San Diego neighborhoods

San Diego Areas & Neighborhoods

17 San Diego neighborhoods and nearby areas. Pick one on the map, or browse the list below.

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Balboa Park

Civic leaders set aside the land in 1868 as a city park, and the Tourism Authority calls it one of North America's most renowned urban parks. It covers 1,200 acres, has numerous gardens and museums, and is home to the San Diego Zoo.

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Bankers Hill

The Tourism Authority lists Bankers Hill among Uptown's neighborhoods, alongside Mission Hills and University Heights, and cites its 19th-century architectural heritage.

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Downtown San Diego

The San Diego Tourism Authority calls Downtown the heartbeat of the city, located only minutes from the airport. It is easily accessible by foot, bike, car or public transportation, with accommodations, dining, cultural attractions and nightlife, and includes the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, East Village and the Embarcadero.

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Embarcadero & Marina District

The San Diego Tourism Authority lists the Embarcadero and Marina District as part of Downtown, with the Star of India sailboat at the Maritime Museum along the Embarcadero. The museum calls the Star of India the world's oldest active sailing ship.

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Gaslamp Quarter

Alonzo Horton arrived in 1867 to build a new downtown on the site, and the district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The Gaslamp Quarter Association says the district has over 200 restaurants, bars, nightclubs, lounges, boutiques, art galleries and shops.

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La Jolla

The visitor bureau says La Jolla is surrounded on three sides by the sea and backed by the slopes of Mount Soledad. It names La Jolla Cove, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the La Jolla Playhouse among its highlights.

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Liberty Station

Liberty Station's official site describes 360 acres that house restaurants, retail shops, art galleries, hotels, schools and live entertainment.

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Little Italy

The Little Italy Association, which oversees the neighborhood's revitalization and beautification, lists six piazzas to explore, among them Piazza della Famiglia and Piazza Basilone. Its Little Italy Mercato runs on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

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Mission Bay

The City of San Diego describes Mission Bay Park as over 4,235 acres in roughly equal parts land and water, with 27 miles of shoreline and close to 14 miles of bike paths. The park offers boat docks, launching facilities, and sailboat and motor rentals.

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Mission Beach

The Tourism Authority says Mission Beach is home to bustling Belmont Park, with carnival games, food stands and the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster. It also has sand volleyball and beachside basketball courts.

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Mission Hills

The San Diego Tourism Authority describes Mission Hills as a place of grand residences and charming gardens, and lists it among the communities of Uptown San Diego.

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Mission Valley

The Tourism Authority describes Mission Valley as just minutes from San Diego International Airport, with the Zoo, SeaWorld and the Gaslamp District each about a ten-minute drive away. Snapdragon Stadium hosts soccer and football games, and Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first of 21 missions established in California, is nearby.

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North Park

The Tourism Authority groups North Park with City Heights, Normal Heights, Kensington and South Park in Midtown San Diego, and describes the area as craft beer, creative cuisine and more.

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Ocean Beach

The visitor bureau says Ocean Beach has the most laidback vibe of San Diego's central beach neighborhoods. Newport Avenue is known for its funky array of dive bars, restaurants and surf shops, and the area has a dog-friendly beach.

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Old Town

The visitor bureau calls Old Town the birthplace of modern California. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park preserves buildings and museums, and the bureau describes Whaley House Museum, built in 1856, as one of only two officially designated haunted houses in California.

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Pacific Beach

The Tourism Authority says Pacific Beach is popular with surfers, boogie boarders, swimmers and families. A beachside boardwalk connects it to Mission Beach, and it is home to the iconic Crystal Pier.

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Point Loma

The Tourism Authority places Point Loma west of Downtown on a peninsula, with stunning views of the San Diego skyline. Shelter Island and Harbor Island are its recreational and boating hubs.

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