The Hillcrest sign was first hung in 1940; a newer version was erected in 1984.
Barry Winiker/Getty
Hillcrest Gateway
San Diego
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
9.66 MILES
Built in the 1930s behind a wave-cutting seawall, La Jolla’s Children’s Pool was created as a family beach but has since been invaded by herds of seals…
9.64 MILES
This state-of-the-art aquarium is a wonderous underwater world home to 5000 fish. Visitors can watch sharks dart, kelp forests sway, and even meet a…
2.03 MILES
Next to the new Waterfront Park, this collection of 11 historic sailing ships, steam boats and submarines is easy to spot: just look for the 100ft-high…
2.61 MILES
This interactive children’s museum offers interactive art meant for kids. Installations are designed by artists, so tykes can learn principles of movement…
14.9 MILES
For a glimpse at what a wall between neighbors really looks like, find your way to binational Friendship Park. On the Mexico side of the wall in Playas de…
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
2.18 MILES
On the site of San Diego's first European settlement, Old Town consists of a cluster of restored or rebuilt historic 19th-century buildings filled with…
2.75 MILES
A couple blocks east of Petco Park, the city's recent landmark is a beauty. Crowned by a steel-and-mesh dome, the futuristic, nine-story library features…
9.45 MILES
Waves have carved a series of caves into the sandstone cliffs east of La Jolla Cove. The one below the Cave Store, a shop selling vintage curios, is 200…
Nearby San Diego attractions
0.06 MILES
Historic building with kitsch ornate plaster work of fruits at its top. It was recently transformed into 'The Hive,' housing a collection of different…
0.48 MILES
In the far northwestern corner of Balboa Park is the former home of George Marston, philanthropist and founder of the San Diego Historical Society. Built…
0.69 MILES
More than 150 vendors tout their wares at this friendly Sunday market, with an emphasis on fresh local produce, arts, crafts, flowers and gifts. Plus…
0.72 MILES
As you head northward toward Hillcrest consider a detour across the 375ft Spruce St Footbridge. Note that the 1912 suspension bridge, built over a deep…
0.81 MILES
A 60ft tall wooden-trestle pedestrian bridge built in the early 20th century. It runs across a steep valley.
1.16 MILES
This justifiably famous zoo is one of SoCal’s biggest attractions, showing more than 3000 animals representing more than 650 species in a beautifully…
1.17 MILES
Built in 1887, this grand property was the last home of inventor Henry Timken, one of the first people to add roller bearings to railroad cars. It is a…
1.23 MILES
Balboa Park includes a number of gardens, reflecting different horticultural styles and environments, including Alcazar Garden, a formal, Spanish-style…