar· $10–20
Gay-friendly locals' hangout boasts an easygoing vibe & a back patio with pool tables.
Website ↗Map ↗
Common Stock
★ 4.6 · 405
Cocktail Bar· $30–40
A globally-inspired scratch American kitchen and neighborhood cocktail bar featuring California cuisine.
Mon–Tue
4:30 PM – 9 PM
Wed–Fri
4:30 PM – 10 PM
Sat
10 AM – 10 PM
Sun
10 AM – 9 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
Crest Cafe
★ 4.4 · 1.6k
Coffee Shop· $$
A neon exterior sets the cheery vibe at this late-night diner turning out American comfort classics.
Every day
7 AM – 10 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Heartwork Coffee
★ 4.7 · 355
Coffee Shop· $1–10
Cozy, down-to-earth coffeehouse serving locally roasted coffee & baked goods.
Website ↗Map ↗
Farmer's Bottega
★ 4.6 · 1.7k
American· $20–30
Country-chic bar & eatery preparing a new American farm-to-table menu for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Every day
8 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
insideOUT
★ 4.5 · 1.7k
Mediterranean· $20–70
A menu featuring California & Mediterranean-inspired dishes & drinks in a lively space with a pool.
Mon
Closed
Tue–Thu
4 PM – 10:30 PM
Fri
4 PM – 12 AM
Sat
10 AM – 12 AM
Sun
10 AM – 5 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
Ichiban
★ 4.5 · 846
Japanese· $10–20
Veteran Japanese eatery offering sushi & bento, plus daily happy-hour specials on rolls & beer.
Every day
11 AM – 9 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
The Huddle
★ 4.6 · 493
American· $10–20
Cozy, unpretentious neighborhood diner with an old-school vibe & menu of American comfort classics.
Website ↗Map ↗